Before you make any cosmetic repairs to the cement foundation of your home, you should have an inspector examine the damage to make sure that it is only cosmetic and does not, in fact, threaten the integrity of your home's foundation. This does not mean, however, that you must hire a professional to repair superficial flaws. You can restore the curb appeal of your home, and others' confidence in the safety of it, by patching that crumbling cement foundation in a single long weekend. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose protective clothing that completely covers your arms, legs and feet. Protect your eyes with safety goggles and your hands with heavy gloves. You may wish to wear a paper mask or respirator.
2. With a stiff-bristled wire brush, scrub away any small, crumbling bits of cement from around the edges of the areas that need patching. Once all of the damaged areas have been smoothed, spray the foundation with a garden hose to remove all of the dust and cement debris. Allow the cement to dry thoroughly.
3. Place the two cement blocks snugly up against the foundation underneath the first area that you will be patching. You may have to turn the blocks or even cut them to make them the correct size. Place a scrap board flat lengthwise on top of the two blocks, pushing it tightly up against the foundation. As you patch the crumbling foundation, some of the wet patch product may fall. This small scaffolding will protect your grass or other surface below and also allow you to scrape up what falls with your trowel and reapply it.
4. Empty the powdered cement patch product into a bucket and add the amount of water called for by the manufacturer of the product. Mix the cement patch thoroughly with a shovel until the consistency is similar to loose toothpaste.
5. Use the spray-bottle to lightly dampen the first area that you will be patching. Scoop up some of the patch product with the metal trowel and begin filling the corroded area. Keep applying cement patch until this area is even with the undamaged cement around it. Use the flat side of the trowel to smooth the surface of the patch.
6. Allow the cement to cure for two hours, then rub the soft surface with a second piece of scrap lumber. This gives the patches a similar texture to the older cement around them. Remove the spare cement blocks and board.
7. Cover each patch carefully and completely with a piece of heavy plastic wrap. Cure the cement for three days, then remove the plastic wrap.
Tags: cement foundation, cement patch, patch product, your home, against foundation
Settling home foundations are common in areas with sandy or loamy soil, frequent seismic activity or disintegrating soil layers. Settling foundations can cause a myriad of problems, including cracking walls, leaky foundations and sagging floors. Fixing a settling foundation is not that difficult a task, but it does require some hard physical labor. Many homeowners can fix their settling foundation with a few specialty tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Locate the low end of the settling foundation by laying the level along each of the sill plates of the home. Determine which corner or side is lowest, as this is where you will install the first pier. You will be installing piers along each side of the home to stop the home from settling. However, you will want to level up the foundation first.
2. Dig around the perimeter of the home using the shovels and pick. Dig a trench right next to the home, exposing the foundation walls and allowing enough room in the trench to slide the screw-in piers. Use the provided pier handle to screw a pier into the ground next to the home at each corner and in the center of each wall.
3. Drill a hole with the auger under the corner of the house that you determined to be lowest and insert the tube of the foundation jack. Start the jack to begin filling the space under the house and lifting the foundation. This method is not guaranteed to work and may not provide more than a few inches of lift, but it can work.
4. Use the ratchet wrench to install the mounting bracket included with the piers to attach each pier to the base of the house after the foundation jack has lifted the house as much as possible. Install the jacks on each side of the home securely.
5. Fill the trench surrounding the home back in with dirt and tamp it down securely. The foundation should now be closer to level and the piers will keep the home from sinking farther.
Tags: settling foundation, along each, each side, each side home, foundation jack, home from, next home
Knowing repair common turntable problems can save you money.
If you own an audio turntable, you want to keep that venerable record player in good shape to play those classic records in your collection. Knowing repair basic components and correct common problems can save any turntable enthusiast a lot of money and help you get the most out of your turntable and record collection. Most basic turntable repairs require very few special tools. Do not work on a turntable yourself if you do not have a manual or are unaware of which parts are which to prevent permanently damaging your turntable.
Instructions
1. Replace the belt inside your turntable if your record player has stopped playing or is playing at an incorrect speed. Often, belts get stretched out over time or simply snap, resulting in improper playback speed or not allowing the platter to turn at all. To replace the belt, remove the platter and note where the belt is currently connected. In most cases, the belt is wrapped around the inside of the platter and connects to the motor that rotates the turntable. Put the belt on the same way you removed it and re-seat the platter.
2. Clean the stylus with plain isopropyl alcohol if your records sound muffled or unclear, but they are not damaged themselves. To clean the stylus, pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto a cotton ball and dab it on the need. Avoid rubbing the stylus, as the cotton may get stuck in place. Allow the stylus to dry naturally for about an hour before testing the player. This also helps to keep your needle in good shape for longer.
3. Clean the screws in the idler wheel if your turntable is changing speeds or not playing certain speeds. Often, this speed and rotation problem is due to a buildup of oil and gunk inside the idler wheel and attached to the screws holding it in place. Consult your manual if you don't know what the idler wheel looks like. It is the only round piece on the inside of most turntables. To clean the idler wheel, remove the platter and start by cleaning any oil off of the outside of the idler wheel with a clean cloth. Remove the screws, carefully noting where they came from and clean them in a solution made for cleaning bolts, nuts and screws, which you can find at most hardware stores. Return the screws to their original place and replace the platter before testing the turntable.
4. Repair squeaking sounds and odd noises on your turntable via proper lubrication with 10W-30 motor oil or the oil recommended by the manufacturer. To lubricate your turntable, remove the platter and lightly oil any bearings you can see, using a clean applicator. Allow the turntable to rest overnight before playing a record.
Tags: your turntable, idler wheel, remove platter, before testing, good shape, isopropyl alcohol
Computer repair is an outstanding service. Get your business the attention it deserves.
If you're looking to take your computer repair business to the next level, it may be time to start advertising. Fortunately, computer repair services appeal to a wide range of people. As society becomes more dependent on the use of computers, the demand for computer repair services will continue to grow. Whether you specialize in repairing home computers or prefer working with business equipment, your computer repair business can greatly benefit from the right advertising. No matter what your budget, you can find effective ways to advertise your computer business.
Instructions
1. Distribute fliers. Find local businesses that will allow you to leave a stack of them or hang one inside. Focus on businesses that your target customers will frequent, such as coffee shops, popular lunch spots for professionals, and electronics or video game shops. Leave fliers at community centers, supermarkets and other places that attract large crowds to pick up some other incidental customers.
2. Consider also distributing fliers on a more personal basis. Leave fliers on car windshields or near mailboxes within your business's target area, but be aware that this method of advertising is often considered annoying and may result in few sales. Use your best judgment to determine whether this method would be effective in your area; it's more likely to work in small areas where fewer businesses compete.
3. Get word-of-mouth advertising to raise your business's profile. Provide customers with top service at a reasonable price, and they'll happily recommend you. Honor your word and try to do little things that make your business special, such as performing house calls. Work toward making yourself indispensable to your current customers as a way to draw in new ones.
4. Try out typical advertising venues to draw more customers. Add listings to the Yellow Pages and advertise in newspapers. Consider recording advertisements for radio or television if your budget can support it. Set up a website; people searching online for computer repair in your area are likely to find you, especially if yours is the only computer repair business nearby.
5. Appeal to small businesses with a makeshift "press kit." Search for businesses with 20 employees or fewer, as these are less likely to have in-house IT professionals or computer technicians. Mail them a package notifying them that you'd like to serve their repair needs and invite them to contact you. Include some business cards along with small promotional gifts that will make them think of your business, such as mouse pads or stress balls shaped like computers or hammers. Consider speaking to the manager or owner in person if these businesses have storefronts; making a personal connection will improve your chances of gaining customers.
Tags: your business, computer repair, repair business, your computer, businesses that
When you're selling a home, you think about the amount of equity in the property and profit margin from the sale. The profit may dwindle with the costs associated with the sale of a home. Since most people use the proceeds of the sale of a home to purchase another residence, it's vital to calculate the cost of selling a home.
