Get A Home Ready For An Appraisal

If you have a home that you are preparing to sell, you will need to have it appraised. An appraiser looks at your home and land to make an appraisal. He or she then reviews data on comparable homes in the area and later gives you an appraised value for the home. The objective of an appraisal is to get your home appraised at the highest value possible. Before you call up the local appraiser, there are some things you will want to do to get a high appraisal on your home.

Instructions

1. Give your home a thorough cleaning. You will want to make sure that your home is clean and uncluttered when the appraiser comes to look at it. The home doesn't need to be spotless, but the appraiser needs to be able to have a good sense of the size of the home, and any special features need to be visible. A good vacuuming and straightening up should be enough cleaning. As you work, be sure to make a note of anything you notice that needs to be repaired.

2. Perform maintenance. When the appraiser comes to look at your home, you want to be sure that everything is in proper working order. If you have any loose tiles, peeling wallpaper or the like, be sure to make such repairs before you have the home appraised. You can use common household tools, such as a screwdriver, wrench and hammer, to make simple repairs yourself.

3. Make a list of all remodeling you have had done before the appraiser comes. Remodeling may increase the value of your home, so it is important to point it out to the appraiser if it goes unnoticed. Some examples of value-adding remodels would be adding a Jacuzzi tub to your bathroom or making an unfinished basement into a rec room with a bar.

4. Go to your local county courthouse and get copies of your plot survey and house plans. You can use these items to find out the stated square footage of your home as well as the legal description of your property. You can give these copies to the appraiser for comparison, but the appraiser will still need to walk your land. You may have to pay a small fee for the copies; just ask the clerk at the courthouse about copying fees.

5. Gather copies of tax documents and inspection reports. If you do not have a copy, go to your local county courthouse and get a copy of the most recent tax assessment paperwork on the home. Also, obtain copies of any inspection reports for termites, septic systems and the like from the companies that handled those inspections if you do not already have a copy.

Tags: your home, appraiser comes, appraisal your, appraisal your home, appraiser comes look

Repair Subflooring In A Mobile Home

Repair Subflooring in a Mobile Home

The subflooring under the carpet or vinyl in your mobile home is likely made from a sheet of particle board. Particle board is constructed from sawdust and wood waste that is mixed with a special resin and pressed in a machine that forms it into sheets. The downside of using particle board for subflooring in a mobile home is the potential for water damage. When particle board comes in contact with water it becomes soft and weak and breaks down. You will know when subflooring repairs are necessary by the soft spot you feel as you walk over the floor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the carpet or vinyl floor covering to expose the subflooring from the area needing repairs. Cut sheet vinyl with a utility knife and peel it off the subflooring. Lift the corner of the carpet and roll it out of the way without cutting it. Scrape peel-and-stick vinyl tiles off the subflooring with a floor scraper or large putty knife.

2. Remove the damaged subflooring. Cut along the wall and the perimeter of the damaged area with a circular saw.

3. Remove the old screws with a drill or remove nails with a hammer. Pry the sections of particle board off the joists with a pry bar. Clean the area of all particle board and debris.

4. Remove any old nails, staples or screws from the top of the 2-by-4-inch joists. Scrape off old glue from the top of the joist surface with a floor scraper or putty knife. Clean up all debris from the area.

5. Measure the joists and cut 2-by-4-inch lumber to size with a circular saw to replace, repair or create joists. Reinforce existing joists by cutting 2-by-4-inch boards to size with a circular saw and screwing them to the old joist with a drill and 2-inch galvanized screws. Add or replace the floor insulation by cutting it to size and fitting it between the joists.

6. Measure the repair area and cut the 3/4-inch plywood to size with a circular saw. Run a bead of construction adhesive across the top of all exposed joists and place the plywood on top of the joists. Screw the plywood subflooring to the joists with a drill and 2-inch galvanized screws every 4 to 6 inches to secure it. Replace the floor covering.

Tags: particle board, with circular, size with, size with circular, with drill

Get A Home Loan While Selfemployed

Have income documentation on hand to secure a home loan.

Getting a home loan is more complicated for self-employed workers than for employees with a steady, straightforward income--but it's not impossible. It simply requires a little extra bookkeeping and homework. In order to prove your self-employment income, you will have to go to greater lengths than you would if you were getting a regular paycheck from someone else. Some banks also may require you to make a larger down payment. Plan ahead and be prepared.

Instructions

1. Produce business income tax returns for the past two years. Bankers see income from your business as a vital indicator of your ability to repay a mortgage. However, your business tax return may present a Catch-22: Most businesses deduct every possible expense to minimize profits for tax purposes, but mortgage lenders want to see a high net profit before they give you a large loan.

2. Present the financials of your business. Banks want to see that your business will continue to provide you income in the future. Current balance sheets and year-to-date income statements, viewed alongside business tax returns, can identify trends of growth or decline in your business.

3. Provide your personal income tax returns for the past two years. Banks want to see documentation about your personal income as well as your business income. If you have income from a source other than your business, such as a spouse's employment, the bank may feel you are in a better position to repay a large loan.

4. Assure truthfulness in all figures. Banks are particularly leery of fraudulent or inaccurate financial information from self-employed loan applicants. Never fudge the numbers to try to get a loan. It may be illegal. Moreover, if you get caught it is almost certain that the mortgage will be denied.

Tags: your business, Banks want, business income, home loan, income from

Repair A Wood Bay Window Frame

Bay window frames exposed to the elements sometimes crack or break.

Bay windows add an architectural element to a house or building. A standard bay window runs against three walls; a front and two slightly diagonal sidewalls. Exposed to excessive sunlight, rain and snow, exterior wooden frames are bound to crack or break, despite layers of protective coating. A damaged bay window frame is not only aesthetically unpleasing, but serves as an architectural hazard that warrants immediate attention. You need to replace the entire frame if a large portion of it is damaged. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Position a sturdy ladder on the ground against the side of the house so you access the bay window. Climb the ladder and inspect the extent of wood damage of the window's frame. Extensive damage or that which covers more than 10 percent of the framing is considered a safety hazard that requires immediate replacement.

2. Drill through the damaged section of the wood frame until you reach dry wood underneath. You want to remove as much of the rotted wood as possible, creating a hollow in the bay window frame. Use a drill to hollow out the damaged section from the middle and work your way outward to the edges. However, work carefully so you only remove the damaged sections.

3. Insert a paintbrush into a can of wood preservative. Apply an even coat of preservative over the hollowed sections of the frame. If required, use a small paintbrush or your gloved finger to work the preservative into crevices or dips in the framing. Also coat the area 2 inches beyond the hollowed section with the preservative.

4. Insert the edge of a putty knife into the container of wood putty and pile it over the hollowed section of the frame. Press the putty lightly so it covers the entire surface. Continue to add layers of putty to the hollowed section of the wood frame until it falls flush with the surrounding surface.

5. Wipe the top of the putty with the edge of the putty knife to smooth it out. Allow the putty to cure and adhere to the surrounding wood surface according to the time specified on the label directions.

6. Sand the repaired section lightly to smooth out the putty and blend it with the surrounding wood surface. Move your hand in small circular motions when rubbing the putty with fine-grit sandpaper.

7. Apply two coats of exterior-grade wood paint over the surface of the wood bay window frame. Allow each coat to dry in between. This practice blends the repaired section with the remaining frame and serves as a protective coating.

Tags: hollowed section, window frame, crack break, damaged section, edge putty, edge putty knife

Help The Elderly Avoid Foreclosure

Contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of the elderly.

With the rising cost of food, housing and medical expenses, many seniors are finding it hard to make ends meet. This is compounded with mortgage loans that many of our seniors signed for without understanding the details of the loan. As a result, homes that have been owned for generations are being lost to foreclosure. The elderly are being displaced, and some even become homeless. There are a few things you can do to help the elderly save their homes.

