Get A Historical Home Improvement Grant

You may qualify for grants and tax breaks to restore your historic home.

If you are thinking of renovating your historic home, you may qualify for grants, loans and tax breaks. However, funds are limited and competition is high. Most grants are offered to nonprofits and public buildings; the federal and state governments ceased offering historic home improvement grants in the 1980s. Local nonprofits sometimes offer grants or loans for historic renovations, and tax breaks are available at the state level.

Instructions

1. Get your home appraised for historic value. There are a number of organizations that offer historic home appraisal; get in touch with the American Society of Appraisers, who can direct you to a certified local home appraiser.

Alternatively, buy a book on the subject and conduct your own appraisal.

American Society of Appraisers

555 Herndon Parkway, Suite 125

Herndon, VA 20170

(800) 272-8258

appraisers.org

2. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to get information on state tax incentives, loans or grants for historical home improvement. They can tell you about federal tax incentives and local nonprofit organizations that may help you.

3. Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. The Federal Housing Administration runs a loan program for individuals who wish to buy and restore historic houses. If you think you qualify, fill out the 203(k)/Streamlined Maximum Mortgage Worksheet and mail it to:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th Street S.W.

Washington, DC 20410

(202) 708-1112

hud.gov

4. To permanently ensure the preservation of your historic home, consider applying for a preservation easement. An easement is a legal agreement that donates the rights to your home to a nonprofit historic preservation society. It binds you and future tenants to maintain the character of your home, and qualifies you for tax deductions for the value of the easement. Preservation Easements are the best way to get an indirect grant for historical home improvement in the form of a tax incentive.

5. Contact your SHPO to ask if your state offers a Resident Curator program. These programs allow people to live in their homes as curators, and fund the maintenance and restoration of the property.

Tags: historic home, your historic, your historic home, your home, American Society, American Society Appraisers, Contact your

Weather Facts For Houston Texas

Texas State Flag

Houston lies near the Gulf of Mexico in SouthTexas. It's known for its humid and semitropical weather. Houston is also known for its air conditioning; Frommer.com notes that "Houston has earned the unofficial title of "Air-Conditioning Capital of the World."

Averages

Houston has an average annual temperature of 68.8 degrees.

The average annual temperature in Houston is 68.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual precipitation is 47.84 inches. In January, the average temperature is 51.8 F, and in July the average temperature is 83.6.

Extremes

The normal annual high in Houston is 79.4 degrees.

According to weatherbyday.com, the hottest temperature in Houston for the past 36 years was 109 F, while the normal high annual temperature is 79.4 degrees. The lowest documented temperature for the last 36 years was 3 degrees; the usual annual low is 58.2 degrees.

Hurricanes

Citizens of Houston take hurricanes very seriously.

The threat of hurricanes is taken very seriously in Houston. According to the Weather Research Center, 21 hurricanes affected the Houston area between 1854 and 1989.

Does it Snow in Houston?

Houston only averages 0.4 inches snow per year.

The winters are known to be mild, but it does freeze occasionally in Houston. On average, Houston receives 0.4 inches of snow per year.

Tags: annual temperature, average annual, annual temperature degrees, average annual temperature, average temperature, Houston average

Deal With Insurance Adjusters After A Rental Unit Fire

Your fire adjuster can help you navigate a claim on your rental unit.

When you bought your rental home, you envisioned your tenants' rent paying for the mortgage and the occasional repair. Someday in the future, you would sell the home and reap the profits. Your plans did not involve a fire, yet that's what happened. Now you must work with an insurance adjuster to sort through the wreckage and reach a settlement agreement. While landlord insurance is a type of homeowner's insurance, and therefore the claims process will be similar to a claim on your own home, there are certain issues you must consider when adjusting damage on a rental unit.

Instructions

1. Prepare a list of your items in the rental unit that were damaged. Typically the list will not be long, since most of the contents will belong to your tenants.

2. Prepare documents demonstrating the typical rent you receive from the unit on a monthly basis. If your insurance policy covers lost rents, you will be reimbursed your lost revenue during repairs.

3. Provide these lists to the adjuster.

4. Accompany the adjuster to the damaged building. He will examine the building's structural integrity and determine the extent of the damage. Meanwhile, you should photograph the damage.

5. Speak to your adjuster kindly and with respect. She did not cause the fire, and communicating rudely will not help the process.

6. Provide the adjuster information as requested.

7. Record all communications with the adjuster. This means saving all emails and written correspondence, and creating a diary of all verbal communications with dates and times.

8. Contact the adjuster's supervisor, or your state's Department of Insurance, if you feel the adjuster is not cooperating with you, or if you require further assistance.

Tags: claim your, communications with, rental unit, your rental, your tenants

Create A Safe Room To Survive Disasters

Hurricane in action

You never know when a disaster--natural or otherwise--will strike, so be prepared. A good starting point is to create a "safe room" in the home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Do a walk-through of your house. Ask yourself which room would accommodate your loved ones (including pets). Closets, cellars or storage rooms may fit the bill. According to FEMA, a small interior room above grade is the best choice. Pick a room.

2. If you don't have an existing room that fits the bill, you may want to hire a contractor to add a safe room to your house. Some safe rooms are prefabricated products and can be installed within your home or added on. For most prefab safe rooms, construction time usually takes only a day or two. These products may cost about $15,000 on the high end and $5,000 on the low end (see Resources below).

3. If you're handy, another option is to install a prefab safe room without a contractor. In doing so, ask for documentation that the prefabricated product meets FEMA's standards. To get permits, your shelter must conform to FEMA 320 plans, or plans that have been tested to meet the National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters.

4. Get proper building permits for all construction.

Tags: prefab safe, safe room, safe rooms, your house

Remove Hail Dents From Your Car

Has a hail storm placed countless dents all over your car? Does the thought of how much a body shop will charge to remove those dents give you a headache? Fear not, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can use to eliminate most of the dents or maybe even all of them.

Instructions

1. First thing you want to do is get yourself a space heater, blow dryer, heat gun or anything you can use to produce steady consistent heat. To make the process even easier move the car into a warm covered area like a garage.

2. Now that you have everything you need, direct the heat source at the dents. Apply the heat to the dents in intervals by moving the heat source closer to the dent and then away from the car repeating as necessary.

The quick change from cold to hot will cause the metal to expand and the dents will literally just "pop" out all most effortlessly.

3. If you have waited until summer to deal with the dents in you car or it just is not that cold outside you can substitute the atmospheric temperature with dry ice. Keep in mind that dry ice is extremely cold carbon dioxide that is kept frozen at -78.5 degrees Celsius or -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

With the proper tools take the dry ice and place it on the dent for about 60 to 90 seconds. Remove the dry ice and direct the artificial heat source mentioned earlier to the affected area in intervals to minimize damage to the paint. Again the rapid change in temperature will cause the metal to expand "popping" the dent out.

4. If the dry ice method does not work then you will need to manually remove the dents with a hammer. Take a hammer, preferably a ball and peen hammer, and if it is possible hit the dent from the other side. You will have to put some muscle into it for larger dents but be careful not to start swinging wildly, you may add unnecessary dents to the car.

5. If that is not an option because there are things in the way like panels, molding etc. then you will also need a drill with a small metal drill bit, a spot welder, locking pliers and nails or screws. If you can get behind the dent, drill a small hole in the center of the dent and push a nail or screw through the hole.

6. With the head of the screw or nail on the inside of the car take the locking pliers and secure them to the shaft of the nail or screw and pull the dent out.

7. If the dent is difficult to get behind take a nail or screw and spot weld it to the center of the dent. Once the nail or screw is secure pull the dent out with the locking pliers. After the dent has been removed cut the nail or screw off and sand the remainder of the screw or nail down.

Tags: nail screw, heat source, locking pliers, cause metal, cause metal expand, center dent, metal expand

What Rebuild With Insurance Money After My House Burns Down

Review and update your insurance homeowner's policy annually.

When your home suffers a devastating event, your losses may be significant. It is natural to want to restore your life back to normal after a fire, but you may not know what you insurance claim money entitles you to rebuild if your insurance claims agent has not explained the limits of your homeowners insurance policy and claims options.