Instructions
1. Expect to pay 4 to 6 percent commission to the listing real estate agent. Discuss the commission with the agent and try to negotiate the fee by adjusting the services from the agent. Understand that some agents will accept a lower fee in a slow market.
2. Consider transfer taxes and property taxes, as well as legal fees, that are associated with the closing. Calculate 2 to 4 percent of the final sale price. Check the state laws regarding prepaid taxes and home insurance escrow, which may result in a refund.
3. Contact the holder of the current mortgage and ask about pre-payment penalties for paying off the mortgage early (following the sale of the home). Ask the lender for a payoff statement to verify the figures. Include any service fees as a tax deduction.
4. Plan to pay for a home inspection, which is generally required by a buyer's lender. Arrange for the home inspection prior to listing the property to resolve potential problems identified.
5. Calculate the cost of pre-listing repairs to the home. Get at least three estimates for necessary work. Maintain an itemized list of expenses for tax purposes.
6. Make a list of all cosmetic improvements completed before the property is listed. Include the costs for new paint, hardware, carpet and flooring and landscaping. Consider the decreasing labor costs in the way of "sweat equity" to minimize cash outlay.
7. Look at relocation expenses as part of the cost of selling the home. Think about moving fees, storage costs, the purchase of new appliances, cosmetic updates to the new address, transfer fees and deposits for services and utilities.
Tags: sale home, associated with, cost selling, cost selling home, home inspection
A grant is money that the government or a non-profit organization gives that does not need to be repaid. Home improvement grants are given to help provide safe and secure living conditions for those who can't afford to make those critical repairs.
To be eligible to receive these low income home improvement grants, applicants' incomes may not exceed 50 percent of their local area's median family income. Those who are 62 years of age or older, those who are receiving disability payments, and households with young children often qualify for these grant programs. There may also be other eligibility requirements that will vary with each application. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
If you are a very low income family living in a home that is in need of critical repairs, your local city government, state housing authority, non-profit organizations and some U.S. federal government agencies have grants that can help you if you can't qualify for a traditional home improvement loan due to an unsatisfactory credit rating.
Home improvement grants can cover projects such as bringing your home up to safety and security standards in areas such as the roof, siding, plumbing, insulation, secure windows and doors, and electrical and plumbing systems.
Program Examples
The King County Housing Authority in Washington state has a Housing Repair and Weatherization Department whose mission is to help ensure that low income residents with children, senior citizens and people with disabilities can get their needed home repairs completed for free. The housing authority works with the resident to find out what repairs need to be made; they get bids from contractors, supervise the contracts and monitor compliance.
The City Commission in Tallahassee, Florida has several Low Income Home Energy Programs that help low income residents make needed repairs to their homes. These grants cover emergency home repairs, code enforcement repairs, weatherization, home energy audits and energy retrofit grants to address critical energy saving concerns.
The Maine State Housing Authority offers a Home Improvement & Repair Assistance program, energy assistance programs, weatherization, appliance replacement, home repair, lead hazard control, and pre-1976 Mobile Home Replacement program for low income residents.
Finding Grants
The Housing and Urban Development website has resources to help you locate home improvement grants, but they do not offer grants directly. The HUD website will direct you to the Grants.gov website, which is your best resource when you are searching for information about any U.S. government grant program. Visit their blog and sign up for their newsletter so that you can receive current information about new grant opportunities.
To find local grant opportunities, The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance website has a listing of all of the programs that the U.S. federal government provides to the states and the District of Columbia, other organizations and individuals. You can search this site for specific programs or agencies.
Application Process
Begin with a search at Grants.gov. When you have found a grant opportunity that looks promising, note the Funding Opportunity Number and then register to set up your username and password. Then you can begin to apply for grants.
Gather the information that the guidelines are requesting (often past tax returns, pay stubs or records of expenses) and keep that together in one place so that the process will be smooth and efficient. You will most likely also need cost estimates for the repairs that you are applying for funding to repair. The HUD website offers a free, downloadable booklet, The Desktop User Guide for Submitting Electronic Grant Applications, that will guide you through every step of the Grants.gov electronic grant application process.
Get Assistance
You can find locate your local HUD office by using the database on their website. They may be able to provide assistance and they often host free workshops. You might also make contact with your city or state housing authority to get help with your search for a low income home repair grant, or to get help with the application process.
Tags: home improvement, income residents, application process, critical repairs, federal government, grant opportunities, grants cover
Repair damage to a basement wall as quickly as possible, since the rest of your home sits on top of the basement and certain kinds of damage can put your whole home at risk. The method you choose for the repair should take into account how serious the problem is, whether the damage is likely to get worse if not fixed immediately, what caused the damage and the type of wall you are dealing with. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine if the damage is structural or cosmetic. Structural damage to the basement walls can lead to problems with the rest of your home; but cosmetic problems, though a nuisance, are not an emergency. Some of the more common types of structural damage include bowed walls, large cracks and water leaks. Chips, small cracks and similar problems tend to be cosmetic.
2. Decide if the repairs your basement wall needs require steel beams or carbon fibers. Both will stabilize a shaky or bowed wall, but not all repair companies use carbon fibers. In some cases the soil outside is causing the problem and will need to be excavated and the hole refilled. If your wall is being pushed inward, you will need to choose a repair method that supports the walls on the inside as well as addressing the problem on the outside of your home. In extreme cases you may need to remove the damaged wall and replace it if it cannot be stabilized any other way.
3. Evaluate cracks to determine if they are due to movement of the foundation or expansion and contraction of the wall. Cracks due to expansion and contraction require patching but don't need more extensive repairs. Foundation movement cracks indicate that you need to stabilize the entire foundation, usually through the use of steel pins and piers.
4. Locate the source of any water leaks. Sometimes the leak is caused by water pooling or flowing against the basement walls, in which case you must redirect the water before you can carry out any repairs. Large leaks almost always require repair from the outside of the basement wall as well as the inside. You can often repair small leaks from the inside only. In bad weather, choose a method that allows you to stop the flow of water into the basement immediately, such as quick-drying adhesive cement that will seal the leak even if water is seeping through at the time.
Iowa DNR grants facilitate snowmobile trails, as well as other recreational activities.
As of May 2010, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers a host of programs and grants designed to fund wildlife habitats and an array of recreation development as well as the associated land acquisitions. Eligibility and funding for Iowa DNR grants differ for each project.
Snowmobile Trail Grant Program
Counties, cities or incorporated private entities may apply for a grant to develop snowmobile trails. Iowa DNR uses state vehicle registration fees to fund these grants. If awarded, grant funds can be used for storage expenses, costs associated with operating and maintaining trail grooming equipment, such as gas and repairs, and a host of trail development expenses including materials for fencing, gates and bridges.
Fish Habitat Program
Iowa county conservation boards endeavoring to develop fish habitats are eligible to apply for the state's DNR Fish Habitat Program. Grant funds may be used to fund up to 90 percent of costs associated with a long list of activities including but not limited to: physically placing fish habitats in ponds, lakes, pits and streams; aeration systems; pond or lake dredging; construction of sediment retaining basins; lake dam and outlet repair; dam removal; and construction of fish ladders and barriers. Grantees may also use grant funds for land acquisitions that facilitate pond and lake construction, watershed protection and fishing areas.
Applications for the annual Fish Habitat Program are due in November. In May 2010, the state's website indicated that $70,000 was available for the current grant cycle.
River Program Grants
In an effort to promote safe and enjoyable paddling for canoeists and kayakers, the Iowa DNR administers grants for funding warning signage for dams and portage trails, as well as the development of new trails. Grantees may also use the funding for brochures that highlight the associated area's cultural, historic and natural amenities.
The Low-Head Dam Hazard program may fund 50 to 80 percent of some waterway safety projects. Any Iowa dam owner may apply. Warning signage programs are designated as small (requests up to $20,000), medium ($20,001 to $50,000) and large (over $50,000). Grantees may use the grant funds for warning signage as well as projects that remove hazardous structures and dams, particularly those that might impede portage trails.
