Do It Yourself Manufactured Home Repairs

Mobile homes often require maintenance.

Mobile homes require several common repairs. Homeowners who have knowledge of basic carpentry, plumbing and maintenance will be able to complete most themselves. Each fix will enhance the mobile home and improve its look or function. Does this Spark an idea?

Leveling the Home

One of the most important mobile home repairs is to level and replace the foundation blocks. When a home settles, sometimes one set of foundation blocks sinks further into the ground. This causes the home to shift and lean more to one side. This may cause windows to stick and walls to crack.

To fix this simply use a carpenter's level to determine which side of the home is lower than the others. Install a hydraulic home jack under the I-beam and prop the home until it is level. Place the carpenter's level against the I-beam to determine when the home is level. Place wood boards under the I-beam and on top of the foundation block as shims and then remove the hydraulic jack.

Skirt Repairs

When a skirt is damaged it must be replaced. Damaged skirts allow debris to gather under the home. To replace a skirt, the old skirting is removed with a pry bar or crow bar. New skirting material, purchased from a mobile home supply store or through your manufacturer is installed in its place. Start at one end and secure the skirt to the bottom frame of the home using bolts or metal screws (or the hardware provided with your skirting). A power drill is required for this fix. Drill a pilot hole into the frame and then use the metal screw to secure the skirting, if existing holes are not already drilled into the home.

Vinyl Siding

Replacing vinyl siding is another common mobile home task. To replace vinyl siding you will use a zip tool, or unlocking tool, as it is sometimes called. Place this in the seam above the piece of siding you wish to remove and slide it along the seam, unlocking the two pieces of siding. Repeat on the bottom side of the piece of siding, then remove the entire slat. Replace it by installing a new piece of siding and locking it in place along the seam.

Installing New Pier Footings

Pier footing are the foundation blocks of the mobile home. They are made of concrete and placed at each corner of the home. To replace these footings. first set one corner of the home on a hydraulic home jack. Lift the home until it rises off the footing. Now, remove the footing blocks carefully and set new footing piers in place, mortaring each with a trowel and concrete mortar. Level the blocks using a carpenter's level and then make sure the home is level. Once finished, return the home to the footing pier by releasing and removing the jack.

Tags: mobile home, carpenter level, foundation blocks, piece siding, along seam, corner home

Hammer Out A Dent

Metal has memory, and actually wants to go back into its original profile.

Just about everyone who drives or owns a vehicle has suffered a body dent somewhere on his car, SUV or truck. Dents can be simple and shallow, amounting to no more than a concave depression in the metal, or they can involve deep gouges, cuts and punctures. For the simple dent, a do-it-yourself repair person stands a good chance of making the repair himself, if he follows some basic steps and invests in a few specialized tools.

Instructions

1. Park the vehicle in a well-lighted area, preferably outside. Mix a solution of dish washing soap in the bucket of water and sponge the dent area clean. Rinse with water and dry the area with a rag. You will need to get to the inside surface area of the dent, which might involve removing a door panel or reaching up under a fender well, if you have not already done so. Place a straight-edge steel ruler over the outside of the dent to gauge its depth.

2. Reach under the body panel and place your palm over the convex surface of the dent and shove hard. Many dents will pop back into place this way -- so use this technique first. If the dent does not move, select the smallest flat-head body hammer with the shortest swinging reach that you have.

3. Select a dollie (the small handheld anvil) that has the best curvature profile of the outside of the dent. Hold the dollie against the dent (outside) and tap the hammer against the convex portion of the dent from the inside.

4. Measure the depth of the dent with the straight-edge ruler to see if you have made progress. If you have, continue tapping, using increased pressure with the hammer blows until the dent pops back fully into its normal profile. Switch to a larger diameter hammer head, if you notice any smaller dents appearing in the metal.

5. Measure the depth of the dent again with the straight edge. If you have a raised surface now (a reverse-dent), place the dollie on the underside of the panel and tap the outside surface of the raised section with the hammer. The dent should reverse direction and fall back into its normal profile. If an elevation still remains to the reverse-dent, heat the area with a propane torch until it just starts to glow, then remove the torch. The dent should contract after it cools, and fall back into its normal shape.