Homeowner's Insurance Basics

When you purchase homeowner's insurance, the policy covers your personal belongings, the structure of the house, liability protection and, in the event of a loss, your policy will help pay for living expenses while you recover. The percentage homeowner's insurance policies pay in the event of a loss, like a fire, varies by insurance company and the type of homeowner's insurance you purchase. The liability coverage offered in a homeowner's policy can help cover the medical expenses of guests in your home if they experienced injuries during a house fire.

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost

When you purchase a homeowner's insurance policy, it will pay you the actual cash value of the home in the event of a fire or you can receive a claims payment that equals the replacement cost of the home and damaged contents. When you have a homeowner's policy that only covers the actual cash value of the home, you will receive a check for the original cost of the home, less depreciation. On the other hand, a policy that pays the replacement cost of the home and its contents helps pay for the full cost of rebuilding or replacing your home and its contents, up to maximum limits outlined in your policy. It is a good idea to review your homeowner's policy on an annual basis with your insurance agent to make sure you have sufficient coverage in the event of a loss, especially if your insurance pays for the replacement cost of your home and possessions, particularly if you completed any remodels or installed expensive flooring.

Rebuilding Allowances

If your homeowner's policy only covered the actual cash value of your home, you can do what you please with the claim check you receive. Some individuals choose to use the funds to pay the mortgage, while others use it to rebuild or purchase a new home. With a policy that pays for the replacement cost of your home and contents, you will receive the amount of money outlined in your policy, minus any applicable deductibles, to clear your property of debris left after a fire, rebuild your home and additional structures covered in the policy, such as a detached garage. Insurance.com states that before you experience a loss, consider asking your insurance agent about an "extended replacement cost policy." This type of policy is one that you could add to your existing homeowner's policy, which would allow you to obtain enough money from your insurance company to rebuild your home exactly as it was before a fire.

Restoration Costs

If smoke damages certain property during a fire, your homeowner's insurance policy may also pay the cost to restore such items. Such items could include documents, photographs and heirloom books.

Tags: your home, homeowner policy, your insurance, insurance policy, policy that, actual cash

About Spinal Surgeons

About Spinal Surgeons

Spinal surgeons can have board certified specialties in either orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery. These surgeons correct anatomic spinal lesions, such as herniated discs and impinged nerve roots if non-invasive treatment has failed. Typical surgeries include microdiscectomies, laminectomies, and spinal fusions. Spinal surgery is not for every patient or every back problem. A surgeon should only be seen if nothing else has improved the pain.

Function

Patients who have back pain but no anatomical evidence for this pain are not candidates for spinal surgery. A spinal surgeon basically changes the anatomy of the spine in surgery. Typical goals of a spinal surgery are to release an impinged nerve, stabilize vertebrae via fusion or diminish a deformity.

Types

Both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons -- either with Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees -- can be spinal surgeons. Both typically complete fellowships focused on spinal surgery but each are more suited towards some surgeries than others. For examples, neurosurgeons are usually more suited for excising tumors, while orthopedic surgeons are better for correcting spinal deformities.

Considerations

To be considered a spinal surgeon, a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon needs more than just a fellowship in spine surgery. Spinal surgeons also need at least 50 percent of their practice to consist of spine patients. Professional spine societies and associates, such as the North American Spine Society, have similar requirements for their members. Spinal surgery candidates should only choose a surgeon who does at least 50 percent of his surgeries on the spine.

Features

Spinal surgeons primarily perform the following surgical procedures: microdiscectomies, laminectomies, and spinal fusions. A microdiscectomy is usually performed for herniated discs and radiculopathy (pain that radiates down the leg). In this procedure, a small piece of bone and/or vertebral disc is removed to decompress an impinged nerve root. A laminectomy is the removal of the lamina and/or disc material to free up space around a nerve root. This is typically done to help alleviate spinal stenosis, a constriction of a nerve's passageway. Spinal fusion removes a vertebral disc and fuses the two vertebrae surrounding the disc together, restricting movement of the spine at this point. Candidates for a spinal fusion could have degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or a fractured spine.

Misconceptions

Spinal surgeons do not and should not treat all patients with back pain. Spinal surgeons are typically seen as a last resort to help alleviate back and/or leg pain when all other non-invasive treatment options have been exhausted. Patients should also be aware that most spinal surgery is elective and rarely an absolute necessity. There are no guarantees that surgery will relieve the pain or that no other complications will occur. Patients need a referral from either their primary care physician or a chiropractor before they can discuss their treatment options with a surgeon. Even then, a spinal surgeon will try to exhaust all non-invasive treatment options before going over surgical considerations.

Tags: back pain, impinged nerve, non-invasive treatment, spinal surgeon, treatment options, About Spinal

Find Out What Code Violations A Property Has

Code violations can be obvious and delay the sale of a home.

Code violations come in many flavors. According to Code Violation Services Inc., violations can include garbage in a yard, maintenance issues, overgrown lawns, nonsanctioned improvements, safety issues or other dangerous items needing repair in a property. When the city records a code violation, a fee is assigned to the property. Because code violations do not show up as a lien on a title search, it can be difficult to ascertain whether a sanction has been assessed that will delay closing, without contacting the city. Code violations have a way of popping up on paperwork suddenly. A home inspection and follow-up with the city can reveal code violations.

Instructions

1. Get a referral to an independent home inspector from the local real estate commission in your area or from your real estate agent when purchasing a property. Real estate boards and agents keep lists of certified home inspectors on hand for buyers and prospective buyers. A trained, certified home inspector displays expert knowledge in construction and property codes for the areas he serves, uncovering potential issues upon inspection. The cost to hire the inspector ranges from $300 to $500 in most areas.

2. Review the information from the home inspector. Inspectors email reports to a client 24 to 48 hours after completion of the home inspection, if not sooner. In the report, there is a section specific to building code violations found by the inspector.

3. Contact the city building inspector with the address of the property. The building inspector's office will confirm whether cited violations have any assessed fees requiring payment. If the violation in your report has not been assessed a penalty, you are in the clear when it comes to fees; however, you must make corrections to the violations yourself or negotiate repairs with the seller of the property.

Tags: Code violations, home inspector, been assessed, building inspector, certified home, code violations

What You Need To Know About Buying A Home For Sale By Owner

Buying a home that is sold by the owner can mean paying a little less for the property. It can also make the process more complicated for the buyer. Many tasks that real estate agents usually complete must be done by the buyer when it’s the homeowner selling the home. This includes setting up inspections, negotiating and getting a real estate lawyer.

Instructions

1. Understand that your seller has a legal obligation to disclose certain facts about your house. Depending on the state, this may include disclosing the risk of flood, hurricanes, loud noises, any violent deaths that have occurred in the home and other aspects that can affect someone’s enjoyment of the home.

2. Be prepared to negotiate on the price of the house. Without a real estate agent, you will make the offer on the home. Make sure the price is comparable to other home prices in the area to avoid overpaying.

3. Get an inspection report and negotiate with the seller to get repairs or changes made before the sale of the house. The inspection report will detail every problem, large and small, that is wrong with a house. Most houses have small details, such as a creaky floor or a small crack in a wall, that aren’t important enough to warrant costly repairs. But, the seller should pay for the repairs of bigger problems, or you can negotiate to have the repair costs deducted from the home price.

4. Make an earnest money payment if required, but don’t pay it to the seller. Earnest money is paid into an escrow account instead. If you pay it directly to the seller, you could have trouble getting it back if the seller backs out of the deal.

5. Hire a real estate lawyer to handle the contracts. Unless you have a lot of contract experience, there may be a lot of things you miss in creating a legally-binding contract. Buying real estate is a huge investment, and a well-written contract that protects your interests is a small price to pay to protect that investment.

6. Buy title insurance for the house. This will cover you if there are any problems later with the title or with disputed boundaries on the property.

Tags: real estate, estate lawyer, inspection report, real estate lawyer

Rechink A Log Home

Even tightly fit logs require chinking to seal the cracks that develop between the logs.

Chinking is the material placed between logs in a log structure to seal any cracks or gaps between the logs and provide a more weather tight exterior to the home. Chinking can weather and decay and may require replacement from time to time. Historically, chinking was a mud and straw mixture. Modern chinking material is often synthetic and in some ways resembles caulk used to seal gaps around windows and doors. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the chinking to use. There are several commercial chinking products available. The products vary in formula and color. Acrylic chinking can be cleaned up with water. Log home owners can choose a color of chinking that either matches or contrasts the color of the logs.