Instructions

1. An HUD-approved counselor will assist you for free.

Talk to a counselor approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Programs for homeowners who are facing foreclosure include Making Home Affordable, the loan modification program developed by the Obama administration. Seniors will need assistance in preparing the paperwork. You will need to start by writing a hardship letter. This letter will explain the situation of the senior in detail. Loan modifications are lender specific. You will need to contact the lender to see what documentation they need to start the process.

2. Seniors older than 62 can apply for a reverse mortgage.

Apply for a reverse mortgage. This is a way homeowners age 62 and older can convert a part of their home equity into cash without having to sell the home. This also is a way of stopping the foreclosure process. The proceeds can be used to catch up the mortgage and provide extra cash to the homeowner. Consult with a HUD-approved counselor to discuss this option.

3. Call the loss mitigator for mortgage options.

Contact the loss mitigation department for the lender. Loss mitigation specialists provide options to avoid foreclosure. The lender may be able to offer a program that will put the amount overdue on the back end, making the loan current. If the senior can no longer afford the home based on income, you still can work out a plan based on the current income that can be negotiated in a two- or five-year term.

4. Sell the home and relocate to affordable housing.

Sell the home. The income from the sale of the home can be used to find more affordable housing for the senior. Struggling with a payment that is not affordable will put the senior in a reoccurring situation. The sale of the home would bring financial security and peace of mind. Contact a local real estate agent for options of selling and relocating.

Tags: will need, affordable housing, Department Housing, Department Housing Urban, Housing Urban, Housing Urban Development

Buy A Foreclosed House In Austin Texas

Austin foreclosures can be a tremendous value for buyers.

According to a September 2010 article published in the Austin Business Journal, one out of every 536 homes in Austin, Texas was in danger of foreclosure as of August, which is a 27 percent increase from the same time the prior year. When inventory is plentiful, foreclosures are a bargain.

Finding an Agent

All Austin bank foreclosures require real estate agent involvement in the transaction unless a buyer is purchasing the property at a foreclosure auction. Real estate agents can utilize the Multiple Listing Service to help buyers locate foreclosures in their chosen area, simplifying the search process.

When selecting a real estate agent, a buyer can select their own buyer's agent or use the services of the agent that has the property listed for sale. Buyer representation is free, as the seller--regardless of the buyer's selection--compensates the real estate agent.

Transaction

A foreclosure home transaction is similar to a retail transaction inasmuch as the initial documentation submitted with an offer is largely the same. The key differences are that the buyer will be negotiating price and other information directly with the bank as opposed to a private seller, and that the bank might require addenda to the contract to close the transaction. This will vary from bank to bank.

Considerations

Foreclosed properties are not always eligible for all types of loans. Some foreclosures are eligible for a cash-only purchase agreement and not eligible for any type of financing. A real estate agent will be able to find the types of funding available in a specific foreclosure purchase before previewing the property.

Tags: estate agent, real estate agent, real estate, Austin Texas

Build An Ecofriendly House

More people are choosing to go eco-friendly when building their house. Not only are eco-friendly homes good for the environment and the future of our planet, but they also have many advantages for the homeowner such as lower utility costs and healthier air quality. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Do the math. Deciding to build an eco-friendly house will cost you on average five to twenty percent more over the cost of standard construction. Research the eco-friendly features you are considering putting into your home and the average savings they should realize you on your utility bills to see how many years of utility savings it will take to recover the extra costs.

2. Choose eco-friendly materials when building your house. Materials that are locally produced, natural, sustainable, and require minimal processing when they are manufactured. Use non-toxic, safe materials and purchase only what you need. Plan your work so you don't over buy materials.

3. Install water saving devices in your home on the sinks, showers and the flush of the toilet. Reuse water by installing a rain water tank for flushing the toilet, doing laundry and watering the gardens.

4. Use energy from the sun. Install large double panel windows on the northern side of the house. Consider installing solar panels for heating water.

5. Insulate the house well for energy efficiency. Install double insulation in the ceilings to hold the heat from the sun.

6. Purchase only energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Get the most energy efficient household appliances that you can afford.

7. Create healthy indoor air quality by only using only materials and paint which allow air to penetrate. Avoid carpets and other dust catching materials in the house by installing hard word floors.

Tags: energy efficient, when building, your home

Fix Rust Holes On A Car Door

Regular washing and attention to scrapes can help prevent rust.

Rust holes are both repairable and preventable. Regular washing and attention to scrapes can help prevent rust. Immediately addressing the smallest rust spot will keep it from eating away at the metal of your car.

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the hole. If the hole is more than a few inches in diameter, consider replacing the panel.

2. Cover everything but your work area with a cloth or paper tarp and painter's tape, which won't harm your car's finish.

3. Grind around the hole with a sanding wheel, starting in a circular motion. Remove large patches of rust and decaying metal. Grind in intervals of a few seconds at a time, and don't apply too much pressure.

4. Remove any remaining rust with a grinding wheel and smooth the surrounding area down to bare metal.

5. Apply Evapo-Rust to the back of the hole and the surrounding metal to eliminate rust in any areas you were unable to sand.

6. Use Bondo, a fiberglass fille, to fill the hole. If the hole is large, work a small piece of wire mesh behind the hole and then apply the Bondo. Allow the area to fully dry.

7. Sand the area by hand.

8. Clean the area completely and allow it to dry.

9. Prime, dry, then wet-sand the area. Allow it to dry completely.

10. Spray-paint the area with the manufacturer's recommended color.

Tags: area with, attention scrapes, attention scrapes help, help prevent, help prevent rust, hole hole

Repair A Crack In Stained Glass

Repair a Crack in Stained Glass

Stained glass is beautiful to look at and enjoyable to create. However, it is incredibly fragile. Even the smallest cracks in stained glass can be worrisome, especially for fear that the crack may spread and destroy the artwork. Instead of hiding the stained glass in your garage or somewhere else it won't be seen, simply repair the crack. In only three to five hours, you can have your stained glass nearly as good as new. Using a few items that you likely already have at home and following a few steps will have you on your way to fixing the crack.

Instructions

1. Pour approximately 1/8 cup of baking soda into the bowl. Add two to three drops of the liquid ink to the baking soda and mix them together thoroughly. Check the color to see if it matches the color of the cracked glass pane. Add additional ink if the mixture is too light. Add additional baking soda if the mixture is too dark.

2. Apply super glue to the crack on the stained glass.

3. Spoon the colored baking soda over the super glue. Tilt the stained glass to pour off the excess baking soda. If you are repairing a vertical window, hold a cake pan underneath the crack to catch the excess baking soda. Within a few seconds, the baking soda and super glue will form a putty.

4. Spread the baking soda and super glue putty along the crack with your finger. Act quickly because the putty will solidify in a few minutes.

5. Clean off any putty around the crack with a damp rag. Do this immediately, before the putty has a chance to solidify.

6. Scrape off any putty above the surface of the stained glass with the razor blade. This tends to work best when the razor blade is held at approximately a 45-degree angle.

7. Allow the stained glass several hours to dry before moving it. After three to five hours, the putty will harden and fill in the crack in the stained glass.

Tags: baking soda, stained glass, super glue, baking soda super, crack stained, crack stained glass, Crack Stained Glass

Get A Higher Appraisal

If you're thinking of putting a piece of real estate on the market, you may be wondering come up with a profitable asking price. For many sellers, the first step is to contact an appraiser to find out the true value of the property. A higher appraisal equates to a higher asking price and eventual selling price. There are some things you can do to get a higher appraisal.

Instructions

1. Start with a good, deep cleaning. Scrub the dingy spots, dust for cobwebs and remove any clutter. Your deep cleaning should be done inside, outside and around the yard.

2. Touch up paint and repair any parts of the house that are broken or in disrepair

3. Visit your county clerk or county recorders website to find recent selling prices of property in your neighborhood. Have these on hand when your appraiser arrives.

4. Look up the plot plan or a recent survey of your house and land if you can. An appraiser may want to reference it.

5. Dig out maintenance records and system analyses for things such as septic systems, wells and structural reviews. The more informed the appraiser is, the better the appraisal will be.