In addition, the Iowa Water Trails Grant Program provides an annual total of $50,000 to facilitate a water trail program. Eligible applicants include cities, counties and schools.
Tags: Fish Habitat, Fish Habitat Program, Habitat Program, associated with, costs associated
The Knockout Rose is a popular landscape shrub that provides continuous bloom and color throughout the growing season, from spring to frost. The shrub is a hardy, easy-to-care for rose bush and much less prone to black spot disease than other roses, according to the Louisiana State University AgCenter. There are several varieties of Knockout Roses. They all can be pruned or left unpruned. Does this Spark an idea?
Prune For More Flowers
Knockout roses grow to about 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall if left unpruned, according to marketing information about the shrub. But they can grow to as high as 8 feet tall, particularly in climates with long growing seasons, reports the LSU AgCenter. Pruning keeps the rose bush a more compact size and helps it to flower more.
Prune Knockout Roses once yearly in the spring. Use hedge clippers or loppers to prune the rose bush to one-third or one-half of its current height to promote healthy growth and plenty of flowers, recommends the Conrad-Pyle Co., the developer of Knockout Roses. It's OK that the rose bush is only 12 inches to 18 inches high after pruning, according to the company, which introduced the rose bush in 2000. Knockout Roses also are self-cleaning and do not have to be dead-headed.
Lopping off the rose bush to about 2 feet tall is another recommended way to prune the shrub. The rose bush should respond with vigorous growth and flowering and by fall might likely reach 5 feet tall.
But you don't have to prune Knockout Roses at all, if you don't want to, and they still will bloom, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. They'll just be larger in the landscape and flowering might be less profuse.
Typically a Knockout Rose bush will produce an abundance of flowers in the spring. After that, the rose bush might have scattered blooms for the next five to six weeks. Then the shrub will likely produce another wave of abundant flowers. This cycle continues until frost.
There are seven varieties of the rose that include the Double Knockout Rose. The roses come in colors of red, pink, coral and yellow. They all reach the same size and have other same characteristics as the original Knockout Rose. All varieties are pruned the same way, or they can be left unpruned. Knockout roses are winter hardy in the United States to Zone 5 and heat tolerant throughout the country.
Tags: rose bush, feet tall, Knockout Rose, Knockout Roses, left unpruned, about feet
Take careful and precise measurements to properly calculate how much drywall you'll need for a room.
Whether you're installing the drywall yourself or hiring someone else to do it, it's important to correctly calculate the amount of drywall you'll need for the job. If you don't buy enough drywall, it can lead to project delays, while ordering too much will require you to return the extra sheets of drywall. Calculating the number of sheets of drywall needed is a simple task, as long as you take your time measuring and double-check your final tally. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the length of one wall of the room by placing the tip of the tape measure at one corner of the wall along the floor. While someone else holds the tip in place, pull the tape measure along the wall until you reach the other end of the wall. Be sure the tape is flat against the floor so you get an accurate measurement. Record the measurement, in inches, on your pad of paper.
2. Measure the height of the wall by placing the tip of the tape measure at the bottom corner of the wall. Hold the case of the tape measure in your hand and push the tape toward the ceiling until it is up against where the wall and ceiling meet. Record the measurement.
3. Multiply the two measurements and then divide by 12. This will give you the total square footage of the wall.
4. Work your way around the room, measuring the walls and calculating the square footage of each wall.
5. Add the square footage from each wall and then add 10 percent to the total. The 10 percent will help account for waste, such as drywall scraps and broken drywall during the project. This is the total square footage of drywall that you'll need.
6. Calculate the number of sheets of drywall you'll need to order. Drywall comes in 4-by-8 sheets, 4-by-10 sheets and 4-by-12 sheets. If you plan to buy 4-by-8 sheets, divide the total square footage of drywall you'll need by 32. If you plan to use 4-by-10 sheets, divide your total square footage by 40. If using 4-by-12 sheets, divide by 48. Round the total up to the nearest whole number.
Tags: square footage, drywall need, tape measure, total square, total square footage, sheets divide, 4-by-10 sheets
Common household items can get your DVDs looking and playing like new.
If you are tired of irritating skips in the picture and sound of your favorite movie, or can't get your computer to load important data from your data DVDs, it may be time to clean those discs. Over time, the surfaces of your DVDs may become corrupted by scratches and dirty residue that interfere with the DVD player or computer lasers that are used to read disc information. But before you throw away your movie collection, you can follow a few easy steps to restore your discs to new condition.
Instructions
Home Remedies
1. Hold the DVD upside down so you can examine the reflective surface. Examine the disc for smudges or scratches. Determine whether the disc needs to be repaired or simply cleaned.
2. Run warm water over the scratched surface of the DVD. Avoid letting the water become too hot. Wipe the water away using a soft piece of cloth, using radial, not circular, motions to dry the water from the center hole to the outside of the disc.
3. Apply a small dab of toothpaste to the damaged area and gently rub the paste to fill the scratch in using a cotton swab and radial, not circular motions. Rinse the toothpaste with warm tap water and wipe clean from inside rim to outside rim.
4. Use regular dishwashing soap to clean DVDs that have become very dirty or sticky from dust or other residue. Apply by adding soap to approximately 1 quart of water, diluting the soap, and rubbing a bit of the solution onto the disc from inside to outside until it's clean. Use only a very small drop of the soap, as many soaps are likely to leave a film on the disc that is difficult to remove.
Commercial Cleaners
5. Purchase a CD/DVD repair kit, such as the Aleratec DVD/CD Disc Repair Plus, the Memorex OptiFix Pro or Digital Innovations Skip DR, at your local electronics store. These kits contain sets of wheels and buffers that remove scratches and restore your DVDs to working condition.
6. Open the repair kit and apply a few drops of the included CD/DVD cleaning solution onto the machine's repair wheel, making sure to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for use.
7. Insert the damaged disc into the machine, close the lid and press the power button. Wait for the machine to indicate it has finished cleaning the disc before removing it.
Tags: your DVDs, circular motions, from inside, from inside outside, inside outside, radial circular
Grants cover the installation of extra lighting in senior citizens' homes.
Grants are available for senior citizens to pay for home repairs and renovations they cannot afford. Financial assistance is also available to renovate and improve public residential units occupied by elderly tenants. Approved projects under these federal grant programs make homes safer to live in, more accessible to disabilities and save homeowners money on utilities. However, some programs recoup funds if recipients don't fulfill terms of agreements while others require applicants to secure money from outside sources for project costs.
The Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) sponsors a grant program for senior homeowners to repair their homes after the removal of health and safety hazards. The Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program provides grants up to $7,500 to seniors 62 years of age and older who cannot afford loans. Although grants are generally not required to be repaid, this grant program recoups funds if recipients sell their homes within 36 months of getting the financial awards.
Weatherization Grants
Seniors needing financial assistance to weatherize their homes to make them energy efficient can apply to the Weatherization program sponsored by the Department of Energy. Eligible projects include replacing windows and heating, cooling and electrical systems, adding weather stripping to doors and insulating walls and ceilings. Weatherization services are provided at no charge to homeowners.
Waste and Water Grants
The USDA also funds grants to fix up old colonial-style homes in the Southwest U.S. by replacing or installing water systems. Grants are used to install plumbing pipes, bathtubs and showers, bathroom and kitchen sinks, commodes, outdoor spigots, water boilers and, if necessary, entire bathrooms. Funds also cover water hookup fees. Water and waste grants are available to low-income homeowners living in Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico.
Supportive Housing for Persons With Disabilities
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors the Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program. The purpose of the grant program is to expand the number of supportive housing for low-income senior citizens who are disabled. Grants cover the acquisition of structures or the construction or renovation of supportive housing units.