2. Remove any cracked or loose chinking from the walls. In some cases the chinking might be removed to the backer rod. The backer rod is a piece of wood placed between courses of logs and serves as a stop for the chinking that is applied on both the interior and exterior of the wall. If the exterior chinking has been bad for a period of time the backer rod may have deteriorated and need to be replaced.

3. Apply chinking by hand. Use a plastic or metal spatula to apply the chinking from the bulk bucket or transfer some of the chinking to a smaller bucket for easier handling. Another option is to place the chinking in a grout bag and manually squeeze chinking into the crevices between logs. This method works best for smaller jobs but has the advantage of low cost and few tools.

4. Choose to apply chinking with a caulking gun. Caulking guns can be used to apply chinking from prepackaged tubes or from bulk with the chinking transferred to the gun. Caulking guns are generally available in either a 10.5 ounce size or a quart size and operate with a variety of mechanisms. Chinking with a caulking gun works well on larger projects where specialized power equipment is not available. Costs would be similar to chinking by hand but more time efficient than hand chinking.

5. Apply chinking with power equipment. Power chinking equipment may be available for rent in areas where log homes are common. These devices force bulk chinking material down a hose into a caulking gun type of device for delivery into the cracks between the logs. This method has the disadvantages of a higher cost and the lack of equipment availability in some areas. It will, however, complete a large job in a short amount of time.

Tags: between logs, chinking from, apply chinking from, between logs This, Caulking guns, chinking hand, chinking material

Lender Hazard Insurance Requirements

Hazard insurance is required on any property where a mortgage company or bank has a financial interest, such as a mortgage or equity loan. Such property includes residential and commercial real estate. Sometimes the lender discovers a property is not insured. When this occurs, the lender will automatically provide lender-placed hazard insurance. The following discusses the principles of hazard insurance on residential property while the same principles also apply to commercial property.

Hazard Insurance

Hazard insurance is purchased by the owner for the home and personal belongings in case of a fire or other covered cause of loss. If a mortgage is taken out on the property, the lender has a financial interest in the home. If a loss occurs, the lender wants to make sure enough insurance coverage is in place in order to satisfy the loan balance on the property.

Hazard Insurance Requirements

Hazard insurance is required by the lender at the time of escrow closing on a home. The amount of coverage cannot be less than the loan balance, and there should be enough coverage to satisfy the replacement cost for any property damage caused by a loss. Replacement cost is the cost to replace the property with comparable material and quality. The lender will also require the homeowner's insurance company to have acceptable ratings according to standards such as Best's Insurance Reports. The lender is satisfied as long as the amount and type of hazard insurance protects its financial interest.

Lender-Placed Hazard Insurance - The Force-Placed Policy

When homeowner's insurance is not in effect, the lender will automatically take out lender-placed hazard insurance. This type of insurance policy is called a force-placed policy. If, for example, a fire occurs when a force-placed policy is in effect, the lender collects the insurance benefits to satisfy the loan balance. This policy does not provide insurance coverage for personal belongings nor does it provide insurance coverage for the replacement cost of the home or its actual cash value. Actual cash value is typically the cost to replace property with comparable material and quality less depreciation.

Reasons for Lender-Placed Hazard Insurance

There could be several reasons why a force-placed policy takes effect. The policy premiums may not be paid resulting in a lapse of coverage or a cancellation of the policy. The homeowner's policy may not meet acceptable standards according to the lender, or the lender mistakenly does not receive any record of insurance at all. In any of these circumstances, the lender will take out a force-placed policy.

Cost of Lender-Placed Hazard Insurance

The cost of lender-placed hazard insurance may be less expensive than homeowner's insurance, but the homeowner should also be aware that lender-placed hazard insurance does not include liability insurance if someone is injured on the premises and does not pay for damage to the property. The lender does not pay for lender-placed hazard insurance. The cost is added to the loan balance.

Tags: force-placed policy, lender will, loan balance, financial interest, Hazard Insurance

Convert A House For Assisted Living

An assisted living facility can be a great source of income.

If you have a home with several bedrooms, there is an opportunity to convert the house into an assisted living facility (ALF). Before you embark on this endeavor, there are a few things you need to do in order to make it legal. Those things may include getting a license, background checks and more. Though there is some red tape, with a little bit of time and effort, you can turn a house from a single family home to one for several people who need living assistance.

Instructions

1. Check your mortgage (if you have one) on the property to make sure that you can re-zone it to an assisted living facility. There may be fine print in the mortgage contract that either prevents you from re-zoning or would demand payment of the balance of the mortgage in order to re-zone. This can be a huge impediment to starting an ALF.

2. Consult your homeowner's or neighborhood association (if applicable) to be sure that it allows conversion to ALFs. Many do not allow this type of facility, while others may allow it with conditions. If you try to open the ALF, and it is against association rules, it may have the right to not only shut the ALF down but possibly even repossess your home.

3. Apply for a zoning permit that will allow you to convert the property to an assisted living facility. There is a fee involved which varies from state to state.

4. Apply for a business permit to open an assisted living facility. Though the conditions that need to be met vary from state to state, they can include background and credit checks, which could take a while to perform. There are fees involved, and these also vary.

5. Hire contractors to convert the building, if necessary. If the house is already properly laid out for an ALF, you can skip this step. Most homes, though, require some reconstruction to allow for more rooms.

Tags: assisted living facility, living facility, assisted living, assisted living, facility There, from state

Cut High Central Air & Utility Costs

Ceiling fans could potentially save you 40 percent on your summer electric bills.

Energy costs are skyrocketing and it looks to be a long time before harnessing wind or sun power to improve residential energy efficiency is going to become a reality. You have to take every possible advantage to cut the costs of central air conditioning and utility bills. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Put up thicker curtains and drapes and keep them closed during the day. Invest in tinted windows or Low-E glass. Plant shade trees or trellises in front of your largest windows. The power of the sun is one of the biggest causes behind high cooling bills, so you should find any possible way to reduce its effects.

2. Increase the efficiency of your central air conditioner and lower your monthly bills. Make sure that you change dirty filters regularly. Go outside and clean the outdoor unit. Pull away vines that are climbing up the outside of the compressor. Take off the panel and clean the condenser coils, fins and fan blades with a scrubbing brush. Prune back any plants that are obstructing air flow.

3. Decrease the humidity in the house and you decrease the effects of the heat index inside the home. Cover your pots on the stove to cut back on the production of steam. Open up a window following a shower to allow steam to escape. Invest in a dehumidifier.

4. Create openings for air flow on opposing sides of the house and utilize the powerful effects of cross ventilation to allow a freer flow of air from one side of the room to the other. The best effects are achieved by opening one double-hung window from the top and the other from the bottom.

5. Use your ceiling fans during the hot months. While ceiling fans may not actually lower the temperature in your particular case, the velocity of moving air can make it feel coolor. Energy-efficient ceiling fans built in the last decade or two can potentially save you up to 40 percent on your cooling bills.

6. Close your closet doors when not in use and close the door to any room you will be spending time in later on. Energy that is wasted can be easily retrieved simply by closing a door. Closing the door to a room you will stay in later in the day decreases its interior temperature and allows you to raise the thermostat, while still enjoying the cool air that has built up over the course of a few hours.

Tags: ceiling fans, cooling bills, door room, door room will, percent your, potentially save

Precautions For Home Repairs

Safety begins with the right tools.

Even the smallest home repair projects come with the risk of accident and injury. Before you start any home repair, thoroughly review the repair step by step, and plan what precautions you'll need to take. And above all, make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit in the house---and that you know where it is---before you begin. Does this Spark an idea?

Using the Right Tools

Home repair safety starts with using the right tool for the job. It might be tempting to cut corners or save money, but a kitchen knife isn't a screwdriver, and a dictionary doesn't make a good hammer. If you use quality tools, you're more likely to do it right the first time, and far less likely to injure yourself. Invest in a good set of tools---you'll use them more often than you might think---or else borrow what you need from a neighbor.