6. Create a bulleted list of major improvements and upgrades, including installation or application dates and costs.

7. Spend a few minutes and a few dollars planting some colorful flowers. If you have brown thumbs, pick up a few pre-potted flowering plants from the local garden center and place near entryways.

8. Interview appraisers, seeking one with experience appraising real estate in your expected price range and area.

9. Inform your appraiser if a home in your area sold far under or over market value and why. Upgrades like recently replaced wood floors or carpet, heated floors, new wood stove or solar power capabilities may not be part of the closing record but can significantly alter the selling price of a home.

10. Make sure all parts of the house and property are accessible. An appraiser will need to see the inside as well as out, so make sure all entries and exits are easy to get to.

Tags: asking price, deep cleaning, higher appraisal, parts house, real estate

Government Grants For Buying Historic Homes

HUD offers a home buying program that includes repairs and rehab.

Confucius said, "The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes." Older homes have a sense of place and history that deserves preservation. However, many times these homes are in dire need of repair and updating. Many potential home buyers are reluctant to take on such a huge task without some financial help. There are resources out there for buying and preserving historic homes.

Federal

There is a federal program for individuals that plan to purchase a historic home. The program is called the section 203(k) program with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Although not an outright grant, this is a program that allows home buyers to factor in some repair and rehabilitation projects into their mortgages. Typically, when purchasing a home in need of repair, the home buyer would have to secure financing for the home itself and also secure separate financing for the repairs needed. With the section 203(k) program, home buyers can secure financing for the projected value of the home after the repairs and updates are completed. The section 203(k) program is not specifically set up for historic properties, but it is a wonderful option for those considering the purchase of a historic property in need of repair.

State

When considering the purchase of a historic home, contacting your state historic preservation office, or SHPO, is the perfect place to start. The SHPO will be able to give you information regarding any historic home purchase programs your state may have. The SHPO will also be able to give you information regarding rehabilitation tax credits that are available. There are currently 25 states that have a rehabilitation tax credit available to owner-occupied historic residences. These credits won't likely be useful until after you purchase a historic home, but being able to ascertain what your financial options are before the purchase can be very helpful.

Local

Your local preservation organizations may also have programs or financial assistance available to those that are trying to buy and preserve a historic home. Contacting these offices can give you more information about historic home purchasing and preservation in your area. The primary purpose of these organizations is to see historic buildings preserved and maintained in their own neighborhoods. They may even have knowledge about special financing with local mortgage companies and local tax credits.

Easement

Once you have made the decision to purchase a historic home, there may be a financial incentive available to you via a preservation easement. This is a private legal interest in your home that you would transfer to a preservation organization or government entity. These easements protect the historic integrity of the home and can help with a corresponding tax benefit like a yearly charitable contribution deduction.

Tags: historic home, purchase historic, purchase historic home, home buyers, need repair, section program, able give

Convert A Metric Ton To A Price Per Bushel

You can convert metric tons to bushels to better understand the price of agricultural products.

A bushel is a unit of measurement used mostly in agriculture in the United States. Traditionally, a bushel measures volume, but it is increasingly used to measure weight, too. How much a bushel weighs depends on the commodity being weighed. For example, a bushel of oats equals 32 pounds. A metric ton is the French "Systeme Internationale" (SI) unit for weight. It is equal to 1,000 kg. You can convert metric tons to bushels to better understand the price of agricultural products. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Multiply 1,000 kg by 2.2 pounds to convert 1 metric ton to pounds, since 1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds. This will equal 2,200 pounds.

2. Divide 2,200 pounds by 32 pounds, using the bushel of oats as an example. This will equal 68.75 bushels of oats in 1 metric ton.

3. Divide the price per metric ton of oats--in this example, $50--by 68.75 to calculate the price per bushel. That would equal 73 cents per bushel.

Tags: agricultural products, better understand, better understand price, bushel oats, bushels better, bushels better understand

File Taxes For A Daycare Business Owner

Income from a daycare business is taxable.

A daycare business owner must file taxes every year. All income earned by the business must be reported, but daycare-related expenses can be deducted to reduce the owner's income and tax liability. The daycare business might even be entitled to a tax refund. With well-organized records and expense receipts, filing taxes for the business should be a straightforward process.

Instructions

Choose Forms

1. File IRS Form 1040 if you are a sole proprietor, meaning you own the business by yourself. You will have to attach Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ to report the profits and losses from your business as well as Schedule SE, which is used to report self-employment tax. Other forms and schedules may be required depending on the specifics of your daycare business.

2. File Form 1065 if your daycare business is structured as a partnership rather than a sole proprietorship. If you had employees working for you at any time during the year, you will have to file additional tax forms and pay applicable federal and state payroll taxes on those individuals. A partnership may be required to file other forms as well, depending on the day-to-day activities of the business.

3. File IRS Form 1120 if your daycare business is structured as a corporation. If your business is an S corporation, you'll file Form 1120S and any applicable schedules. You will probably have to file a personal income tax return as well.

Calculate Your Taxes

4. Report all of the income received by the daycare business, including child care payments from parents and other fees the business may have charged. If the daycare sold tickets to a carnival or talent showcase, you'll need to report the income from those activities as well. Include any funding you received from local, state or federal programs as reimbursements or subsidies.

5. Calculate and deduct daycare-related business expenses on your tax return. You can include what you paid to operate your business including wages, rent and utilities for your premises, furnishings, meals, paper products, toys, art supplies and various other business expenses.

6. Add the cost of repairs and maintenance on the building that houses your daycare facility to your expenses. This can include the costs of repairing or replacing doors and windows, repainting daycare areas and purchasing cleaning supplies.

7. Claim a tax deduction for business use of your home if you operated the daycare in your residence. According to the IRS, a daycare may qualify for this deduction if the owner's home was the primary site of its operations. You can also deduct expenses for a room or rooms used for the business that you also used for other purposes when the daycare was closed.

8. Deduct IRS-allowed expenses for a vehicle used solely for daycare purposes or pro rate and deduct a portion of the costs attributed to your use of the vehicle for business purposes. For example, if you used a car to transport children, shop for daycare supplies or attend meetings related to the business, you may be able to deduct certain costs for these uses.

9. Add insurance and licensing fees to your deductible expenses if you paid them in the tax year for which you are filing.

10. Finish filling out the tax return according to the instructions provided with the form. Sign and date the return and mail it with your check, if you owe taxes.

Tags: daycare business, your daycare, File Form, your business, your daycare business

Homeowner Grants For Home Improvement

Home improvement financing is not always loan-based. For emergency home repairs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has introduced grants for low-income families to provide quick financial assistance. The government also provides home renovation grants for elderly and disabled. The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides home grants for improving, repairing, modernizing or removing safety and health hazards. According to Homefurnish.com, finding home improvement grants is more difficult than finding a home repair grant. However, there are a few ways you can locate a grant for home improvement. Does this Spark an idea?

Types of Grants

According to Governmentgrants.com, the difference between a loan and a grant is that the money you receive from a loan is to be returned to the government or the financial institution, however, the grant money is not to be repaid. Some of the basic home improvement grants being offered are emergency home improvement grants, moving and construction grants, home improvement grants for interior and exterior improvements, repairs, renovations and maintenance, home improvement grants for roofing, plumbing and electrical work, home improvement grants for remodeling, expanding and adapting your home, energy efficiency home improvement grants for heating and cooling, home improvement grants and down payment, and housing vouchers.

Locating Grant

The process of locating a home improvement grant varies from state to state because of the varying policies of local governments. You might have local lending companies offering their services for assisting you with the search. Moreover, there are online companies who would charge you for locating the appropriate home improvement grant and other types of financial assistance.

Non-Profit Organizations

You can also find a grant with the help of non-profit organizations. For instance, there are many urban localities throughout the United States that have Fair Housing Resource Center--a non-profit organization that offers housing programs for people. Similar organizations deal chiefly with discrimination issues; however, they also provide assistance in showing the right direction to people looking for home improvement grants.