Tags: grant program, their homes, cannot afford, funds recipients, Grants cover, Housing Persons, Housing Repair
When it comes to renting a home or an apartment those that have bad rental histories are at a severe disadvantage. Whether it be late rent, eviction, property destruction, etc. it is something that can follow you from home to home. Luckily, you can minimize the difficulty of a bad rental history by making allowances for your mistakes and being open to your prospective landlord.
Instructions
Renting with a Bad Rental History
1. Talk to your previous landlord. Most landlords will want to know you who your last landlord was and most likely will contact him to discuss your history as a tenant. If you are on good terms with your ex-landlord ask him be truthful, but to also talk about your good tenant qualities such as cleanliness, easily contactable, etc.
2. Tell the truth upfront. The one thing you don't want to do is to be caught in a lit. They will never rent to you if they don't think they can trust you. Tell them the truth about your history and then explain why and how now will be different. If they know you were unemployed, had family issues or other reasons for the money not being there, they will likely be more willing to rent to you especially if you can convince them it won't happen again.
3. Load up with references. If your rental history is your only issue, then load up with good character references to show that you are a good and responsible person that just had a few issues at the last rental unit. If you have four or five really good references from the community, then they may feel like they can trust you with a rental contract.
4. Throw money at it. If your bad rental history will be a factor in renting a apartment or home, then offer to pay an additional security deposit or to pay a few months rent in advance in case you get behind then you have a few months in reserve to fall back on. This shows you are serious about putting your past behind you and focusing on making a good future.
5. Offer to have rent directly deposited into an account. If you have trouble paying rent on time, see if your work will allow you to deposit your rent amount directly into you landlord's bank account. You can also see if you bank has automatic bill pay so that as soon as the money is deposited in your account it will be sent to your landlord.
Tags: about your, they trust, your history, your rental, your rental history
The Bible encourages Christians to engage in charitable works.
The Bible charges Christians with spreading the good news among their neighbors. It also encourages believers to be modest and generous and to help the poor and the least desirable among us. Churches and Christian organizations around the world embrace these responsibilities by engaging in community outreach efforts. The best outreach efforts add value to the community, help program participants and model the work and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Parents' Nights Out
At the cornerstone of a healthy Christian marriage lies parents who love and honor one another. Children learn form their own healthy relationships by watching how their parents interact. Church groups that would like to support parents and the family can organize a parents' night out event and then offer free or low-cost babysitting for parents who participate. Possible events could include dinner and entertainment at a banquet hall, a sunset hike and picnic or a church concert.
Christmas Festival
Many churches offer Christian festivals or other holiday events. Christmas is a great time for Christians to demonstrate their commitment to service and to share their beliefs with the community. Christmas festivals can include Christian music, children's games and activities and tasty treats. Large churches might consider hosting such an event for free and inviting the entire community. Operating a shuttle service for senior citizens and others with transportation challenges can expand the event's reach.
Prison Ministry
Jesus addresses prisoners in several places in the Bible. His message is often one of hope, forgiveness and redemption. Christian outreach groups that are serious about helping the least among them should consider partnering with a local prison or jail. A prison ministry program could have many aspects, including released prisoner transition services, Bible study groups, substance abuse counseling through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, pen pal writing efforts and scheduled visitations. Churches could also organize a mentoring program to support people on parole and probation.
Elderly Services
The community's oldest residents are often among the most vulnerable. Christian organizations can establish volunteer programs to reach out to these people. Many churches help sick or disabled elderly by delivering nutritious meals to their home. A simple visit from a friendly face can bring comfort to a homebound elder. Churches can also host events for senior citizens on their premises, including such favorites as bingo night and fish fries.
Children Helping Others
Even young Christians can find ways to help others and demonstrate charity. In particular, children enjoy helping other children. They can support children around the world by becoming pen pals with disadvantaged youth in other countries and holding fundraisers for them. At home, they can support family shelters by baking treats and assembling goody bags. Many elderly also love visits from children. Christian youth groups can make cards for nursing home residents and then sing songs when they deliver them.
Tags: around world, Christian organizations, groups that, Many churches, outreach efforts
When it comes to denture repair, not just any glue will do.
Dentures are designed to withstand daily wear, but bad things happen and your partial may crack, break or even lose teeth. If you are on vacation or Christmas break, it is unlikely you will get into the dentist the same or next day. Don't panic. It is possible to do your own at-home repair and smile through your holiday photos.
Over-the-Counter Repair
There are several over-the-counter denture repair kits available (see references). Most repair kits contain a denture-approved adhesive, replacement teeth and a filing device. For breaks along the plate itself, use the adhesive to create a temporary bond. Use the filing implement to remove any rough edges that may poke your mouth.
Super Glue
Do not fix your dentures with Super or Crazy Glue. It may be tempting to grab whatever is handy to fix your partial plate, but you could be doing more harm than good. Industrial glues contain chemicals that are hazardous if ingested. Long term exposure could cause an allergic reaction and deteriorate your teeth and gums. In addition, the adhesive in superglue is flexible and may cause the crack to act more like a hinge than a solid piece, making the denture uncomfortable.
Make a Dentist Appointment
Ultimately, your original dentist will have to make any permanent repairs. Since most breakages are due to improper fitting, the dentist may want to remold the plate to prevent a future breakage.
In Las Vegas, the eviction process is governed by Chapter 40 of Nevada's Revised Statutes.
Chapter 118A of Nevada's Revised Statutes governs landlord-tenant law throughout the state and in the city of Las Vegas. Chapter 40 explains tenant's rights with respect to the eviction process. Pursuant to Nevada's Revised Statutes, landlords must follow specific procedures when attempting to evict a tenant. Nothing in a lease agreement can negate these requirements.
Tenant's Rights
Pursuant to Section 118A.290 of Nevada's Revised Statutes, tenants have the right to habitable conditions. This means that landlords must keep rental premises in decent repair and in compliance with local building codes. Section 118A.300 states that tenants are entitled to written notice of a rent increase; the written notice must be delivered 45 days before the increase begins. Section 118A.510 explains that a landlord cannot retaliate against a tenant by evicting him if a tenant complains about a housing code violation. Section 118A.390 states that a tenant may receive damages if a landlord refuses entry to an apartment in bad faith.
Reasons for Eviction
According to Section 40.253, tenants can be evicted for non-payment of rent. Section 40.2516 gives landlords the right to notify tenants of potential eviction proceedings if a tenant is in violation of any terms in the lease agreement. Violations of a rental agreement including subletting and causing a nuisance are considered "unlawful detainer." Unlawful detainer means a tenant is unlawfully possessing a rental unit when in violation of lease terms.
Eviction Procedure
Pursuant to Section 40.2516, a landlord must give a tenant five-day notice for a violation of lease terms. Section 40.2512 states that a landlord is required to give a tenant five-day notice if a tenant has neglected to pay rent. Tenants can cure the problem within five days by paying rent or by complying with lease terms. Tenants with "at-will" tenancies are entitled to a five-day notice; tenants with week-to-week tenancies are entitled to a seven-day notice.
Other Considerations
In Nevada, landlords are required to give tenants notice before beginning eviction proceedings. Pursuant to Section 40.253(5), a landlord may begin eviction proceedings when a tenant is in noncompliance with a notice. To begin the eviction process, a landlord must file a complaint for eviction in a court of the township in which the rental premises are located. When a court grants an order of eviction, a sheriff may physically remove a tenant from a rental unit.
Some subwoofers have many connections which may come loose
After saving up your money to buy a home theater stereo system, the last thing you want is for part of it to stop working. Subwoofers are the part of the system which amplify deep bass notes in the movie soundtrack. Should yours stop working, there are a few simple steps you can take to either fix your subwoofer or help identify a problem for repair. Checking your home stereo should only take a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Check the subwoofer audio connections. In some cases, many cables may be connected to the back of the subwoofer, and it only takes one to come loose to affect performance. Play a DVD and slowly unplug and reinsert each cable to see if sound is restored.