Ladder Safety

Changing a light bulb or cleaning the gutter? Before using your ladder, check to make certain that its rungs are still sturdy and free of any oil or moisture that might cause you to slip. When using a foldout ladder, check that the metal spreader at the bottom of the ladder is secure. According to OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) safety guidelines, when positioning a non-self-supporting ladder against a wall, the horizontal distance between the top support and the foot of the ladder should be a quarter the length of the ladder.

Electricity Safety

The most obvious precaution for an electrical repair is to turn off the power to the area where you're working; but still, it bears repeating, especially since the consequences can be deadly. Use a circuit tester if you suspect there might still be residual current running through the circuit. Wear shoes with rubber soles to insulate yourself from the ground, make sure there's no standing water anywhere near the work area, and never touch anything metal while you're working.

Eye Protection

Sure, it's not the most alluring look, but safety goggles are a must any time there's a chance of eye injury. This can be whether you're working with power tools, chemicals, high-pressure water sprays or even just a simple hammer and nail. If you wear corrective glasses, make certain to buy a pair of goggles that fit around your frames; your glasses alone aren't enough protection, especially since they might shatter if struck by something heavy or fast-moving.

Working with Chemicals

Solvents, drain cleaners, silver polish---all chemicals come with precautions. Before using any chemical in your home repair project, take the time to read the instructions and the warning label on the packaging. Never mix two chemical-containing compounds together unless you're explicitly directed to do so; if they react poorly with each other, they could become corrosive or produce dangerous fumes. Always use chemical compounds in a well-ventilated area, and wear a breathing mask and gloves if the label recommends it.

Tags: home repair, Before using, come with, especially since, ladder check, make certain, make sure

Jvc Tv Repair Tips

Your remote control alone can help fix one potential JVC TV problem.

Many issues can plague a JVC TV. However, you do not need any prior repair experience or TV technical knowledge to troubleshoot and take care of these issues. With nothing more than a magnetic coil, you can fix display and connection problems on your JVC TV in short order.

Power and Coaxial Cable Connections

The best way to go about repair of your JVC TV is to troubleshoot for the most simple possible problems first. Check your JVC TV's power cord and make sure it has not come loose or become disconnected. Additionally, make sure your coaxial cable is tightly fastened within the "ANT IN" port on the back of your JVC TV. Even if the coaxial cable is in this port, if it is at all loose it can negatively impact the quality of your display by contributing to what is commonly known as "snow." Snow is a kind of noise that affects your television feed that comes in the form of rapidly moving white dots on the display. Tighten the coaxial cable as necessary.

A/V and Video Input Issues

Many problems are often tied to the cables and input related to the audio and video settings on your JVC TV. First attempt to cycle through your video inputs, as this can easily be done by simply pressing the "Input" button on your JVC TV's remote control. Your TV may be set to the wrong video input, so cycle through the inputs using your remote until you switch back to the one that governs TV programming. You may have last used your DVD player, for example, and left the video input selected that is assigned to that external device. If cycling through the inputs doesn't work, look over the A/V cable itself. This cable plugs into the back of your JVC TV and the back of your cable or satellite receiver. On either end of the cable is a set of prongs, with each set consisting of one red, one yellow and one white prong. Ensure that these prongs are color-matched with the red, yellow and white A/V ports on the back of your JVC TV and the back of the cable/satellite box. Failure to do so will result in a TV that lacks audio and video.

Magnetization Problems

If none of the easier fixes seem to yield any results for your JVC TV, you may need to procure a large magnetic coil. Before purchasing such a coil, check your display and see if there are irregular colored blotches. If so, grab your magnetic coil and wave it slowly in front of your display in large circles. This should alleviate the blotches on your screen.

Tags: back your, coaxial cable, magnetic coil, your display, audio video, back your back

Install A Home Depot Ice Maker Kit

Home Depot sells a variety of ice maker kits for installation in different refrigerator models. The kits come with everything you need to hook up the ice maker unit in the refrigerator's freezer, provided that your model is equipped with the necessary connections. Write down the model number and brand of your appliance to buy the correct kit, which you can install in about an hour with household tools. You'll also need a water-line kit to connect a supply hose from the plumbing to the refrigerator. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Install the ice Maker

1. Disconnect the refrigerator electrical cord and pull the appliance from the wall so you can access the back panel.

2. Connect the ice maker's power plug to the socket inside your freezer at the top.

3. Slide the ice maker onto the support brackets on the side and back of the freezer to hold the unit in place. Secure the ice maker with the screws supplied in your kit, tightening with a screwdriver.

4. Place the fill cup in the slot below the ice maker and insert the ice maker's rubber fill tube inside the cup. Slide the ice bin under the ice maker.

Install the Water Line

5. Turn the valve for the cold water pipe under your kitchen sink clockwise to shut off the water.

6. Wrap Teflon tape on the cold-water pipe below the pipe's cut-off valve. Overlap each tape layer until you have a wrap 3 inches long on the pipe.

7. Hook the C-shaped saddle valve that comes with your water-line kit over the Teflon wrapping. Tighten the screw in the saddle valve with pliers until it punctures the cold water pipe. Twist as far as the screw will turn.

8. Connect one end of the water line in your kit to the threaded tube on the saddle valve. The ring on the end of the tube rotates clockwise.

9. Run the water line to the back of your refrigerator. If necessary, drill a 1/2-inch hole through the cabinet walls with an electric drill and insert the free end of the water line through the holes to make a path to the refrigerator. Attach the end of the water line to the threaded pipe on the back of your refrigerator freezer and tighten with pliers.

Test the Connections

10. Unscrew the cold-water valve beneath your sink and the knob on the saddle valve. Watch for leaking water around the new connections and tighten with pliers, if necessary.

11. Tighten the water line connection on the back of the refrigerator if you see any water dripping.

12. Dry your hands before plugging in the refrigerator electrical cord.

13. Press the ice maker switch to "On" to start the unit.

Tags: saddle valve, water line, with pliers, back your, back your refrigerator, cold water

Repair Nail Holes On A Wall

Interior redesign often means picture and furniture rearranging which calls for repairing nail holes left behind from prior picture hanging. Nail hole repair is easy to learn, even if you're a do-it-yourself novice. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a putty knife and fill the nail holes with joint compound mixture. The putty knife and mixture are available at any hardware store. They sell the compound premixed. Fill the holes with a thin, smooth layer of the mixture.

2. Allow the compound to dry completely. Sand the filled hole area with a 120 grit sandpaper block. Create a sandpaper block by wrapping the sandpaper around a flat block of wood. Using a block helps you sand the area flat and flush with the wall.

3. Paint the repaired nail hole areas with the wall color or primer. If you do not have the original paint or enough for all the holes, take a sample or picture to a hardware or paint store to get a paint match.

4. Simplify the repair further and use an all-in-one nail hole patch product. Homax sells a product that includes a filler compound and built-in putty knife. You can paint the repaired nail hole once this dries, eliminating the sanding step.

Tags: putty knife, holes with, nail hole, nail holes, repaired nail, repaired nail hole

Create Quick Easy Ways To Make Money Now With Ads With Your Computer

Make Money Now With Ads

There are several quick and easy ways to make money now with ads with your computer. Google ads are everywhere on the web today. You can use several ways to make money now with your computer by using adwords to quickly make money with ads from home on the Internet today.

To easily make money with ads now you will need to create places to place online advertising with your computer on the Internet. Almost every online business uses some type of internet marketing and advertising. Internet marketing has become more popular as newspaper and print advertising has declined.

Instructions

1. Make money with ads by creating a blog and blogging regularly. Post at least 5 or 10 keyword rich posts of 300 words or more to your blog. Choose your blog topic carefully. Pick a topic using good keywords that gets over a 1000 searches a month. Pick a topic in an area that has less competition from other web pages for your chosen keywords.

2. Make money now online with ads with your own website. You can easily get a free website and host Google ads from places like Synthasite, Weebly, and Google Sites. Use keywords in your URL, title pages, and content.

3. Make money now with ads by writing for content websites such as eHow, Bukisa, and Info Barrel. These websites place ads on your content article pages and pay you a percentage of revenues.

Tags: make money, make money with, money with, with your, money with, Pick topic

Parts Of A Roof On A Mobile Home

Mobile home roofs are simple.