Local Municipality

Another alternative for finding a home renovation grant is through local municipality. There are some cities that offer grants for emergency repair. These grants are quite similar to home improvement grants. These grants are offered to people from low-income groups to deal with urgent problems, such as broken furnace and leaking roof.

Tags: home improvement, home improvement grants, improvement grants, finding home, home improvement, emergency home, financial assistance

Apply For The Ontario Home Renovation Tax Credit

Canada is providing a tax credit to those who make home renovations in 2009.

Making renovations to your home can increase the value of your home over the long run. It can also stimulate the economy through hiring construction workers and purchasing goods and materials. Further, green renovations can decrease the amount of energy consumed and reduce the cost of home ownership. Canada has provided the Home Renovation Tax Credit to encourage homeowners to make renovations and stimulate the economy. This incentive is only temporary and may or may not be provided to residents of Ontario and Canada's other provinces in future years.

Instructions

1. Review the renovations that you made to your home between Jan. 27, 2009, and Feb. 1, 2010. Among other things, these may include new flooring, new windows, a home security system or a retaining wall. Keep in mind that general repair and maintenance are not considered renovation.

2. Gather up any receipts, invoices or bank statements related to the renovation(s) made to your home. These receipts can include building materials and the hiring of contractors and other construction workers. You will not need to send these in with your taxes, but you may be required to present them at a later time.

3. Calculate your total expenditures using Schedule 12 and attach that form to your return.

4. Place the total home renovation expenses you calculated using Schedule 12 on line 368 of your Schedule 1, 2009 Federal Tax return. You'll be able to claim 15 percent of the expenditures that exceed $1,000 but do not exceed $10,000. The maximum amount that can be claimed is $1,350.

5. Apply for the credit by sending your completed tax return to the appropriate Canada Revenue Agency regional office or use the agency's electronic Netfile system.

Tags: your home, construction workers, Home Renovation Credit, made your, made your home

Start A Water Damage Restoration Business

While water damage can be devastating to a home's structure, there may also be a number of hidden, equally devastating effects such as mold, poor air quality, odors and insect and rodent issues. As a water damage restoration technician, you'll need to be able to quickly identify and rectify the cause of the water damage and the devastating effects. Additionally, your business may service homes damaged by fire and smoke and take care of general contracting issues.

Instructions

1. Identify a need within your community. If another business within your area provides water damage services, compete by offering additional services not covered by the competition. Other services you might provide include mold remediation, flood work, fire damage restoration, water emergency services, cleaning, smoke and odor elimination, dehumidification, sewage cleanups, debris removal, repairs, water extraction, sanitization, crawl space drying, carpet cleaning and structural drying. Additionally, offer 24-hour service.

2. Obtain certifications for each specialty that you and your contractors will provide. Dri-Eaz offers a number of restorative drying certifications and is approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certificate (IICRC), a non-profit certification body. Other certifications to consider are the Water Damage Restoration Technician, the Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician, the Odor Control Technician and the Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician.

3. Contact your county clerk to obtain a business license and a construction permit, if necessary. Obtain liability insurance and bonding coverage.

4. Purchase fast dryers, commercial carpet cleaners, dehumidifiers, deodorizing fogger, air scrubbers, water extraction tools for walls and floors and moisture detectors. Dryers range from about $400 to $35,000 for trailer mounted systems. Some dryers come equipped with dehumidification, spot cooling and heating. Purchase safety goggles, gloves, steel toed boots and uniforms.

5. Purchase a commercial vehicle. On it, paint your company's name, logo and telephone number, as well as the fact that you are insured and certified.

6. Build contacts with insurance companies and brokers to help ease the claims process for your customers.

7. Join a water damage network such as Dryout, Inc. to garner more business referrals.

8. Learn bid on contracts in your county.

Tags: damage devastating, Damage Restoration, Damage Restoration Technician, devastating effects, Restoration Technician, water damage

Government Grants For Lowincome Homeowners

Government programs help homeowners pay for home energy improvements.

Funding cuts have led to the elimination of numerous grant programs that local, state and federal governments once offered to low-income homeowners. Remaining programs typically provide funding to help homeowners make energy improvements, fund down payments for home purchases or make home improvements to eliminate health and safety threats. Government grant guidelines typically require homeowners to meet income requirements to qualify, and programs available vary depending on location.

Rural Home Grants

The Rural Development division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers grants for homeowners in rural areas. The Individual Water and Waste Water Grant program offers grants up to $5,000, at the time of publication, to help homeowners install plumbing, connect water or waste water lines or pay hook-up fees for utility services. The program only offers funding to homeowners living in certain communities in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California. The USDA's Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grant program helps very low-income households pay for home repairs or renovations related to safety and health hazards. The program only offers grants to homeowners 62 years of age and older. Senior citizens who qualify can receive grants up to $7,500, or a maximum of $27,500 in a combination of grant and loan assistance.

Energy Grants

Certain state programs offer grants to help homeowners pay for home energy improvements. New York State, for example, provides subsidies for homeowners to help pay for energy improvements using products approved by the Energy Star program. The program extends eligibility to homeowners with a household income at or below 80 percent of the statewide or local median income. Participants can receive subsidies up to 50 percent of improvement costs, with a cap of $5,000 per household, at the time of publication. Low-income homeowners also may qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which offers free energy-related home improvements. The U.S. Department of Energy funds the WAP, which local government and nonprofit agencies administer.

Home Improvement Grants

Few home improvement grant programs remain. However, a limited number of local and state governments offer grants to help eliminate blight and improve living conditions in low-income communities. The South Central Kansas Economic Development District, for instance, sponsors the Housing Rehabilitation for Low-Income Areas program, which offers funding for homeowners living in certain communities in Kansas. The program awards funds to counties and cities, which in turn make funds available to homeowners. To qualify, the homeowner's property must need improvements to eliminate safety or health hazards, and the program typically caps funding at $2,000 per homeowner.

Down Payment Grants

Few government programs offer grants to help homeowners make a down payment for a new home, with the exception of a limited number of programs sponsored by local governments. Mobile County, Alabama, for instance, offers a down payment program for first-time home buyers. The program makes grants ranging between $1,000 and $10,000, at the time of publication, to home buyers who provide at least $500 of their own money toward the down payment on a home. Candidates must meet income and residency requirements, and the program only offers funding for single-family homes.

Tags: help homeowners, energy improvements, down payment, grants help, offer grants

Repair A Vintage Typewriter

Thoroughly cleaning your typewriter may repair minor functional problems.

As typewriters become increasingly rare, finding a valuable gem at an antique shop or garage sale is a thrill. Unfortunately, these typewriters are usually old and rarely function as they should. Surprisingly, many vintage typewriters don't work due to rust and grime--problems that a cleaning easily remedies. Other problems require careful fixing. Finding typewriter repairmen and tools is a challenge in this age of technology, but you can make many minor repairs with items found at most hardware and office supply stores. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean your typewriter to solve functioning problems caused by dirt build-up. Add a few drops of liquid hand dishwashing soap to a bowl of water. Dip a cloth in the solution and wipe down the typewriter. Work the solution into the crevices with Q-tips and an old toothbrush.

2. Apply aluminum polish to remove rust. This may eliminate some functional problems, such as keys that stick.

3. Dribble a small amount of sewing machine oil into the crevices of your typewriter. According to "Reader's Digest," this especially helps keys that don't rise up to hit the platen, which is the roller part of the typewriter where the paper sits.

4. Hit every key to make sure that it doesn't stick. Untangle letter bars and straighten type bars. If a type bar stays up in the air after you release the corresponding key, grip it with pliers and gently bend it from side to side until it is repositioned to fall back into place.

5. Wipe the platen gently with an emery cloth if paper consistently slips while you're typing. You'll notice this if the spacing between lines is not consistent. Rotate the platen as you rub to reach all sides. Attach a hose attachment to your vacuum cleaner and vacuum up leftover sandings. Rub the platen with denatured alcohol to finish.