Tags: back into, into normal, area with, back into normal, dent should, depth dent, fall back

Repair Chemically Etched Glass

A smooth, clear glass window.

Glass etching often has physical damage one the surface of glass, often from grit, sandblasting or accidental scratching. Some chemicals, like hydrochloric acid, will pit the surface of a piece of glass. Other chemical reactions, such as metal oxidation on screens, will cause an etched look on nearby glass, which appears as a white or hazy coating. This etched look penetrates the glass surface and cannot be removed by regular glass cleaners. You can repair both types of chemical etching with a few simple products and a great deal of time. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Pitted Chemical Etching

1. Clean the surface of the etched glass with a good glass cleaner and a soft bristle brush. Also gently scrape away any stubborn dirt spots with a wooden scraper.

2. Wet a 0000 grade steel wool pad and gently scrub over the surface of the glass, focusing on the etched areas. Do not press down hard into the glass.

3. Dry the glass, using a squeegee. You can also use a soft, clean cloth.

4. Attach a hard felt polishing pad to your drill and apply a small amount of abrasive polishing compound, which you can find at any jewelry supply store.

5. Turn the drill to the lowest possible setting and apply the polishing pad to the glass surface, focusing only on the etched parts of the glass. Move the pad over the etches in a slow motion, without pressing down into the glass.

6. Remove the polishing pad when the glass begins to get warm, and let the glass cool. Polish again, then stop when the glass gets warm again. Repeat this process until all etches are removed.

Hazy Oxidation Etching

7. Clean the surface of the glass with glass cleaner and a soft bristle brush, to remove any dirt or surface oils. Scrape away stubborn spots with a wooden scraper.

8. Take an oxidation removal product, such as Bio-Clean or Restoro, and put a small amount of it onto a sponge.

9. Rub the sponge over the etched sections of glass in small, even circles. Continue rubbing until the oxidation remover dries.

10. Wipe down the surface of the glass with a clean cloth.

11. Wash the glass surface with plain soap or your basic glass cleaner to remove the residue from the oxidation removal product.

Tags: surface glass, glass cleaner, glass surface, glass with, away stubborn, bristle brush

Find Grants For Native Americans

Find Grants for Native Americans

If you're Native American, and you'd like to attend school, start a business build a home or something else but you just don't have the personal funding for it - you should know about grants. Each year, the government puts aside millions of dollars in grant money to give away to Native Americans like you for many different things. This might include going to college, starting a business or even building a home. Below, you'll learn find grants for Native Americans.

Instructions

1. Check out Native American Grants for College. If you'd like to attend college but you just don't have the money, grants can help you. There are many different grants for Native Americans which help with college. The Native American College Fund (website below) is a great place to start as they offer updated information on all grants which are available to help Native Americans attend college. Typically, in order to receive a grant, you will need to have a certificate showing that you have American Indian blood - and belong to a federally recognized tribe. There are several places where you can find college grant information, including:

www.CollegeFund.org

www.ihs.gov

www.doi.gov/bia

By using this information, you can find grants for Native Americans to attend college.

2. Look into Native American Grants for Housing. There are also many different grants which are designed to help Native Americans obtain housing. Some offer money to help you build a home and others simply offer grants of land or material. Apply for the type of grant that would suit your needs best. If you can't find out through your tribe about getting a housing grant, there are a few places that can help you obtain information about these types of grants.

Indian Housing Block Grants - http://www.hud.gov/progdesc/ihbg1208.cfm

Native American Veteran Direct Loan Program - http://www.federalgrantswire.com/native-american-veteran-direct-loan-program.html

3. Evaluate Other Grants for Native Americans. There are many other types of grants which are specifically designed for Native Americans and can help with many things. There are a few great places to check for information, including www.Grants.gov. Here, you can perform a keyword search which will allow you to see all listings related to your need. Whether you search for 'native American grants' or something else, you can get details for all the grants through this website.