2. Check the power supply. Powered subwoofers will have their own plug; check to ensure it is inserted properly. Try swapping the subwoofer plug with another to eliminate the possibility of the plug being defective. Make sure the cable is properly inserted into the back of the subwoofer. If the plug is fitted with a fuse, try changing it.
3. Place the subwoofer away from other objects. If it rattles when in use it may be vibrating off other appliances. Try and isolate the subwoofer as much as you can or consider placing foam padding around the box. Subwoofers can often cause annoying vibrations if placed directly on wooden floors. Consider moving the subwoofer to a case or placing foam padding underneath.
4. Move the subwoofer as far as possible from the TV screen if you experience an electronic hum or tone. This can be caused by electrical interference from other appliances, particularly the television itself.
5. Give up and call a professional if problems persist. It may be that the subwoofer itself is faulty and cannot be easily fixed. Look in your phone book for electronics repair shops. Alternatively, search the Internet for repair locations. If your system is under warranty, you should contact the manufacturer to seek a repair. If not, they may be able to provide you with contact details for an authorized repair shop or repair the subwoofer at a cost.
Tags: back subwoofer, come loose, foam padding, from other, other appliances, placing foam
Rebuilding a home costs more than just the sale price of the finished product.
Most homeowners insurance policies will pay to rebuild your home if it is totally destroyed, but only if you insure it for at least 80 percent of that cost. First, you'll need to know how much it would cost to rebuild your home. An insurance agent will figure this calculation for you using several factors and programs, but you can create an estimate on your own of a home's rebuilding cost.
Instructions
Rebuilding Costs
1. Research rebuilding costs instead of home sale costs. Many consumers are astounded when they buy a home for $175,000 and their insurance agent wants to insure it for $300,000 or more. Replacement cost is higher than the cost to buy another similar home on the market because to replace a home, contractors must remove debris from a claim (fire, storm) then rebuild a new home that matches the size and style of the home that was damaged.
2. Write down the details of your home. Record the overall size of your home (square feet), number of stories, quality and number of bathrooms and kitchens, and other features such as a deck or attached garage. The county auditor or similar authority may have specifics about your home, such as the square footage, listed online.
3. Contact contractors for estimates. Bear in mind that insurance rebuilding costs are based upon material and labor costs as well as debris removal. New construction in your neighborhood may be running $90 to $100 per square foot, but if you add debris removal costs from fire, water or wind damage, the cost will rise. Many contractors specialize in insurance work and can help with this calculation. Remember that when talking replacement cost, you are considering replacing the exact features of your home, so older homes with 9-foot ceilings, thick wood trim and large windows may cost more to replace.
4. Assess your location. Insurance companies pay vendors to develop speciality programs that tell them where rebuilding costs are in a given region at a given time, but you can get an idea on your own by evaluating the local economy. Professional cost models differentiate rebuilding costs by zip code. Consider the demand for construction labor and associated fees in your community. Average rebuild prices for a mid-century ranch in suburban Ohio may be $75 to $90 a square foot, while the cost to rebuild a condo in Manhattan may be $300 a square foot.
Tags: your home, square foot, cost rebuild, debris removal, home that, insurance agent, rebuild your
The Ematic e-book reader supports several different e-book formats, such as E-Pub, which means you can read Sony format e-books on your Ematic e-reader. You transfer files to the Ematic using the included data cable, so you can easily copy and paste the new books to your device as though you were transferring files to an external hard drive. Once the Ematic has the reader files on its hard drive, you can read them wherever you go.
Instructions
1. Power on the Ematic e-book reader.
2. Connect your reader to your computer, putting the smaller end of the USB connector into the reader, and the full-sized end into your computer.
3. Click "Start." Click "Computer." Wait for the Ematic to appear in the drive list and double-click it. It will show up as Ematic and be under the removable media section.
4. Double-click "Documents." The documents folder is the file location for all of your e-books. Drag and drop the Sony e-books in E-Pub format on the reader. Disconnect the Ematic once you've transferred all of your files.
Tags: e-book reader, Ematic e-book, Ematic e-book reader, hard drive, your computer
People put a lot of work into their homes and deserve to be rewarded for it when the time comes. One way for a person to reap the benefits of improving their homes is by finding out their home equity, which comes in handy when applying for a loan.
Instructions
1. Have your home appraised. The appraised value of your home will show you exactly what your home is worth at this particular moment. The appraisal amount is the usually the maximum amount a mortgage can be for on a given piece of property.
2. Get out your latest mortgage statement. Your mortgage statement will have how much you pay each month for your payment, how much of that money goes toward taxes and insurance and how much of that goes toward paying down the principal of your mortgage.
3. Locate the amount on your mortgage statement that says Total Loan Amount. This is the amount you have left to pay on the principal balance of your mortgage loan.
4. Subtract the total loan amount or the amount you have yet to pay on the principal balance of your mortgage loan from the appraised value of the home. This is the amount of equity you have in your home. The equity is the value of your home that you have completely paid for. Many people use the equity in their home to seek a home equity loan secured against the paid value of their current home.
5. Multiply the appraised value of the home by 10 percent and subtract the total loan amount from this figure to determine a second method of computing the value of a home equity. Many lenders will provide secured home equity loans up to 110 percent of the total value of a home.
Tags: your home, home equity, value home, appraised value, mortgage statement, your mortgage
DIY plumbing is simple, easy and affordable. There are no special skills or knowledge required and many of the materials used are quite forgiving and easy to fix if a mistake should occur. Most DIY plumbing projects take very little time and provide years of lasting comfort and confidence knowing the job was performed without the high overhead cost of more traditional methods. Does this Spark an idea?
Warning
Before beginning any DIY plumbing project, it is important to check with your local building and residential codes. Some residential codes require that a certified professional must do any gas line work. In addition to these codes, it is important to know that older homes often have lead pipes or have lead-based soldering, the adhering compound used on copper plumbing. Lead is a toxin that, if exposed to during a DIY plumbing project, can cause brain and nerve damage. For any assistance with lead-based plumbing or soldering, it is important to contact your local water company or the Environmental Protection Agency, which also provides information on obtaining funding for homeowners looking to replace any hazardous plumbing. Before beginning any DIY plumbing project, it is important to check with the homeowner. Renters may void their deposit contract if they attempts repairs on their own.
Considerations
When starting a DIY plumbing job, it can be a bit confusing. There are two types of basic plumbing supply lines in the house, gas and water. For each type of plumbing repair needed, there are different types of pipes and tools that will be required to do the job. For gas plumbing, be sure to use black iron pipe. Connect multiple pipes by threading the pipes and using threaded adapters and connectors to ensure a secure fit. When purchasing threaded adapters, it is wise to take the old threaded connectors to the store for an accurate comparison and match. For water, use copper piping or PVC plastic plumbing. Most DIY plumbing plans run into the tricky question of using PVC or CPVC. While PVC is suitable for cold water applications, CPVC is required for temperatures over 180 degrees F and applications where 100 lbs. of pressure per square inch will occur. PVC is a great material for beginning DIY plumbing projects because it is semi-flexible, inexpensive and forgiving. However, many people worry that the use of plastic and its containment of certain cancer causing agents is an unhealthy risk for safe plumbing construction. PEX tubing is relatively new to the plumbing market but is getting great reviews due to its flexible nature, making installation a breeze. However, PEX tubing is not approved for outdoor above ground applications
Size
Plumbing comes in measurements of ¼ inch to 4 inches depending on the type of plumbing needed. Most homes feature ½-inch copper or PVC plumbing. Gas lines use ¾ inch to 2-inch pipes and most drainage systems, such as toilets, use the 4-inch pipes. To determine the size of pipe needed measure across the end of the pipe to find its diameter. If in doubt, take a sample of the pipe to the store for a better match.