6. Insert a new ribbon if you notice faint print when you type. Take off the top of the typewriter, replace the old spools with the new spools and thread the ribbon into place.

Tags: your typewriter, functional problems, into crevices, into place, keys that

Repair Foreclosed Homes For Banks

Any home may fall into foreclosure.

When a home goes into foreclosure, it often is neglected by the outgoing homeowners because they are no longer motivated to keep it clean and in repair. Since a bank is not in the business of repairing or reselling homes, it relies on outside contractors to get the job done right. Most repairs for any foreclosure are very simple and consist of cleaning, removing trash and replacing drywall.

Instructions

1. Assess the property inside and out. Take special note of cosmetic damages to floors, walls and ceilings. They are the first things buyers will want to inspect. Also, inspect the roof, foundation, plumbing and electrical installations for major problems.

2. Make a list of the problems with the home and include your best estimates for repairing each problem. Keep in mind that banks do not expect contractors to conduct major repairs unless they specify this. Most foreclosed homes are sold as is.

3. Remove all the trash from the inside of the home, including the basement, crawl spaces and attics. Contact a junk removal service to do this for free (1-800-Got-Junk is an example) if there is a large amount of old stuff still in the home.

4. Remove damaged drywall and plaster using a crowbar and nail puller and replace with fresh drywall of the same thickness (usually 1/2-inch drywall is used in homes). Prime and then repaint the walls to match the original color.

5. Clean all floors and replace linoleum flooring where necessary. Install a fresh layer of linoleum over existing damaged or stained flooring using a flooring adhesive.

6. Remove and replace damaged floor or ceiling moldings using a crowbar, and pneumatic nailer. Paint the new moldings to match the existing moldings. This may require taking a sample of the molding to a paint store to get a true match.

Tags: into foreclosure, using crowbar

Purchase A Foreclosed Home With Low Income

Purchase a home with low income.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides affordable homes for low- to moderate-income home buyers. HUD manages Federal Housing Administration (FHA) properties that result in foreclosure. All HUD-owned properties were acquired via FHA foreclosures and are priced to sell at fair market value. Through an FHA loan, you can purchase a foreclosed home with low income and a low down payment.

Instructions

1. Get pre-approved to buy a home. Visit the Ditech and Lending Tree websites to apply for a mortgage loan. Your income, assets and credit rating will be reviewed to determine your home-buying power.

2. Visit the HUD website to locate homes for sale. Select your state and choose your counties of interest. Make a list of homes you qualify for, based on your pre-approval.

3. Locate HUD-approved real estate agents on the HUD website. Schedule an appointment with one to view your selection of homes. Your agent can make arrangements to view the properties of your choice. Having a list of homes of interest will give your agent an idea of the types of properties you desire. Also, your pre-approval will reflect the loan amount for which you qualify.

4. Submit an offer to purchase a HUD home. Discuss the price you are prepared to pay with your real estate agent. HUD will generally accept the highest net offer; however, your bid should include the purchase price, closing costs and repairs.

5. Inform your mortgage lender when you have an accepted contract. You will need to submit items as requested. A mortgage lender will process your loan documents to achieve final approval.

Tags: home with income, list homes, mortgage lender, real estate, your pre-approval

Get A Free Donated Car

People donate used cars to nonprofit organizations in return for a tax write-off. Some nonprofit organizations turn around and sell those cars to help raise money for specific program needs. Other organizations, however, give those cars away to people who are in need. When you know where to look to get a free donated car, half your journey is already complete.

Instructions

1. Contact charitable organizations that give cars to people in need such as military veterans or those needing transportation for continuous medical treatment. Check out Free Charity Cars and Online Car Donation. You must meet program requirements to get a car from one of these organizations.

Free Charity Cars only requires you to set up a profile page and explain why you are in need of a car. Cars are donated based on the amount of votes generated from your profile. Online Car Donations give cars to women survivors of abuse, military families, homeless families, the physically challenged and families who are transitioning off public assistance. Domestic violence and homeless shelters are also known to give donated cars to people who are in need.

2. Complete all paperwork the organization requires. Generally, this is just an application to get the donation process started. The application will ask questions about your household size, income, assets and resources.

3. Provide all of the required documentation to the charitable organization such as a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, proof of income or proof that you lack income. If you receive government assistance as a result of your low income, provide proof of the government assistance.

4. Wait to receive your donated car. You may receive the car right away, or you may be placed on a waiting list; it depends on the organization.

Tags: people need, cars people, cars people need, Charity Cars, Free Charity

Get A Free Computer

The goal of putting a computer in every home is coming closer to fruition as a bevy of organizations make free computers available to low-income families and the elderly. But actually getting your hands on one of those free computers may not be in the cards if you don't live in the right state or meet specific qualifications.

Instructions

1. Agree to pay a bit more to access the Internet, and you'll discover several companies that are anxious to give you a free computer. You may also have to visit websites generating ads for their clients. A couple of the companies that fall into this category can be found in the Resources section.

2. Agree to stroll through a bunch of advertisements everytime you surf the web, and you'll discover there are several companies that will give you a free computer. Many are totally free, including Internet access and e-mail.

3. Receive a free computer or Web TV if you are a disabled veteran without making any commitment for Internet service or paying other monthly fees. See the Resources section for more details.

4. Obtain a free computer if you are part of a low-income family. There are tons of places that are willing to hand out these computers, but most will only provide them to families living in their local areas. Examples of this type of service can be found in the Resource section.

5. Meet specific criteria and, if you're a senior citizen, you can get a free computer. Sometimes there's a small fee involved (like shipping and handling), but these computers are totally free for the elderly. You should also check with organizations in your area for free PCs.

Tags: free computer, companies that, free computers, give free, give free computer, Resources section, several companies

Get A Free Car To Go To Work

Get a Free Car To Go To Work

A car can be a major if not impossible expense for families in need. With a lowering economy and jobs few and far between many families need travel further then before and may need a car to get there.

Instructions

1. In order to qualify for a free car through many programs you most to show that you as soon as you get a car or way to get to work you will find a job immediately. In some cases they will give you a said amount of time to find a job, usually six months before the car would be given to someone else in need that is able to find a job. After you find a job most programs allow you to keep the car.

2. Check with family services, many programs that gather donated cars to give to individuals needing a car to get to work will give first to families through the state's family service division.

3. Contact your local career center a request information on local programs for a free car. If they do not have a program of their own they will know who to call. It is important to go through the career center because most programs will not even talk to a individual unless they are referred by the career center a being a individual ready to work.

4. Be patient and use all resources possible to find a job a get there everyday. Those with a job will be more likely to get a car. However if the job is possible to get to through public transportation be prepared for them just to offer you help in paying the fees. If their is problems in this such as you would not be able to pick up kids in time for school, medical condition, or the public transportation does not work around hours given by the employer let the program know.

5. Stay in touch with the program adviser and keep them advice of your status. Each program is funded in a variety of ways, most involve some sort of government funding. In order to keep funding they must show the program is a success in getting low income workers past barriers and to work. So advisers must choose participants that they believe will benefit and use the free car as intended to keep the program afloat.

6. See resources below for more information get free grant money government to pay off debt..

Tags: career center, families need, Free Work, many programs, most programs, public transportation, they will

Get A Free Car For Lowincome Families

Every family needs transportation

Having a vehicle is an important part of life; sadly, many families find themselves without a car when facing financial hardships. Without transportation, it can be difficult or even impossible to keep a job or continue with school, leaving those without a car unable to improve their situation. Thankfully, there are several ways for low-income families to get a car for free.

Instructions

1. Contact a local church or religious organization. Tell them about your financial situation, and find out if they have or know of any donated vehicles that you could obtain. Larger churches are more likely to have donation programs.

2. Locate a nearby Goodwill and contact them to discover if they have any free cars available. Often, people donate their vehicles to Goodwill for tax purposes; these vehicles are then given to low-income families.