Mobile homes are built as fast as possible. According to Automated Builder Magazine, it only takes about one to three weeks to build a complete home. This being the case, their roofs are quickly installed. Architects, realizing speed of building is all-important, designed these structures' roofing systems as simple as possible. Peeling the layers off a mobile home's roof reveals just three simple structures. Does this Spark an idea?

Shingles or Metal

Most mobile homes have shingles. These are made out of a fiberglass-tar composite, with granules of sand embedded. No special shingles are needed. Many mobile homes use common roofing shingles, which are readily available at any building supply store. Many homes also use metal sheet roofing. These are thin metal panels, measuring about 4 feet wide by 12 or 14 feet long. These panels are easily installed, and the average homeowner can replace his roof with ease.

Roof Sheathing

Below the shingles or metal is sheathing. This consists of wooden panels measuring 4 feet by 8 feet. These panels are either made out of plywood, or Oriented Strand Board (OSB). OSB is made of wood chips recycled from sawmill operations. The wood chips are mixed with glue, and pressed into boards. Studies done at North Carolina State University reveal OSB is decay-resistant, therefore recommended for exterior building applications. OSB is a common building material, available at any lumber yard. The sheathing is nailed to the rafters of the mobile home.

Rafters or Trusses

Peeling away the sheathing reveals the mobile home's rafters, or trusses. Rafters are the long beams used to support the sheathing. They are nailed to the tops of the walls, and to each other along the ridge line. If observed from the end, they form a very shallow "A." Rafters are usually made out of 2-inch-by-6-inch framing lumber.

Trusses are a kind of rafter, but have a very shallow triangle shape. They have internal bracing inside the triangle, to give them strength. Trusses are usually made out of 2-by-4-inch lumber. Both trusses and rafters are commonly available at many lumber yards. Trusses can also be custom made by the lumber yard following the Architect's prints.

Tags: mobile home, lumber yard, mobile homes, panels measuring, These panels, usually made

Diy Repair & Replace Bath Taps

Replacing the taps on your bath can be a practical or cosmetic decision.

When the taps in your bath start to leak, you need to take some time to fix the problem. When you have leaking taps, you have two options. Repair the taps if you think that the problem is minor, and if your taps are relatively new. Replace the taps if your leak is more severe, or if your taps are old and damaged beyond the leak in any way. You may also want to replace your taps if you are updating the look of your bathroom. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Repair Your Taps

1. Turn off the water to your bath. Turn the tap on to drain any water from the tap before you start working on it.

2. Remove the cap from the tap. Your tap will have a cap that you have to pry off or unscrew. Use your screwdriver to unscrew the screw that holds on the tap, and pull the tap off the assembly.

3. Adjust your crescent wrench to fit the nut. Unscrew the nut and remove it.

4. Remove the washer. Pry it off with a screwdriver if it won't release easily. Use penetrating oil to help remove the washer if it won't come off any other way.

5. Replace the washer and rebuild the tap in the exact order you took it apart.

Replace Your Bath Taps

6. Choose appropriate new taps. Unless you want to engage in a major renovation, you need to choose taps that work in the same format as your existing taps. This means that if you currently only have one tap to control the hot and cold water, you should replace it with the same type of tap. The same goes for setups that currently have dual taps.

7. Turn off the water supply, and drain the taps by opening them full.

8. Remove the old taps completely. Remove the tap heads from the front, and then use the basin wrench to remove the tap connector from the rear where the tap meets the water supply line.

9. Saw off the end of a pipe if it is rusty and damaged, and connect the new taps to clean copper pipe.

10. Make sure the new taps are centered in the holes. You can use a kit to help you accomplish this.

11. Connect the new taps to the supply pipe with the tap connector. Remember to use a new washer for the tap connector.

Tags: taps your, your taps, Bath Taps, taps your bath, that currently, Turn water

Public & Private Grants For Disabled Veterans

There are many helpful programs for disabled veterans.

Often the road to recovery for disabled servicemen and women is complicated by financial difficulties. However, there are programs in place to relieve the worry and stress of service-disabled soldiers. Both the U.S. government and private foundations have set aside funds to help those who have given so much in the service of their country.

Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grant

Offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this grant is used to provide veterans who have qualifying injuries with either adaptive equipment or a new vehicle with adaptive equipment installed. To qualify a veteran must have lost, or lost the use of, one or both feet or one or both hands. Some veterans with a certain degree of vision impairment in both eyes may also qualify. The limit of the grant is $11,000 as of 2010, and it can only be claimed once in a lifetime.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

(800) 827-1000

vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4502-ARE.pdf

Clothing Allowance Grant

Disabled veterans who must use a prosthetic device are entitled to a yearly clothing grant of $677 (as of 2010) to cover the cost of replacing clothing due to the wear and tear of prosthetics. The grant is also available to veterans who have a service-connected skin ailment that requires use of prescription medication that ruins clothing. Veterans must apply or re-apply for the grant every year, but there are no limitations on the amount of times it can be obtained.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

(800) 827-1000

va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-8678-fill.pdf

Disabled Veterans National Foundation, Inc.

This private organization offers disabled veterans support through education, counseling and individual need-based grants. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation provides grant money on a case-by-case basis; there are no specific qualifications. Veterans seeking grants should contact the foundation through the email listed on the organization's website.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 96648

Washington, DC 20009-6648

(888) 782-2148

dvnf.org/contact-us/

Specially Adapted Housing Grant

This grant is for the construction of a new home or the modification of an existing home for a disabled veteran's specific physical needs. The goal of the Specially Adapted Housing Grant is to provide independent living to service-disabled veterans. The grant can be obtained three times with a lifetime monetary cap of $60,000, as of 2010.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

(800) 827-1000

homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm

Coalition to Salute America's Heroes

This private foundation was founded to provide financial help to the disabled veterans of the War on Terror. The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes has provided funding for everything from a new computer to mortgage payments to money for groceries. They review each request for help individually.

Coalition to Salute America's Heroes

2 Church St., Suite 101

Ossining, NY 10562

(914) 432-5400

saluteheroes.org/programs.html

Tags: Department Veterans, Department Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs, 20420 827-1000, Affairs Vermont

California Rental Inspection Rights

Landlords and tenants alike are often confused about a landlord's rights to make routine inspections of their property. California, like most states, gives tenants the right to privacy while also allowing a landlord to protect his property against damage. State law also helps tenants avoid security deposit deductions by allowing tenants to request and receive a preliminary inspection prior to moving out.

Quiet Enjoyment

"Quiet enjoyment" is a common law principle providing tenants with the right to live in their homes without intrusions by--or interference from--their landlord. California law limits a landlord's access to a tenant's home by restricting the grounds for entering a rental unit and requiring landlords to give tenants notice of their plans to conduct an inspection or make repairs.

Routine Inspections and Repairs

Landlords can enter a tenant's home to perform an inspection or make repairs, but they need to give a tenant advance notice of their plans. If they deliver written notice directly to the tenant, the required notice is 24 hours, though a mailed notice must be sent six days before the day of the inspection. The law also requires landlords to schedule inspections and repairs during normal business hours, unless the tenant agrees to a different time.

Initial Inspection

California law requires landlords to comply with a tenant's request for an "initial" inspection to protect a tenant's security deposit two weeks before a lease or rental agreement ends. During this inspection, the landlord must inspect the property for damage that could result in a security deposit deduction and inform the tenant of his findings. The tenant then has some time to correct the problem or problems before the landlord's final inspection after the tenant moves out. California law requires that landlords give their tenants 48 hours notice before conducting an initial inspection, though the landlord and tenant can waive this notice by mutual agreement.

Emergency Access

California law allows a landlord to enter a tenant's property without notice in case of emergency. The law doesn't define "emergencies," but situations in which a landlord must respond to an injured tenant, fire or burst water pipes can safely be considered emergencies that require immediate attention.

Tags: security deposit, California requires, enter tenant, initial inspection, inspection make

Remove Water Damage To A Book

A book damaged by water is potentially unsalvageable, depending on the level of damage to the bindings, the readability of the pages and the dirtiness of the water that caused the damage. There are, fortunately, some methods of removing the water damage to minimize the impact to a book. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the book from the water carefully to prevent further damage. Do not open the book. If the water is muddy or dirty, remove the book and then run the book under cold water. If required, use a sponge to spray water onto the book until the dirt is removed.