Features
There are many tools used in DIY plumbing. Cutting iron pipe requires a more intense tool, such as a reciprocal saw or a diamond headed blade saw. To cut copper or plastic piping use a hacksaw or pipe cutters. Make sure that the pipe is secure and the cut is straight and even across. Iron pipe comes in a variety of lengths and is available with or without threads. For copper and plastic plumbing, use fine sandpaper to prepare a clean bonding surface between the pipe and the fitting. For copper plumbing, apply flux with a small paintbrush or old toothbrush. Use a small blowtorch to heat the flux and pipe before applying an acid-free solder to secure the fittings to the pipe. For PVC and CPVC, the adhesive glue comes with an applicator brush. Compression fittings do not require a bonding agent. These fittings tighten securely onto the pipe creating a compression seal to prevent leaks. For threaded and compression joints, it is imperative to use the proper tool to tighten the adapters. After applying Teflon tape or plumber's putty use Channel-type pliers or pipe wrenches instead of an adjustable wrench that will create uneven pressure throughout the fitting and pipe.
Prevention/Solution
There are many common misconceptions to DIY plumbing. People think it is far too difficult a task to perform on their own. People are often unsure of where to start and therefore rely on the professional work of a hired contractor. While there is no fault in this method, this means to solving any plumbing issues can cost hundreds of dollars a year in repairs or maintenance. People often worry that a DIY plumbing project will last an entire day or even weekend, but with the use of the correct tools and materials, it should only take a few hours to remove any old plumbing and install new pipes. In addition to proper installation, it is important to perform regular maintenance and inspections on the plumbing. Clean up any old soldering and flux from the copper pipes, as these components can clog the inside of the pipe restricting water flow. Fasten plastic plumbing to a stable wall or ceiling mount to prevent movement that can lead to breakage. Use heat tape to keep pipes from freezing and bursting during the winter. Inspect the pipes to ensure there is no corrosion or warping involved. These are signs that another DIY plumbing project is coming soon.
Tags: plumbing project, beginning plumbing, copper plumbing, plastic plumbing, Before beginning, Before beginning plumbing
Real estate agents invest time, money and effort to earn their fees.
Working with a real estate agent to sell or buy property can free up your time. The agent is responsible for most aspects of the sale and basically all you have to do is show up at the closing and sign the papers. If you are the buyer you also have to secure financing, but agents can usually help you with this as well. Many agents have lenders that they work with and recommend. Agents typically work on a commission base, otherwise known as a contingency fee.
Contingency Explained
A contingency fee operates in the same manner regardless of the field. The worker and the person hiring the worker make an agreement for money in exchange for specific duties to be performed. Once the agreed-to tasks have been completed, the contingency fee is paid. The fee is a percentage of proceeds. For example, in the case of a personal injury lawsuit, the attorney takes the case on, does all preparation, handles all settlement conferences and trials. If he loses the suit, the attorney receives no pay for his work. If he wins the suit, he receives a percentage of the settlement. Therefore, the more money he can get for his client, the more money he gets paid.
Real Estate Contingency
The majority of real estate agents also work on contingency. The agent has specific tasks and once completed, the agent is paid. Both the selling agent and the buying agent of each listed property earn contigency fees. In some cases, one agent handles both aspects of the sale and collects a double contingency. The contingency fee is a percentage of the sale. A 10 percent fee can work in two ways. In the first method, the selling and buying agent each receive 10 percent of the sales price for a total of 20 percent. The other method is that 10 percent total will be divided among all involved agents. A selling and buying agent splitting the fee would each receive 5 percent. If one agent represents the purchaser and the seller, the agent receives the entire 10 percent.
How the Fee Is Earned
To earn the fee, selling agents agree to guide the owner in preparing the house for show. The agent then conducts open houses and marketing efforts. The seller's agent also receives all purchase offers and presents them to the seller with advice about whether to accept.
The buyer's agent typically ascertains what the buyer is looking for in property, complies a list of properties that fit the criteria and shows the properties to the buyer. In addition, the agent prepares all purchase offers and presents them to the selling agents to take to the property owners.
Both agents coordinate to get inspections completed and pre-sale repairs made. Both agents attend the closing, usually at the lender's office and witness the paper signing.
If No Sale Occurs
A 10 percent contingency fee deal means if the house does not sell, the agent receives no money, regardless of the amount of work she puts into marketing and attempting to sell it. The agent for the purchaser does not receive a fee if her client does not ultimately purchase property she showed or negotiated for them to buy.
Tags: buying agent, agent each, agent receives, aspects sale, Both agents, buying agent each, each receive
Some paints are too thick to apply evenly if you’re using a spray gun. Because a spray gun forces paint through a tiny tip in order to achieve an even pattern of spray, the paint must be thin enough to easily exit the spray gun. However, if the paint is too thin, it will result in poor coverage, and it may also run and streak. Knowing thin the paint correctly is imperative to a successful project. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Be safe. Some paints, especially oil-based paints, emit toxic fumes that may be inhaled when spraying. Wear a respirator and put on a pair of safety goggles for eye protection.
2. Read the paint label to determine the correct fluid with which to thin the paint. Latex paints are thinned with water but oil based paints require mineral spirits, a commercial paint thinner or another solution which will appear on the paint can’s instructions. Some paints are marketed as non-thinable, so look on the label before purchasing.
3. Strain the paint. Professional painters can confirm that even in paint cans that are treated with a high-powered shaker, small clumps of thickened material commonly occur. Any of these thicker clumps will clog a paint sprayer. Use a regular paint strainer, place it over a clean bucket and pour the paint through.
4. Fill the spray gun reservoir and run a small amount of paint through, using a test board to determine the thickness of the paint. If the paint comes out easily in a fine mist and covers the board without running, go ahead and begin painting your project. If the spray gun sputters or the pattern of spray is clumpy and inconsistent, thin the paint before testing again.
5. Add only a small amount of thinner at a time but add it to the entire bucket of paint. To keep from having to stop and thin small amounts, it’s easier to thin all of the paint at one time. For latex paint, add ¼-cup of water per 1-gallon of paint and stir until smooth.
6. Stir mineral spirits or other paint thinner into oil based paints at the rate recommended on the paint can or at the same ratio used for latex paint thinning.
7. Test the paint after each addition of thinner. When spray comes out smoothly it’s time to paint your project.
Tags: Some paints, thin paint, paint through, based paints, latex paint, mineral spirits
Every household should have a toolbox with basic tools. Even if you're not a do-it-yourself kind of person, you never know when you might need a tool to do a small project. Keeping a toolbox with a few basic tools can get you started for basic home repairs and maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Include a tape measure; a 16-foot length is one option. It's OK to get longer but avoid getting one that is shorter. Add a 16-ounce hammer or a 13-ounce alternative if you prefer something lighter. Every household toolbox needs a flat and a Phillips screwdriver, but you can also just add an all-in-one screwdriver. Most have changeable tips that include at minimum two sizes of flathead tips and two Phillips heads. Fancier all-in-ones have additional tips.
2. Place a 10-inch adjustable wrench in the toolbox so you can tighten a faucet or a nut as part of a home maintenance project. Include two saws as well -- a small handsaw for wood and a small hacksaw for metal. Add a small cordless drill for drilling holes and driving and unscrewing screws. Go for a decent quality brand.
3. Round out your household toolbox with a few things that will come in handy: electrical tape, duct tape, spray lubricant, a tube of construction adhesive, nails and screws. You can often find variety packs of various size nails and screws at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
Tags: toolbox with, basic tools, Every household, household toolbox, nails screws
Home inspections identify potential problems and hazards.
Voluntary real estate home inspections examine structural and cosmetic flaws in a property. Inspectors hired by either the buyer or seller typically examine the plumbing and electric systems, as well as the roof, foundation, sewer and water systems. Residential properties in California have specialized inspection demands due to the area's unique development, weather and seismic activity. Does this Spark an idea?
Termite Infestations
Termites damage wood foundations and structural timbers while subterranean termites invade foundations and drywall. California's warm climate provides a year-round breeding ground for termites. The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program recommends hiring a licensed professional inspector to conduct an examination of the home. Significant structural damage can occur if termites are not eradicated.