3. Contact local organizations that ask for car donations to find out receive a donated vehicle from them. You can find the contact information for such organizations online.

4. Enter online sweepstakes to win a car. Winning a car is unlikely, but someone has to win, so you might as well put yourself in the running. Search for reputable online sweepstakes where you can enter for a chance to win a car. Even if you don't win, it's worth a try.

5. Look for a job that offers a company car to workers. Some businesses offer their employees a car to drive; while this vehicle may come with certain stipulations about how you can use it or how much you can drive it, it will still provide you with transportation to work until you have funds to purchase something else.

Tags: Contact local, low-income families, online sweepstakes, they have

Change The Battery In A Craftsman Garage Door Opener

Change the Battery in a Craftsman Garage Door Opener

The small lithium battery in your Craftsman garage door opener is designed to last a long time (approximately five years). Nevertheless, there will come a time when the remote's battery needs to be replaced. You can purchase a replacement battery at many electronic stores because it's very similar to the battery in most automotive keyless remote fobs. In most cases, a non-functional remote means the battery is dead. The remote may need to be reprogrammed after battery replacement; see the Tips section for programming assistance. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the metal visor clip from the Craftsman garage door opener. Locate the small slot on the remote's side.

2. Insert the edge of the visor clip into the slot. Turn the clip to pry open the garage door opener.

If your remote is missing its visor clip, you can also use a small flat-head screwdriver to pry it open.

3. Pry out the old battery with your finger; do not use a tool--this could damage the terminal.

4. Insert the new battery in its place. Make sure the positive sign (+) is facing up.

5. Position the top half of the Craftsman garage door opener on the bottom half. Press the two halves together to snap the remote back together.

Tags: door opener, garage door, Craftsman garage door, garage door opener, visor clip, Battery Craftsman, Battery Craftsman Garage

Replace Stereo Receiver Fuses

The fuse in an electronic device is one of your main lines of protection, safeguarding your gear from damage that may be caused by excessive current input or short circuits. While most home audio receivers do not have user-serviceable fuses, there a limited number of models that do. If your fuse needs replaced you can take care of it quickly and easily.

Instructions

1. Examine the back of your receiver for a fuse socket. The most common sign that a fuse may be blown is the inability of the receiver to power up. Check the outlet your receiver is plugged into first, to make sure that it's live. If it is, and the receiver won't turn on you can look for the fuse.

2. Examine the back of the receiver for a small round knob with the word "fuse" printed on it or below it. Sometimes the amperage of the fuse will be given as well.

3. Unplug the receiver and turn the knob to the left (counterclockwise). When the knob comes off, one end of the fuse will be revealed. Typically, the fuse will be a simple glass-type fuse.

4. Pull the fuse out carefully (watch out for broken glass), and examine the fuse. If the metal strip on the inside is broken or burned through, you need a new fuse.

5. Insert your replacement fuse. Put the cap back on by twisting to the right.

6. Plug in your receiver. Turn it on and see if you get power to the receiver.

Tags: fuse will, your receiver, Examine back, receiver turn

Remodel Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes are growing in popularity as the home designers have moved away from cheap-looking mobile homes to more conventionally designed and built homes. The improvements in home design and construction have also improved these homes' longevity and helped them retain and increase their value. When remodeling a manufactured home, the homeowner should still be aware of what will add value to their homes and should keep in mind that manufactured homes, while similar to conventional homes, have some differences that should be accounted for in the planning stages. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Call a local Realtor who specializes in manufactured homes. Use a book of clippings to clearly show what type of improvements you want to make. A book of clippings consists of pages from magazines or brochures of rooms or features you like. Invite the Realtor to tour your home and offer insight and recommendations on improvements and changes that will add value to your home. Determine what the price cap is on the home so that your investment and budget don't exceed the home's remodeled value.

2. Establish a budget that is tiered so that the items you want to change or remodel the most are at the top of the list and less important changes are at the bottom. Pad your budget by 10 percent for unexpected costs or problems.

3. Sketch a plan of your house on graph paper. Your sketch should show room sizes, the location of doors, windows, appliances, fixtures, vents, doorways, columns, niches or anything permanently attached to the home. Label the rooms.

4. Take your house plan sketch to your local building department and ask about the cost of permits for the type of work you want to do. Often, the building department can offer additional information that may change your plans. Sometimes, it will recommend contractors for specific types of work.

5. Review your houseplan, making any changes that have been recommended by the Realtor or building department.

6. Interview state-licensed and recommended contractors to select the correct contractor to oversee your remodel. If you intend to do the work yourself, research your home type so that you understand the differences between your home and a similar-sized conventional home based on the types of changes you want to make.

Tags: your home, building department, book clippings, changes that, manufactured homes

Entertainment For Children'S Birthday Parties In Cincinnati Ohio

Create a lifelong memory for your child by throwing him a unique birthday party.

Exceed your child's expectations by planning a fun-filled birthday party that he or she will remember for many years. For families in Cincinnati, Ohio, or the surrounding area, there are a multitude of entertainment options to choose from to ensure children get the birthday party of their dreams. Does this Spark an idea?

Museums

As part of the Cincinnati Museum Center (www.cincymuseum.org) at Union Terminal, the Duke Energy Children's Museum and Museum of Natural History & Science offer themed birthday parties. The designated themes include construction parties, pet parties, fish parties, tea parties, dinosaurs, caves, space and Egypt. The guidelines for a birthday party at the Cincinnatti Museum Center include a guest list of 15 children. An additional fee per child will be charged for parties up to the room limit of 25 kids. Each party is 75 minutes long and a birthday cake from Servatti's is provided.

Group Party Ideas

For larger birthday parties, a group of kids can have fun while they all partake in a physical activity. Located in the surrounding area of Cincinnati in both Florence and Milford, Jump! Zone (www.jumpzoneparty.com) offers birthday parties for groups of either 15 or 25 children. The party and fun center has nine large inflatables in a variety of designs for both jumping and easy obstacle courses. The Beechmont Rollarena (beechmontrollarena.com) offers birthday parties where a group of kids can enjoy roller skating to fun music. The rollarena requires a minimum of eight guests per party.

Art-Inspired Birthday Parties

For children who love art, the Cincinnati area has multiple opportunities for art-inspired birthday parties. The Cincinatti's 20th Century Theater's Pipsqueak Theater hosts plays, musicals and group activities for young children to incorporate into a birthday party. For art projects children can do themselves, Star Glazers (starglazers.com) lets kids create their own pottery such as ceramic mugs and plates.

Amusement and Theme Parks

If your child is an animal lover, there are birthday party ideas you can choose from. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (cincinnatizoo.org) allows birthday parties seasonally so be sure to contact the zoo about the time of year you want to have your party. Located in Cincinnati, Coney Island (coneyislandpark.com) is home to Sunlite Pool. As the largest flat-surface pool in America, the 300 million-gallon pool has water slides and concessions for birthday party fun.

Tags: birthday party, birthday parties, your child, Birthday Parties, birthday parties

Grants To Open A Restaurant In South Carolina

A number of grant opportunities are available to South Carolina restaurateurs.

Starting a new business can be as challenging as it is rewarding. For budding restaurateurs in South Carolina, several grants options are at their disposal to help lessen the financial burden that starting a new business can come with. It is important to keep in mind that because for-profit business grants are not common, competition for the few available can be extremely tough at both the local and national levels.

Beaufort County's Hospitality Tax Special Distribution Grants

Beaufort County's Hospitality Tax Special Distribution Grants can be helpful for businesspeople looking to open a restaurant. A number of counties across South Carolina offer such a program that recognizes businesses and projects that help to encourage tourism. In order to apply, businesses must submit an application that includes a detailed budget as well as an explanation about how their particular business can help the overall tourism efforts of Beaufort County.

Facade Grant Program

For restaurants in the city of Lancaster, South Carolina, the Facade Grant Program is one resource that can be tapped to make capital improvements. The city will provide for up $2,000 in support to aid owners in restoring or improving the building where their business is located. Eligible improvements include repainting and structural repair. To apply, businesses must submit an application and supporting documentation to the Support Services Director to be reviewed by the Design Committee, who will ultimately decide whether to award the grant.