2. Lay the book out in a dry location and gently open the book. Take care when opening not to damage the binding or the paper. Place a weighted object on the book at the driest edge to keep the pages straight as it dries.

3. Turn on a dehumidifier. This will help the book dry faster.

4. Turn the book over every few hours. This allows the book to dry evenly.

5. Put the book in a box with an open box of baking soda if an odor starts. This will remove the odor without damaging the book.

Tags: open book, This will

Foundation Repair For Manufactured Homes

Corrosion of steel supports can cause cracks in a cement foundation.

The foundation of a manufactured home is one of the more important elements of the structure. The foundation provides stability and support for the home. A manufactured home can have a concrete slab or block foundation, a raised metal foundation, or heavy-duty seismic supports. Does this Spark an idea?

Noticing the Problem

A crack or break in your manufactured home's foundation may not be immediately noticeable. Periodically check around the home for any exterior damage. A weak spot in your floor or plumbing problems may indicate a problem with the foundation.

Hiring a Professional

Unless you are adept at repairing a foundation, do not attempt these repairs on your own. Incorrect foundation repairs could lead to further structural problems with your home. If you suspect a problem with your manufactured home's foundation, consult a professional contractor. The company you purchased your home from may be able to recommend local professionals with experience in manufactured homes.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

The cost for many foundation repairs will be covered by your homeowner's insurance. Contact your agent as soon as the problem is confirmed, before you begin repairs in case your agent needs to observe the problem first him- or herself. Keep in mind that your insurance agency may require that you use certain contractors, so consult it before hiring someone to complete repairs.

Tags: manufactured home, your manufactured home, foundation repairs, home foundation, manufactured home foundation, problem with, with your

Are Home Renovations Tax Deductible

When you take on a home renovation project, the costs generally accumulate pretty quickly. Unfortunately, the federal government doesn't lighten your financial burden with a tax deduction. The reason for the lack of deduction is the fact that most home renovations will increase the value of your home. Since your home is a capital asset, this value increase may save you some capital gains tax if you ever sell it.

Renovations Increase Basis

When dealing with a home, or any capital asset for that matter, every dollar you spend on the purchase price and home renovations will increase your tax basis in the property. Keeping track of your tax basis is extremely important since you will use the number to calculate your taxable gain when you sell the home. The tax basis of homes commonly include the purchase price, most of your closing costs and the cost of all home renovations you make before you sell it. If you do the renovations yourself, you can include the cost of purchasing all materials and supplies. However, when you hire someone to do it for you, you can also include the cost of labor.

Excluding Repairs

It is important that you can distinguish between repairs and renovations when increasing your basis. A repair is something that simply maintains the home rather than improving it. For example, replacing a piece of aluminum siding on the exterior of your house is a repair, whereas, installing new aluminum siding for the entire house is a renovation. When you make repairs, there is never any tax savings since it neither increases your basis nor is deductible. In contrast, your home renovation will increase you tax basis if the project increases the value of the home, prolongs its useful life or makes it suitable for a different use.

Energy Credits

There is one way you can receive some immediate tax savings for your home renovations. If you make improvements to your home that include installing solar-powered equipment, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps or fuel cell property equipment, you may be eligible for the residential energy efficient property credit. This credit provides you with a dollar-for dollar reduction of your tax bill in the year you complete installation of any of the alternative energy equipment -- equal to 30 percent of your purchase and installation costs. If you qualify for the credit, the IRS requires you to prepare an IRS Form 5695 and attach it to your return.

Reducing Capital Gain

You can finally see some tax savings for the cost of your home renovations when you sell the home. Since you will recognize taxable gain on the amount of the sales price that exceeds your tax basis, the less capital gain you will pay to the IRS. However, if you use the home as your main home, you may be eligible for a $250,000 to $500,000 capital gain exclusion. In this case, it's unlikely you would see any additional tax savings for your home renovations unless your profit or gain exceeds the exclusion amount.

Tags: your home, your basis, home renovations, will increase, your home renovations

Register A Warranty At Home Depot

If you are purchasing a microwave, refrigerator or stove, it is a good idea to add a warranty.

A product purchased at the Home Depot can be covered by a warranty, or extended protection plan. This warranty is in addition to the manufacturer's warranty. A Home Depot warranty can cover the cost of repairs or replacement. It is a good idea to purchase the warranty at the same time you purchase your item. If you opt to not purchase the warranty at that time, you have up to 30 days to purchase a warranty. Once you purchase the warranty, you must register it either online or by mail.

Instructions

Online Registration

1. Purchase an extended protection plan at your local Home Depot. Ask the sales representative for an extended protection plan for the items you purchased.

2. Collect a receipt for your warranty. The receipt is necessary to register a warranty.

3. Access the Home Depot's extended protection plan website.

4. Click "Register Your Plan," then select the item that is covered by the warranty.

5. Fill in the information about your purchase. The form requests details such as the purchase date, purchase price, receipt number and service plan SKU number. This information is available on your receipt. Click "Continue."

6. Fill in your personal information. Information requested includes your name, address and phone number. Click "Continue."

7. Fill in your product information. Enter additional information about your product, including the model number and brand. If the product was installed, fill in information about the installation. Click "Continue."

8. Click "Finish" to complete the warranty registration. If you have another item to register, click "Add Another."

Mail-In Registration

9. Request a extended protection plan pamphlet and a duplicate receipt for your purchase from the sales representative at the store.

10. Fill out the warranty form inside of the pamphlet. Provide your personal and product information. Do not leave any blanks.

11. Check the information against your receipt to ensure accuracy. Filling out the wrong information could lead to a delay in processing or your product not being registered.

12. Mail in the warranty form to the address listed. Include the duplicate of your receipt with your form.

13. Wait for confirmation of your warranty registration. You should receive the confirmation within three weeks. If you do not receive it, contact the number listed on the pamphlet.

Tags: extended protection, extended protection plan, Home Depot, protection plan, purchase warranty

Create A New Yorkstyle Room

You don't need a view of New York City to get that New York style.

In a city that is always one step ahead, it's no surprise New York's sense of style triumphs when it comes to urban decor and chic sophistication. Whether you live downtown or reside in cities where traffic is something that happens somewhere else, you can still create that trendy cosmopolitan style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Give the illusion of high ceilings by avoiding ceiling fans and even overhead lighting, which cause the eyes tend to gravitate toward the center and height of the room. Instead, invest in contemporary wall sconces or furniture that is low slung to give your ceiling those extra miles. Also, lofts tend to have that industrial look with their skeletal ductwork ceilings. An alternative to tearing down your ceiling is adding corrugated metal ceiling for texture and character.

2. Clear out your clutter for a bright and spacious look. Start by getting organized. Once your possessions are out of sight, everything starts to look orderly and open. Use baskets or even a bucket to store your belongings and look for other ways to store your things while still keeping the look stylish. For instance, open shelves provide a way to store your books, albums and photos while letting your possessions become personal decor.

3. Bring the swanky street style of New York into your home by investing in art. It's easy to get intimidated when choosing artwork for the first time, so start with trendy department stores where they offer one-of-a-kind pieces. Look for contemporary, abstract work that complements the style of your home, and if you're feeling extra hip, look into street art. Urban art dresses up walls that are in need of character and adds a pop of color. Posters are a cheaper alternative that give your walls personality.

4. Follow the theme of contemporary artwork and look for furniture that is minimal, chic and ultra modern. With street art hanging on your walls, you definitely need to style your furniture accordingly. Contemporary pieces can get pricey, so look into thrift stores and vintage specialty shops for a cheaper alternative. Shopping these stores may take some hunting and scavenging but will definitely save you big time. Retro-modern loft furniture is inspired by the '50s, '60s and '70s, so don't be put off by its vintage roots. Contrast the antique pieces with industrial accents for that eclectic style.

5. Use an empty corner to create your own nook. Limited space is a given for New York apartments, lofts and homes, so New Yorkers' style of using space usually calls for double-duty work. Whether it's a small work space or a reading area, create your own private retreat by simply adding a lamp, coffee table and chair. If you have a built-in bench, add a small table and some extra pillows for a charming breakfast nook or casual dining area. With these basics, you can always add other accessories, like a bookshelf or decorative mirror, to warm up the setting.