Foundation Damage
Examining the foundation is an important component of a home inspection. Most residential construction in California after the 1960s is built on concrete slabs. Inspectors are trained to check for minor cracks and fissures in concrete slabs manufactured with sand or stone chips to evaluate damage from earthquakes. While most foundation cracks are minor, a major movement of the slab or cracks in the thick concrete foundation can cause a house to shift on the foundation or create cracks in the walls of the home.
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
The State of California Department of Real Estate report "Disclosures in Real Property Transactions," suggests inspecting a home for radon gas, formaldehyde, asbestos, chemical storage, contaminated soil and water and lead-based paint. California leads the nation in mandating disclosures for these hazards. Allergies, and in rare cases, cancer, are linked to the presence of these dangerous substances in homes.
Sewage
Most urban California homes are connected to public sewer systems, but many people living in unincorporated areas annexed to larger cities before the 1960s still use septic tanks to treat sewage. Commercial title reports and tax records for these areas often fail to note the correct sewer systems. A home inspection verifies the method of sewage disposal. Connecting a home to the public sewer system is expensive. Failing to identify a home that uses a septic tank may leave the new buyer responsible if the system fails or the city mandates all residents to connect to a public sewer system.
Electric
Electric upgrades are required by mortgage companies to meet new safety standards when home ownership is transferred. But antiquated fuse systems and wiring problems may not be identified when a home sale is administered by a private party. Many houses built during California's residential housing boom in the 1960s and 70s used inexpensive aluminum wiring. An inspection can quickly identify this type of wiring that has been linked to home fires, according to certified residential code specialist John R. Schneider. Modifications to the plugs, or in some cases complete rewriting, is required to safeguard a home.
Tags: public sewer, concrete slabs, public sewer system, sewer system, sewer systems
Veteran grants can be used a number of different ways--from grants that are funded by the federal government for helping veterans with starting up their own small businesses to providing financial assistance to their children to attend school. Individuals who have served in the military qualify as veterans, and therefore possibly qualify to receive veteran grants to start their businesses. There are also veterans grants that are not only geared to helping veterans start business, but grants that are focused on helping veterans receive occupational training and higher education as well.
Job Training Grants
In 2008, the United States Department of Labor announced 103 different grants for veterans, totaling approximately $300 million (for 19,000 veterans) in order to help them receive job training for their futures. These veteran grants were formulated to help veterans succeed with their civilian careers. The United States Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) and the Veterans' Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) awarded these grants.
GI Bill
The GI Bill is a bill that aims to bring a higher amount of veterans to colleges and universities. The United States Department of Veterans observes veterans college attendance rates and also the outcomes and how they are affected by support programs. Veteran educational grants are generally awarded on competitive basis. The former Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, now known as the GI Bill offers tuition funding for veterans attending public colleges and universities in their home states.
Veterans Cash Grants
In the state of Illinois in February of 2006, veterans cash was the lottery's first foray into tickets with proceeds that go straight to supporting Illinois veterans. Veterans organizations and services for assisting Illinois veterans can apply for veterans cash grants. Some of these grants can cover health insurance costs, disability benefits, housing assistance and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment and research.
Housing Grants
There are also veterans housing grants available, in the form of specially adapted housing programs, specifically for vets with disabilities. Disabled vets can apply for grants to build their own homes, or to remodel or adapt their existing homes. These veterans grants aim to offer veterans with "barrier-free living environments" that encourage healthy and independent living.
Veterans' Children
Some states, such as Michigan, offer Children of Veterans Tuition Grants. These veterans grants aim to offer undergraduate tuition assistance to specific children (over the age of 16 and under the age of 26). These students must be the natural or adopted children of veterans from the state of Michigan. The total amount of scholarship assistance that students can receive through this veterans children grant is $11,200.
Tags: grants that, helping veterans, States Department, United States, United States Department
Audio amplifiers are typically used with lone musical instruments, such as electric guitars and keyboards. These single speakers produce the audio created by the connected equipment. However, if the amp is not producing the audio correctly you need to troubleshoot the hardware and connected equipment, otherwise you are going to continue to receive distorted sound.
Instructions
1. Check the quarter inch cable running from the electronic device to your audio amplifier. If the cable is not inserted completely into either device you are going to receiver either poor audio signals or none at all.
2. Look over the quarter-inch cable for any cuts or damage. If the cable is damaged you need to replace it. These cables are available at almost any store that carries electronic equipment.
3. Disconnect the quarter inch cable from the amp and spray compressed air into the connection port. If this port becomes dirty from dust the audio signal becomes distorted and produces static. The compressed air blows out any debris stuck in the connection. Wait a few minutes for the port to dry (sometimes compressed air release a liquid that needs to dry). Insert the quarter inch cable and the static should now be gone.
4. Turn down the audio to the amp. If you are receiving a steady static on high frequency notes it is because the amp is starting to become damaged from excessive noise. Turning down the amp helps reduce the pressure placed on the speaker.
Tags: inch cable, quarter inch, quarter inch cable, connected equipment
When insurers calculate the replacement cost of a dwelling for homeowners insurance they need to know certain characteristics about each type of home. Insurers calculate the replacement cost of a home using various estimators to determine the cost. Calculating a home's replacement cost was once done by hand but is now done by using computer programs.
Instructions
1. Determine what type of building materials were used in the home. Typically a home is either built of wood or masonry.
2. Determine a home's total square footage. The square footage is an important factor because it indicates the total size or area of the home. This does not include the garage or a breezeway.
3. Determine the number of baths there are in a home. A bath comes is various sizes or types. Typically a home has a combination of a half bath and a full bath.
4. Determine what type of basement there is in a home if there is one. A home can either have a slab, a crawlspace as well as a cellar and basement.
5. Determine if a home has a carport or a garage. If a home has a garage it is important to know if it is connected by a breezeway.
6. Determine if there is a deck attached to a home. If a deck is attached the square footage or area needs to be known.
7. Obtain a replacement cost estimator either online or from an insurer. Many web sites offer ways for people to calculate a home's replacement cost.
Road transport is a critical mode of conveying goods and people throughout California. The state has passed many statutes to regulate what types of vehicles are allowed to operate on public roads, and there are also regulations governing how vehicles must be maintained and driven. The California Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for regulating vehicle registration and use.
Vehicles Requiring Registration
Section 4000 of Article 1, Chapter 1 of the California Vehicle Code defines which vehicles must be registered in the state of California. All pole or pipe dollies, logging dollies, semi-trailers and trailers are included in this section, along with all other motor vehicles. Unregistered vehicles may not be moved or left standing on public roads or in public off-road parking facilities. This section does allow for unregistered vehicles to be towed on public roads if this is by the order of a sheriff or marshal, acting in accordance with a court order.
Inspection of Vehicles
Any member of the California Highway Patrol, a city police department, district attorney's investigator or member of the county sheriff's office, with the responsibility of investigating vehicle theft, has the authority to inspect any vehicle that must be registered for road use in California. The investigation can take place in a repair shop, public garage, parking lot or auto dismantler's lot, as well as on public roads. Officials are required to undertake inspections in such a way as to minimize disruption to any business operations affected by the inspection. Vehicle inspections are governed by Section 2805 of the California Vehicle Code.
Disclosure of Damages
Dealers involved in the sale of motor vehicles must give prospective purchasers written information regarding any material damage to the vehicle, even if it has been repaired, prior to the purchaser entering into a contract to purchase the vehicle. Material damage is defined as any damage to the drive train or frame of the vehicle, damage that occurred as a result of the vehicle being stolen, or damage to the suspension. Any damage, sustained in any way, that needed repairs exceeding 3 percent of the manufacturer's recommended retail price of the vehicle, or any repairs that totaled more than $500, must also be declared as material damage. Disclosure of damage is covered by Sections 9990 and 9991 of the California Vehicle Code.