Idea Cafe's Small Business Grants

Though more of an unconventional funding source, Idea Cafe's Small Business Grants program can help offset the cost of starting up a business. The program awards a $1,000 grant to a business that shows exceptional creativity and innovation. Winners also receive $1,500 in free advertising for their business. To be considered for the grant, business owners must sign up through Idea Cafe's website. No business plan is required to apply and new groups of finalists are selected each month.

Women's Business Grants

For female entrepreneurs looking to start a restaurant, the Women's Business Grants program is one resource available. Offered to both new and existing female business owners, the program awards grants from $100 to $5,000 (new owners) and $1,000 to $5,000 (existing owners). To be considered, owners can consult the Women's Business Grants website to find out when the next round of applications will be accepted. Applicants are judged based on their business plan, references and other criteria.

Tags: Business Grants, South Carolina, Women Business Grants, Beaufort County, Idea Cafe

Prevent Carpenter Bees In Log Homes

Carpenter bees can riddle a log home with holes in which they lay their eggs and survive the cold winter.

Carpenter bees are large, black bees with shiny backs. They can be differentiated from bumble bees by their shiny backs. Carpenter bees drill into soft woods, such as the logs of log homes, to make tunnels in which they lay their eggs and to find places to sleep during the cold winter months. Carpenter bee holes are approximately a half inch in diameter and can be several inches long. Given enough time and enough bees, the holes in a log home can become substantial in number, detracting from the look of the home and, eventually, allowing water and snow into the logs of the home, causing them to deteriorate. There are several steps the log homeowner can take to discourage these pests. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Kill any adult carpenter bees in their holes. Carpenter bee holes in logs attract more bees, so it is important that you plug all holes as soon as you can. Spray WD-40 or a bee and wasp killer into each hole and then wait 30 minutes for any bees to die. Often the female bee -- the one drilling the hole -- will come out of the hole to die.

2. Plug all holes with wood putty. Force as much putty as you can into each hole and smooth over the tops of the holes with a putty knife.

3. Ream out carpenter bee holes if you are filling them in summer or fall, as the holes may contain eggs or larva. Shove a piece of wire into each hole to break the plug that the female bee made to protect her eggs. Once the plug is broken -- you will feel it break as you twist the wire into the hole -- spray WD-40 or a bee- and wasp-killing spray into the hole and then fill each hole with wood putty, forcing as much putty as possible into the hole and smoothing the top of the hole with your putty knife.

4. Apply a coating of polyurethane to the logs of your home. Polyurethane discourages carpenter bees from drilling into the wood in the first place, but it may not stop all bees.

5. Paint the logs of your home. Stain will not stop the bees, but painting the logs will prevent virtually all carpenter bees from attacking your home.

Tags: each hole, Carpenter bees, into each, into each hole, into hole, your home

Negotiate The Price Of An "As Is" Property After An Inspection

Negotiate the Price of an "As Is" Property After an Inspection

The process of buying a home can be a long and emotionally exhausting one. You have searched for the right home, finally found one you liked, agreed upon a sales price with the seller and are now doing your due diligence on the home to make sure you approve of its condition. If the seller is selling the home in "as is" condition, it means they prefer to sell it exactly the way it is without making or paying for any repairs. That is what the seller prefers but you can certainly still try to negotiate after inspections have been completed.

Instructions

1. Make sure to be as thorough as possible when having your inspections done. At the very least, you will need a home inspection and a termite inspection. This covers the entirety of the home but if either of those inspectors find something suspect, they may recommend a further or specialty inspection such as on the roof or for mold.

2. Review the inspection reports closely with your Realtor. The termite reports will put price tags on the repairs needed but the home inspection generally does not. You can call around for estimates or have contractors come out to the house to give more accurate estimates. It is important to put a price on the repairs needed.

3. Decide which repairs are important to you and that you would like to be reimbursed for. In an "as is" situation, the seller will rarely agree to do the repairs, so asking for the money is your best option. You may ask for the entire amount or a percentage that you feel is fair. In an "as is" situation, they would probably be more willing to share costs rather than pay for all repairs.

4. Submit an addendum to the purchase contract through your Realtor. The addendum changes the original contract and asks the seller for the amount you have decided on. You can either ask for the purchase price to be lowered by that amount, for the seller to put the money towards your escrow fees or for them to leave a credit for you in the escrow account. You can also have them write a check directly to a contractor and leave the check in the escrow account to be used after the close of escrow.

5. Write a letter to go along with the addendum or have your Realtor write one for you, detailing what the money will be used for. Choose repairs that you did not anticipate or that might be a deal breaker for you. The seller most likely wants to negotiate rather than lose the sale.

Tags: your Realtor, After Inspection, escrow account, home inspection, Negotiate Price, Negotiate Price Property

The Best Areas In The United States For Job Opportunities

Increase your job opportunites by applying in new areas.

Even in a poor economy and suffering national employment rate you can still find job opportunities if you know where to look. Employment opportunities vary between different states and cities according to multiple factors like location, population and local income and economy. If you're trying to find the best areas in the United States for job opportunities, you'll find that some reputable news authorities offer well-researched listings of what areas hold the most promise career-wise.

Forbes Reports

"Forbes" business and financial news magazine has found more than 200 cities and towns that it deems the best places to find employment. In February of 2010, the magazine narrowed it down to regions including the Southwest, Midwest and East Coast. According to "Forbes'" report "The Best Places to Get Ahead"-- that is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor -- the best Southwestern area for job opportunities is Fort Bend County, Texas in suburban Houston. In the Midwest, the publication recommends the Chicago suburbs of Will and Kendall counties in Illinois, and Carver County, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis. East Coast opportunities included Hanover County, Virginia, outside of Richmond, and Loudon, and Alexandria counties, Virginia, suburbs of Washington, D.C.

MSN Money Reports

In July of 2010, MSN Money published a report titled "10 Best Places For Business and Career" that is based on the top 200 list by "Forbes." MSN Money's article lists the top 10 best places in the U.S. for job opportunities comprised from the top 200. Such areas include Des Moines, Iowa; Provo, Utah; Raleigh, North Carolina; Fort Collins, Colorado; Denver, Colorado; Lincoln, Nebraska; Omaha, Nebraska; Huntsville, Alabama; Lexington, Kentucky; and Austin, Texas. Communities were ranked according to numerous factors including past and projected job and economic growth, business and living costs, and quality of life standards.

CNBC Reports

Employment directory website Indeed.com compiled a list of the 50 best areas in the U.S. for job opportunities based on ratios of job openings vs. applicants. Though Indeed.com updates the listing on a monthly basis, in April of 2010 CNBC found the survey worthy of reporting in an article called "Get a Job: Cities With the Best Odds for Employment." The article lists the top 10 areas and their ratios of job listings to unemployed citizens for that period. In April 2010, the top 10 included Washington, D.C. and San Jose, California with 1:1; Baltimore, Maryland, New York, New York, Salt Lake City, Utah, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Hartford, Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts with 1:2; and Seattle, Washington and Austin, Texas at 1:3.

Tags: April 2010, article lists, Austin Texas, Best Places, East Coast

Government Grants For Homeowners In Indiana

Government grants for Indiana homeowners are usually only available to low-income residents and senior citizens. The grants often help residents make home repairs that eliminate safety hazards or restore a home to a livable condition. In some cases, homeowners who are having trouble paying heating and cooling costs can get funds to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

HUD Grants

Some large Indiana cities use U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds to supply grants to low and moderate income homeowners for home maintenance projects. The Indianapolis Office of Community Planning and Development handles the distribution of the grants. HUD also sends grant money to Indiana that the state distributes to smaller communities to help homeowners make repairs or improvements to their homes. According to HUD, the Indiana Department of Commerce handles any HUD funding that's available for such projects in smaller communities.