Tags: store your, cheaper alternative, create your, furniture that, give your, look into

Tools For Auto Body Repair

Keep that car in pristine shape with the right auto body tools.

An auto body mechanic is a person who repairs both minor and major issues concerning the body of your vehicle. He repairs scratches, dents, rusted areas and some times touch up detailing on the paint job. In order to fix all these different problems, a variety of tools are needed. It is not always necessary to take you car to the shop for body repair. Some minor dents and scratches can be fixed at home with the proper tools.

 

Dent Repair Kit

Repair minor dents with a dent repair kit. These kits come with detailed information on use them and are sold at most auto shops. Kits a good for small scratches or dents. If you take your car to the shop to get this kind of problem fixed, it will cost you more than it would to buy the kit.

 

Jack

A car jack stand enables people to conduct repairs below the surface of the car and raises the car up high enough to work on the underside of fenders, which are difficult to work on so close to the ground. A jack can be raised manually by twisting a bar metal bar which raises the stand or some jacks are hydrolic. In any case, a jack must be strong and have a good locking system. It must be strategically and securely placed below the frame of the car. If a jack is not used properly, the car could fall or tip, in which case someone could get hurt.

 

Rubber Mallet

When pounding out dents that are small and you don't want to scratch the surface of the car body, a hammer with a rubber head is used. This allows you to hit with force but not scratch the paint or metal of the vehicles body.

 

Dent Pullers

Dent pullers come in two basic types, ones that go through the body of the and are pulled on and ones that are attached to the front of the dent through suction. The first type requires the mechanic to drill a hole in the center of the dent and push the head of the dent pullet into the hole. The head of the dent puller has claws at the end of it and once through the hole, these claws open. He then pulls on the dent puller and the claws spread against the back of the dent and pop it out from behind. The suction dent puller is pushed over top of the dent and then pulled on from the handles positioned at the back of the suction cups. The suction dent puller is for smaller dents, where as the other dent puller is for more serious dents.

Tags: dent puller, auto body, dent puller claws, head dent, minor dents

Qualify For A Grant

There are many reasons a person might want to obtain a grant. Grants are ideal because they do not have to be paid back like loans do. In one sense they are like free money. Because wealthy individuals and companies are giving this money away for free, they expect you to meet a few qualifications. Meeting those qualifications will qualify you for the grant.

Instructions

1. Have a financial need. Several grants are based on a person's income or net worth. You must check with the company to find out what their income level is. If you make over that then you don't need to waste your time filling out all the forms, but if you make less than the required income level, you are a good candidate to get the grant. Financial type grants include: going to college, starting up a business, heating assistance, home repair programs, and more.

2. Are you a minority? There are numerous grants set up for minorities. Minorities include people of certain ethnic backgrounds. You must first check your ancestry to find out if you qualify. If you can prove you are of that minority than you can apply for the grant. Some grants for minorities include going to college and starting up a business.

3. Are you a woman? Sorry guys, but these grants are just for the ladies. These types of grants are created to encourage women to go back to school or to start up their own business. What qualifications do you need to meet? You have to be a woman. No unusual proof is necessary although they will probably need your social security number which would confirm your gender.

4. Are you an adult looking to return back to college? Many grants are available to individuals who are past college age that are looking to return. There may be an age requirement so you must first check that out before you apply.

5. Are you interested in a certain field of study? This basically pertains to college grants, but there are so many out there for students who are looking to study math, science, and business. If you are majoring in any of these see your guidance counselor to ask to apply for these types of grants. If your field of study is what the grant is seeking, than you qualify.

Tags: college starting, college starting business, field study, first check, going college, going college starting, grants minorities

Repair Scratches On Kitchenaid Stainlesssteel Appliances

If your stainless-steel KitchenAid appliance has a few scratches, you can diminish their appearance or get rid of them entirely. Scratches on a stainless-steel appliance are caused by a variety of factors, including dropping the appliance or using an abrasive cleaner. In most cases, a thorough cleaning makes a thin scratch disappear, but deep marks may require other measures. Before you use a particular method or product, test it on an area of the stainless steel not typically visible, such as the bottom of your appliance. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Apply a stainless-steel cleaner to the outside of your KitchenAid appliance, according to instructions on the cleaner. Wipe the cleaner off with a damp rag. Let it air-dry.

2. Rub olive oil, baby oil or lubricant spray on the scratch with a rag, if the scratch is shallow. Buff the scratch using an emery cloth.

3. Apply a stainless-steel rubbing compound with a rag in the direction of the grain, if the scratch is deep.

4. Fill a spray bottle with water, then lightly spray the surface of the scratch. Sand gently with wet 600-grit sandpaper or finer. If the scratch is still faintly apparent after sanding, repeat steps 3 and 4.

5. Rub chrome polish on the surface of your stainless-steel appliance with a rag. The polish brings the appliance back to its original luster.

Tags: Apply stainless-steel, KitchenAid appliance, stainless-steel appliance, your stainless-steel

Repair A Self Defrosting Refrigerator

Whirlpool refrigerators are self-defrosting, which helps keep food inside the refrigerator from spoiling. It is, however, possible for you to encounter problems with this type of refrigerator, such as the interior temperature of the refrigerator either being too warm or too cold, or the refrigerator not starting in the first place. Depending on the type of problem you encounter, there are several options available for fixing it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Temperature Problems

1. Check the refrigerator's door. If it is open, even slightly, warm air gets into the refrigerator and impacts the interior temperature. If there is an obstruction blocking the door from closing fully, remove it. Check the refrigerator's four corners on the bottom. If all four are not touching the ground, the refrigerator is not set evenly, which can cause the door to open. Move the refrigerator until all four corners are touching the ground.

2. Press either the "+" touchpad on the front of the refrigerator to increase the refrigerator's temperature, or the "-" touchpad to decrease the temperature.

3. Open the door less. Opening the door too often causes warm air to enter the refrigerator and impact the interior temperature.

4. Add fewer loads of food at a time. Too much food loaded at one time impacts the interior temperature.

Refrigerator Does Not Start

5. Check the refrigerator's main power cord. If it is loose or not plugged in, plug the power cord into an electrical socket.

6. Unplug the refrigerator from its current socket and into another. If the one it is currently plugged in to is bad, the refrigerator will not receive power. Refrigerators typically use a grounded, three-prong outlet, so if there is not another socket available, you need to call an electrician to have the socket in question repaired.

7. Use the temperature controls to adjust the refrigerator's interior temperature to a colder temperature. The temperature may be set too warm, which can prevent the refrigerator from actively cooling.

Tags: interior temperature, Check refrigerator, refrigerator from, door open, four corners

Flip A Mobile Home

Flip a Mobile Home

Flipping a mobile home can mean a pretty good paycheck at the end of the day. However, because mobile homes lose value very quickly, it's a higher risk endeavor than flipping nonmanufactured homes. Also, improving the value of a mobile home is significantly harder than improving the value of other homes. Still, by hedging your bets and being systematic rather than hunch-based, you can turn a profit flipping mobile homes.

Instructions

1. Get in the habit of reading classified ads for mobile homes in your area. The first step in successfully flipping mobile homes is developing an eye for deals. By routinely reading the going rates for different years and models, you will be better able to spot a bargain when it becomes available.

2. Establish a relationship with the management of nearby mobile home parks. They'll be in a position to let you know when somebody needs to sell. More important, they'll know when somebody needs to sell in a hurry.

3. Learn the dates and locations of property auctions in your area. Watch them for mobile homes, but be sure to check the property thoroughly first. Foreclosed and seized mobile homes are notorious for being trashed beyond economical repair.

4. Generally look at trailers more than five years old. Newer trailers lose value at an astounding rate (worse than cars), but around the five year mark the values start to stabilize.

5. When buying your trailer, negotiate as good a deal as you possibly can. Find specific flaws with a dollar repair value (especially flaws for which repair will be optional) and point them out.

6. Consider making quick, inexpensive cosmetic repairs to improve the appeal of the trailer. Washing, repairing siding and either cleaning or replacing carpet are some good examples of this kind of work.

7. Sell as quickly as you can without being in a hurry to sell. If you're in a hurry, you'll wind up taking the same short deal that you hope to use to get the trailer below market value in the first place.