Tags: California Vehicle, California Vehicle Code, public roads, Vehicle Code, vehicles must
Tiling, linoleum and carpeting is an easy RV upgrade.
Over time, RVs age, and it is important to keep the exterior and interior up-to-date and in good shape to keep the value of the unit as high as possible. Carpeting and cracked or torn tile or linoleum should be replaced. Sub-flooring can sag or rot away from water damage or many years of use, as well. Many projects are easy enough to fix on a Saturday afternoon with or with out extra hands. In the long run, fixing problems as soon as they appear will save you money.
Instructions
1. Rent a carpet cleaner at your local grocery store or hardware store if it is a stain is the problem. This may save you the cost of replacing the entire carpeting and give you a few more years of wear on it.
2. Measure the thickness of the plywood that creates your sub flooring. Sub flooring can develop soft spots or can sag. Lumber yards or home supply stores sell the plywood that is needed to repair the sub flooring. Make sure you buy the same thickness of wood.
3. Measure the width and length of your carpeting width with a measuring tape. Take the measurements to a hardware or carpet store and pick carpeting that matches your interior. The easiest type of carpeting to lay is the type with peel-off adhesive on the back.
4. Take a piece of the linoleum with you to either a flooring store or a home supply store. This way you can match the pattern of it. Linoleum can get gouged or scratched and the adhesive can let loose. You can also measure the entire floor and purchase new linoleum for a change in your decor.
5. Measure the tiling where it is chipped or cracked. You can replace just a piece or the entire thing. If you are replacing only a piece, take the original piece to the store to match the color.
Save money by repairing your own asphalt driveway.
Asphalt offers homeowners a strong and durable driveway. Asphalt has a measure of flexibility that allows an asphalt driveway to stand up well to freeze-thaw patterns rather than cracking or breaking. Uneven settling or a car, truck or travel trailer left on the driveway for a period of time can all lead to low areas on an asphalt driveway. Fortunately, asphalt driveway maintenance and repair is successful and not overly difficult, making filling in the low spots an uncomplicated project. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove any loose material from the base of the depression by hand or with a small shovel. If the base of the low area is crumbling or cracking, chip the asphalt out with a hammer and cold chisel, and then remove it from the low area by hand or with a small shovel.
2. Sweep the depression with a broom to remove any dirt and debris from the surface. If the dirt is still visible, wash the area with a hose and sweep dirty water out of the low spot. If the depression is grease or oil-stained, wash the surface with an asphalt cleaner to remove the oil and grease. Let the low area dry. Drying times vary based on outdoor humidity and temperatures.
3. Add a 1-inch layer of cold-mix asphalt patch to the bottom of the low area. Choose a cold-mix patching material that has added binding agents to promote adhesion to the existing asphalt.
4. Tamp cold-mix asphalt patching material down with a hand tamper or a 2-by-4 inch piece of lumber until you compact it tightly to the base of the depression. Add 1-inch layers of cold-mix asphalt patching material, tamping each layer until you build the final patch up to one inch above the surface of the existing driveway.
5. Lay plastic over the patch, and then lay a sheet of plywood over the plastic. Drive the front wheel of a car back and forth over the patch to compact the cold-mix asphalt patching material further. If the asphalt patch compacts lower than the surface of the existing driveway, add more patching material, lay plastic and plywood over the patch, and drive over it again until the patch is level with the rest of the driveway.
Illinois math teachers must obtain a bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate.
To become a certified math teacher in Illinois, you must obtain a bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate from an accredited program. The Illinois State Board of Education also requires prospective public school teachers to obtain classroom experience. Once you become a licensed math teacher, there are continuing education requirements to maintain your teaching license. The requirements for becoming a licensed math teacher vary depending on the grade level you plan to teach as well as any prior experience you have teaching in another state.
Instructions
1. Enroll in an approved certification program at an accredited college or university. The Illinois State Board of Education has approved programs at 49 colleges and universities in the state to educate math teachers. Many of these institutions offer accelerated certificate programs for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree.
2. Determine what grade level you want to teach. Illinois provides different certification standards for secondary and special education teachers. The state also offers a special certification in bilingual education. Not every accredited college offers every certification level.
3. Gain classroom experience. All state-approved teacher certification programs have a student teaching component, which involves observing and assisting a more-experienced teacher as well as creating and presenting your own lesson plans. Once you have completed the classes and experience, you will receive your certification.
Foreclosure homes are often left in a state of disaster after the former resident leaves. Cleaning companies dispose of garbage and furniture left behind by the previous homeowners. The cleaning company gets the home ready for listing on a public real-estate platform. Businesses who perform these cleaning duties receive contracts on a per-home basis.
Instructions
Legal Business Setup
1. Apply for a business license. It's necessary to get a business license before you can receive contracts for cleaning out houses with foreclosures. To get a business license, contact the business licensing center in your state.
2. Apply for a federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS has the forms available online (see Resources), or you can call and request an application be mailed to you.
3. Purchase liability Insurance. You won't be able to receive jobs from banks or asset managers without liability insurance. Most companies who sell homeowners insurance can also help with the purchase of general liability insurance for your business.
Professional Setup
4. Purchase or make business cards. When contacting potential clients, you'll want to present a professional appearance. Most of the clients you'll be dealing with work for large banks (REO managers). To help with your professional appearance, it's useful to have business cards printed for you to hand out to potential clients. Keep the cards simple and include your contact information. Consider adding a "before and after" picture of a property you cleaned out---this makes a great background for your business card and shows the quality of work you're capable of.
5. Design, or have someone help you design, a website. If you have a few more dollars to help set up the professional feel of your new business, consider investing in a website. Instead of hiring a website developer, use the online hosting programs offered through the company you purchase your domain name from: These hosting services are usually easy to work through and don't require computer programming skills.
Sections you might consider using on your website include: About us, Services Offered, Rates, Portfolio of Work and Contact Us.
The About Us section should be a simple overview of your clean out company. Included how many years of cleaning you have had, your business views as well as some content about your business goals.
The Services Offered page can describe all the details about cleaning out foreclosure properties. Expand on lawn clean up services, trashing out houses with persona property left behind and cleaning walls and floors. Add any other specific work your firm can do.
Rates do not have to be included, but if you are able to give a price range for services it can cut down on phone calls from potential clients whom just want to inquire about the rates for your services.
Your portfolio of past work can be displayed on your website for visitors to see past jobs your company has been hired for and completed.
In the Contact Us page list your phone number, physical address and an email where you can be reached.
6. Purchase a business suit. It's important to look professional when going to meet potential clients. Wearing a suit will make you stand out compared to other cleanout contracting firms. Although your work is dirty (and when you're cleaning houses, you obviously won't be wearing a suit), showing up to marketing calls dressed appropriately will show potential clients you have high standards for yourself and your business.
Contacting Potential Clients
7. Read newspapers for people and businesses in need of a cleaning crew. To receive a contract, start contacting business professionals who are looking to have foreclosure homes cleaned. Newspapers are a good place to start looking for housecleaning jobs; consider taking on a variety of assignments to build your portfolio of work. Professionals that will be looking for foreclosure housecleaners include bank REO managers, asset managers and real estate agents.
8. Visit local bank REO managers and asset managing firms. Be prepared to hear "no" as their first answer: Usually these types of organizations already have a cleaning firm they contract to do all their cleaning. Leave your card and offer to work on short notice if they're ever in a bind. It's also helpful to follow up with your initial contact two to four weeks later.
9. Contact local real-estate agents. Offer to clean any of the homes they're working with that are in need. Sometimes agents will get listings from rental companies after the death of a relative or when a foreclosure home has been purchased. Making yourself open to work on any of the agent listings will help build your business relationships.
10. Assemble a business portfolio. For every job you're able to get, take "before and after" pictures. These pictures can be used in your brochures and advertisements and on your website to spotential clients. You can also make a flyer to follow up with the bank REO managers and asset managers you made initial contact with about receiving a contract for cleaning out houses.
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