You can then obtain the application for these grants through this website also. Find out what kind of information you must include with the grant application, and what criteria must be met in order to be eligible for the grant. This can help you make the process go faster and hopefully you will be approved faster as well. Remember that you can apply for more than one grant and hopefully by doing so, you'll increase your odds of receiving one.

4. Grants are a great source of help for Native Americans because they do not have to be paid back the way a loan would. Grants can help individuals go to school, build homes and many other things. Use the information above to help you find grants for Native Americans. Good luck.

Tags: Native Americans, Native American, attend college, find grants, grants Native, grants Native Americans

Grants Or Credits In Florida For Wind Resistance Home Improvements

Hurricanes and high winds challenge Florida homeowners annually.

Florida homeowners know the challenges they face when high winds damage their homes. To help them protect their homes, the state of Florida has created a number of grant programs designed to help homeowners make wind-resistant improvements. Grants are money given to individuals who qualify to take part in the program without expectation of repayment. Does this Spark an idea?

My Safe Florida Home Grant

The state of Florida established the "My Safe Florida Home" to provide at least 400,000 free site-built, single family homes and residential properties inspections by certified inspectors. The grant assists homeowners with making changes to their homes to mitigate damage caused by high winds or hurricanes. The "My Safe Florida Home" grant is a "matching grant" for $10,000. There is an exemption for the contribution by low-income families.

Mobile Home Tie-Down Program

The state of Florida has allocated about $2.8 million in grant money to educate mobile homeowners on techniques to stabilize and protect their manufactured homes against high winds. This grant money is to be used to equip mobile homes with a tie-down system that utilizes a lateral foundation system with a ground stabilizer plate.

Low to Moderate Income Retrofit

This grant provides money to low- to moderate-income families who qualify for general rehabilitation of their homes to help mitigate the damage caused by hurricanes and high winds. This grant is to help those families who may not otherwise benefit from insurance credits.The funds are dispersed to towns and municipalities who in turn manage the distribution of the grants to homeowners.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

This grant is part of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Relief Act, which provides money to homeowners whose homes have already sustained damage from high winds. The grant money is to be used to repair and mitigate any future damage to their homes. The goal is to provide grant money to areas of Florida that have already been identified as being at high risk for high wind structural damage.

Tags: high winds, their homes, grant money, This grant, Florida Home

Become A Certified Electrician In Massachusetts

Certified Massachusetts electricians are licensed to advertise, contract and perform electrical work.

The state of Massachusetts requires all electricians to obtain a license to perform electrical work. Anyone who wants to become licensed as an electrical contractor must work as an apprentice under a Massachusetts licensed electrician. The Board of State Examiners of Electricians also requires that all candidates for an electrical license take specified courses and pass a licensing exam.

Instructions

1. Meet the educational requirements to become a Massachusetts licensed electrician. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent test and complete 300 hours of approved instruction in safety, codes, theory, math and laws applicable to electrical work. A candidate with comparable education from another state may waive these requirements with board approval.

2. Meet the work experience requirements of a Massachusetts electrician apprenticeship. Spend at least two years doing 4,000 hours of wiring lights, heat and appliance systems under the supervision of a Massachusetts licensed electrician.

3. Apply for the Massachusetts electrician license exam with PSI, the contracted testing agency (see Resources). Pay the fees for testing and application processing to PSI with a cashiers check or money order.

4. Take and pass the test to become a Massachusetts licensed electrician. Bring copies of the books allowed for test references including books on Massachusetts laws and state amendments, current electrical codes, board rules and regulations, fire alarm codes and your notes on the subject matter. PSI will send your scores to the state board of examiners to review before issuing your license.

Tags: licensed electrician, Massachusetts licensed, Massachusetts licensed electrician, electrical work, become Massachusetts

Attach Mobile Home Skirting

Mobile home skirting provides protection for the bottom of the mobile home and also increases energy efficiency, which will lower your heating and cooling bills. Strong winds can whip beneath a mobile home that has no skirting, causing a shocking amount of heat loss. Applying mobile home skirting is a straightforward process, but you'll need a helper to assist with snapping a chalk line and other tasks. Take the time to do it right. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Examine the ground surrounding the trailer. Remove any rocks and smooth any uneven areas so that the ground rail can be laid out evenly.