Tags: mobile homes, Flip Mobile, Flip Mobile Home, flipping mobile, flipping mobile homes, improving value

Irs Rules For Owner Occupancy Of Rental Properties

Learn the IRS rules for owner-occupied rentals.

When you have a rental property that you also use as a home, different rules apply for declaring rental income and for deductions. For example, while you can deduct expenses to repair a rental home from your taxes, your deduction may be limited if the rental home is also considered a residence. Therefore, it is important to determine exactly what the IRS considers owner occupancy, and what your obligations are under the tax code for rental properties that you occupy part of the time.

Days of Use

The IRS looks at days of personal use to determine whether you must consider your rental property a residence. If you have 14 days of personal use or if you live at the home for 10 percent of the total days the home is rented , you must consider your rental property a residence as well as a rental property. Days of personal use include days in which you live at the home, days in which any member of your family or any partial owner spends at the home (other than for repairs), days in which someone lives at the home while you live at their home (i.e. a house exchange), days in which you permit someone to live in the home below the fair rental price, or days in which you donate use of the home to a charitable organization.

Rental Income

If your rental property is both a home and a rental, then you must declare all of your rental income as ordinary income provided the home was rented for 15 or more days. This income should be reported on Schedule E (Form 1040). This is distinct from properties that are used only as rental properties, in which case the income is declared on Schedule E, Part I.

Rental Deductions

If you have a net profit for the year that exceeds your expenses, you can deduct all of your expenses from the rental income you made. However, if your expenses exceed your profit - i.e. if you suffered a net loss- your deductions are limited for expenses based on the fact that you live in the home and that it is both a residence and a rental. To determine how much you can deduct, add up the total number of days you lived in the home and the total number of days you rented the home. Then divide the number of days you used the home as a rental by the total number of days the home was used. So, for example, if you lived in the home for 10 days and you rented it for 40, then the total number of days the home was used was 50. Divide 40 (the days rented) by 50 (the total number) to get the percentage of expenses you can deduct. So, since 40/50 is equal to 80 percent, you can deduct 80 percent of your expenses.

Tags: days which, number days, rental property, total number, live home, total number days

Cool A Mobile Home With A Window Unit

If you live in a mobile home you most likely do not have a central air conditioner unit. However, due to the size of most mobile homes, this is not necessary. You can comfortably cool down the temperature of your home with a window air conditioner unit. This unit is going to run constantly, so the mobile home should always be at a comfortable temperature, no matter what time of day it is. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the size of your mobile home. This is going to help you select a proper air conditioner. If you live in a mobile home community you may want to ask the head office what the measurements are for your home.

2. Purchase and appropriate size air conditioner. On the side of the box it is going to state how many BTUs it produces. For a mobile home between 400 and 450 square feet you need one that produces 10,000 BTUs, 12,000 BTU for 450 to 550 square feet, 14,000 for 550 to 700 square feet, and 18,000 BTUs for 700 to 1000 square feet.

3. Find a window centrally located in your mobile home. This is going to help circulate the air better.

4. Open the window and rest the air conditioner on it. Make sure the lip around the conditioner is on the interior of the windowsill. Pull out the extenders of the air conditioner to fit the length of the window.

5. Close the window down so it fits securely into the groove on the top of the conditioner. This groove is made specifically for the insertion of the window. This helps support the AC and prevents it from falling.

6. Power on the AC and make sure all of the doors in the home are open (leave doors and windows leading to the exterior closed). Within a few hours the entire home should be at a comfortable temperature level.

Tags: mobile home, square feet, your mobile home, comfortable temperature, conditioner unit

Repair A Corrupt Media Center

Repair a Corrupt Media Center

Media Center is a component of the Windows Vista and 7 operating systems. The core files responsible for the functionality of this component are located in the Windows system folder. Several of these files are shared with other Windows components, such as the Media Player. Unfortunately, this means that Media Center cannot be independently reinstalled. But there are options available for users to repair a corrupt Media Center without resorting to reinstalling their operating system.

Instructions

Reset Windows Media Center

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously. Type "Appwiz.cpl" in the Run box and click "OK."

2. Click "Turn Windows Features on or off" on the left pane.

3. Click "Media Features" to expand a list of media-related components.

4. Click to remove the check in the box next to "Windows Media Center." Click the "Yes" button on the confirmation dialog.

5. Restart your computer.

6. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously. Type "Appwiz.cpl" in the Run box and click the "OK" button.

7. Click "Turn Windows Features on or off" on the left pane.

8. Click "Media Features" to expand the list of media-related components.

9. Click in the box next to "Windows Media Center" to restore the check-mark. Click the "Yes" button on the confirmation dialog.

10. Restart your computer again and then test Media Center. Continue reading if the problem persists.

Run System File Checker

11. Click "Start" and type "CMD" in the search box. This will display "CMD" in the search results list.

12. Right-click "CMD" and click "Run as Administrator." Click "Yes" on the User Account Control dialog box. This opens the Windows Command Prompt.

13. Type "SFC /Scannow" and press the "Enter" key. This runs the System File Checker. This utility automatically scans and replaces damaged operating system files.

14. Reboot your computer and test Media Center when the utility completes. Continue reading if the problem persists.

System Restore

15. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously.

16. Type "Rstrui.exe" and press the "Enter" key. This loads a System Restore dialog box on your screen.

17.Click the "Next" button at the bottom.

18. Select the earliest restore point from the list, and click the "Next" button.

19. Click the "Finish" button on the "Confirm your Restore Point" dialog box. The restore process restarts your computer and automatically restores your computer to an earlier point.

Tags: Media Center, your computer, keys simultaneously, keys simultaneously Type, Press Windows

Rules For Setting Up A Moble Home In Pennsylvania

Manufactured "mobile" homes must meet requirements by the DCED in Pennsylvania.

Rules and laws for installing a mobile home are governed under the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2004. The Department of Economic Community Development (DCED) governs and issues certificates and permits for manufactured homes. Pennsylvania laws and regulations require home retailers, installers and code officials to perform and comply with established codes and requirements. The state also adheres to guidelines set by the United States Housing and Urban Development Agency (HUD).

DCED Certified Installer Requirement

The State of Pennsylvania required that all manufactured (mobile) homes be installed by a Department of Community Economic Development (DCED) certified installer. These installers must have successfully completed DCED training courses. The homeowner cannot perform the installation unless they have been certified by the DCED.

Proper Grading of the Home Site

It is essential that the mobile home site be properly graded to provide runoff for ground water. Test and inspect for proper drainage and eliminate the possibility of water collecting during heavy rains and after snow.

Soil Support, Bearing Capacity and Stabilization

Your installer must be sure to accommodate your home for proper soil support, bearing capacity and stabilization. These are guidelines that make sure your home can withstand weather, aging and weight. Wind, rain, frost and snow can affect your floors, and shift the balance of your home as time progresses. Proper and professional expertise is needed to avoid these issues and prevent structural damage. Your installer must incorporate expertise in knowing anchor your home properly to prevent these occurrences.

Follow Home Assembly Instructions

Manufactured home retailers provide tested assembly instructions with their products, and base their warranties on the specifications they provide. It is imperative that your installer follow every step and detail of these instructions to protect your home and your investment.

Certificate of Compliance and Occupancy Permit

The Installer must obtain a "Certificate of Compliance" from the DCED. This certificate confirms that the installation meets State of Pennsylvania codes and regulations. Once the Certificate of Compliance has been granted, the installer will need to apply for the Occupancy Permit. The home cannot be occupied until after the compliance certificate and occupancy permit have been granted by the DCED.

Safeguards and Considerations

If you are the homeowner, exercise and demonstrate your interests in your mobile home investment. Be sure to make periodic site visits to check on progress. Confirm that proper certificates from the DCED have been obtained.

Manufactured homes are subject to many variables in terms of stabilization and the impact of weather. It is important that you resist the temptation to take cost-cutting shortcuts.

If you need additional professional help, consider hiring a licensed and experienced independent project manager to oversee the installation. This can provide you with additional confidence that your manufactured home installation has been performed to meet the requirements of the state of Pennsylvania and your needs as the homeowner.

Tags: your home, Certificate Compliance, have been, mobile home, been granted, Development DCED, from DCED