USDA Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Office provides home-improvement grants to low-income homeowners living in some of Indiana's rural areas. However, residents must be at least 62 years old to be eligible for a grant. Residents also must have incomes that are 50 percent below their county's median income to qualify for a grant. Eligible repairs and improvements include those that make a home more safe or sanitary for the homeowner. The largest grant amount available is $7,500, but a combination of loans and grants may allow homeowners to receive up to $27,500 in aid.

Energy Grants

Duke Energy and other Indiana utility companies participate in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is available through a company's partnership with the state government. The program provides homeowners with grant money to pay for heating bills and weatherization projects. Weatherization involves insulating windows and other parts of a home to reduce heating and cooling costs. Eligible homeowners must meet federal poverty guidelines to receive assistance. For example, an Indiana family of four at 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines would have a 2011 household income of $33,525.

Considerations

Available grants for homeowners in Indiana and other states may frequently change based on the availability of government funds on the federal, state and local level. Some homeowner assistance programs are only in place for a short period of time in response to an economic downturn or a natural disaster. Other programs only provide assistance from year to year until allotted funds run out. The Indiana HUD office maintains up-to-date information on homeowner grants that are available in the state.

Tags: cooling costs, federal poverty, federal poverty guidelines, grant money, heating cooling, heating cooling costs

Splice Wiring

Splicing wires is a simple task when you have the right tools.

Splicing wires is one of the more elementary tasks for an electrician. It is necessary for connecting two separate pieces of wire using what is known as a butt-connector end. Splicing is very common in tasks ranging from household electrical wiring to car-audio installation. With the right tools and a little practice, you can easily splice wire like a pro. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what gauge wire you are using for your project. The gauge number will be printed on the rubber sleeve of the wire or on the spool.

2. Strip the rubber sleeve from the end of your wire. Insert the end of your wire into the proper hole in the wire strippers. The wire strippers will have several holes marked for various wire gauges. Choose the proper hole for the gauge that you are using.

3. Close the wire strippers firmly. Twist the strippers back and forth to cut the rubber sleeve. While twisting, hold the wire strippers at a 90-degree angle to the wire. Pull the wire strippers toward the end of the wire to remove the rubber sleeve, revealing the copper wires inside.

4. Repeat the stripping process for the other wire that you are splicing.

5. Place one of the stripped wire ends into a butt connector. There are three basic sizes of butt connector, color coded red, blue and yellow. The wire strippers also have red, blue and yellow crimping slots on them. Place the butt connector into the proper slot with the stripped wire inside and clamp it tightly closed. This will smash the butt connector, crimping it to the wire.

6. Place the remaining stripped wire into the other end of the butt connector. Repeat the crimping process using the wire strippers. Gently tug both wires to ensure they are securely crimped together.

7. Wrap the spliced connection with electrical tape. This protects from fire hazards and prevents moisture from corroding the connection.

Tags: wire strippers, butt connector, rubber sleeve, stripped wire, blue yellow, into proper

Dig A Tornado Shelter

Dig a tornado shelter

Tornadoes cause millions of dollars of damage annually in the United States. While it will not do anything to prevent property damage, a tornado shelter can help prevent the risk of injury or death. If you live in an area at risk of tornadoes, you should consider building a tornado shelter. Luckily, they are not difficult to build and a number of resources exist to assist the design process. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Design your tornado shelter and plan out its size and placement. Refer to "Source 1" for design plans. Since tornadoes do not last long, not much time needs to be spent in the shelter. Therefore, allow for approximately 5 square feet of floor area per person. If you are planning for five people, the dimensions should be 5 feet by 5 feet. A recommended height is 7 feet.

2. Measure the ground where you want your shelter. Dig a hole larger than the size of the finished shelter to accommodate stairs or an entryway.

3. Dig the pit using shovels. To allow for a ceiling height of 7 feet, dig an extra two feet to accommodate the height of the floor and ceiling. If building the shelter into a room of an existing house, the tiles, floorboard, and other flooring materials will have to be removed first.

Tags: tornado shelter, height feet

Repair A Leaking Exhaust Flange

It is a nightmare when a pipe springs a leak and starts spraying. Don't panic when this occurs. If no one nearby can fix it or you want to save some money, you can always repair the leakage yourself. Repairing any type of leaking exhaust flange is easy, fun and can be a learning experience. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn off your main valve to prevent losing any gas or water from your home. Cut off the top and bottom of cans with the knife. Loosen the screws on clamps until they are open. Fix the clamps on the pipe and close again. Put a piece of the cans' metal over the opening, and wrap the metal around the pipe.

2. Put the second can piece on the pipe such that the middle of this can is opposite to the first one. Insert the clamps, leaving 1 or 1/2 inch on the outer edges. Tighten the clamps as tight as possible. Start the exhaust and check for leakage.

3. Mix some putty in epoxy and press it hard around the leaking exhaust flange. Make a fine layer of adhesive over the leakage. Check that the coverage is good and then let dry for a couple of hours.

Tags: leaking exhaust, leaking exhaust flange

Fix Broken Glass In A Window

That ill-flung baseball or confused bird always seems to find your window. If it broke a single-pane window, you're in luck--this is usually a straightforward task, as long as the window is on a ground floor and the sash is removable. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Replacing single-pane window glass

1. Remove the window sash and place it flat on a worktable to remove what's left of the glass. Lay a towel over the glass to break it and carefully wiggle out the pieces.

2. Remove the glazing compound on the glass perimeter. Old glazing compound may be hardened and difficult to remove, or so brittle it practically falls off. Use a glazier's tool, an old chisel or flathead screwdriver, or a putty knife to pry and scrape out the compound. Pull out any glazing points (small metal fasteners that hold the glass in place) with long-nose pliers (see A).

3. Brush a fast-drying paint primer on any bare wood exposed while removing the old compound. This seal prevents too-dry wood from absorbing all the glazing compound's oils.

4. If you need to buy glass, measure the opening it will fill, then have the store clerk cut a replacement pane 1/8 inch (3 mm) shorter and narrower than those dimensions.

5. If you have a piece of glass handy that requires cutting to fit, place it on a thin rug or other firm, padded surface. Lay a metal straightedge, square or ruler over the glass at the cut line and use a glass cutter to score from edge to edge with one continuous, firm stroke. Then position the scored line on the glass over the edge of a table or board. Snap the overhanging portion downward sharply to complete the cut.

6. For a weatherproof and watertight seal on the exterior, apply a thin bead of caulk on the frame perimeter as a setting bed before installing the glass. Alternatively, use a thin coat of glazing compound and press it into place with a putty knife.

7. Put the new pane in the frame, pressing just hard enough to bed it in the compound or caulk.

8. Place at least two glazing points on the glass with the points facing the frame along each side, about 2 inches (5 cm) in from each corner; use additional points so the maximum span between them is 8 inches (20 cm). Press the points into the wood using a glazier's tool or putty knife (see B).

9. Roll a handful of glazing compound between your hands until it is soft and pliable. Then roll it out on a flat surface to form a rope of 3/8-inch (1-cm) diameter and press it into the corner between the glass and the wood frame with your fingertips (see C).

10. Use a glazier's tool or stiff putty knife to press the compound firmly into place against the glass and the wood frame (see D). Angle and cock the tool as needed so the beveled compound fills the gap but projects above the wood when viewed from inside. Finish each side with one long continuous stroke.

11. Scrape off any excess compound with the same tool or knife and clean the glass carefully without disturbing the compound.

12. Put the sash back in and allow the glazing compound to dry for a week or more.

13. Paint over the glazing with exterior trim paint to seal and protect it from the weather. Mask the glass with tape or liquid masking and paint it freehand. Paint about 1/8 inch (3 mm) out onto the glass to form a watertight seal (see Tips).

14. Scrape off any excess paint on the glass with a single-edge razor in a holder. Try to leave the thin edge of paint on the glass to maintain the seal.

Tags: glazing compound, putty knife, glass with, glazier tool, each side