2. Mark a chalk line on the mobile home. The top back rail goes below the bottom edge of the home. Stand at one corner holding the chalk line and have your assistant stand at the far corner of the same wall, holding the other end. Pull the line taught, make sure it's level and snap it. Repeat this process around all sides of the home.

3. Attach the top back rail to the mobile home with screws or nails, using the chalk line as a guide to keep the rail level. Allow room for the metal to expand and contract by not overtightening screws and leaving a 1/2-inch gap between each rail.

4. Set out the ground rail. Use a level to create a straight line from one corner of the home to the ground, mark the spot, move to the next corner and repeat. Once you have each corner marked, use your chalk line or stretch a nylon string along the ground to guide the ground rail. Position the ground rail over the line or string and drive ground spikes through the slots in the rail. Place the spikes every 19 inches.

5. Measure from the ground rail to 1 1/2 inches below the bottom rail on the home. Use this measurement to cut the panels before installation.

6. Create lock tabs every 4 inches along the panels, on the top and bottom, using a snap lock punch tool. Position the snap lock tool's jaws on either side of the paneling and squeeze to create the locking tab. Place the panels with the tabs facing outward, so they will catch in the edges of the ground and bottom rail.

7. Connect the panels, interlocking them using the interlock tabs and fitting the edge into the ground rail. Bend corner panels across the edge of a table to create a crisp corner.

8. Add the top front rail. Start at one corner and work your way around the home, fitting the top front rail over the panel and interlocking it with the top back rail to create a finished look.

Tags: ground rail, chalk line, back rail, mobile home, below bottom

Repair An Asphalt Driveway

Sealing a driveway doesn't significantly prolong its life, but promptly filling cracks and holes and cleaning up oil spills do. Although you would typically handle fixes in the summer when you apply sealer, winter is the best time to fill cracks--and when it comes to most driveway repairs, there's no time like the present. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Cleaning the driveway

1. Use an ice chipper, a lawn-edging tool or a spade to scrape grass or weeds off the driveway and out of cracks.

2. Remove any loose asphalt from damaged or cracked areas with a blast of water from a garden hose or with compressed air.

3. Brush off all debris with a broom.

4. Scrub the driveway with diluted driveway cleaner to remove all dirt and oil film. Repeat as necessary to remove oil stains, and apply an oil-spot primer on any remaining stains.

5. Hose the driveway with as much pressure as possible. Start on the uphill and rinse toward the sides.

6. Use a shop vacuum to remove all loose debris from cracks. These must be very clean and dry before filling.

7. Let the driveway dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.

Making repairs

8. For cracks 1/8 to 1/2 inch (3 to 12 mm) wide, use rubberized asphalt-emulsion crack filler, applied with a caulking gun or poured. Avoid getting the filler on the surface. Smooth it with a putty knife.

9. For a very wide crack or pothole, shovel in packaged cold-patch blacktop, leveling large areas with an iron rake. Compact the material with a rented tamper or the end of a 4-by-4. Add more material until the hole is slightly overfilled. Cover it with scrap plywood and drive over it.

Filling and sealing

10. Mist the driveway with water. Then pour a ribbon of acrylic driveway sealer or filler 1 foot (30 cm) wide across the driveway. Spread the strip to a width of 3 to 4 feet (about 1 m) with a brush or squeegee applicator.

11. Remove all excess sealer, using the brush or squeegee and pulling toward you. Work your way down the driveway.

Tags: driveway with, areas with, brush squeegee

Patch Peeled Paint

Fixing peeling paint can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Peeling paint can be annoying and looks unattractive. It happens in response to anything from exposure to the elements and water leaks to a poor initial paint job. Fixing peeling paint is not difficult, but, depending on the size of the affected area and the cause of the peeling, it can take up to several days to complete the project.

Instructions

1. Cut away any loose flakes of paint. Save one that is at least as big as a quarter and place it in a small plastic bag.

2. Take the bag to a hardware or home improvement store that has a paint-matching service. The staff there will match the paint by inserting the paint flake into a computer that essentially takes a picture of the flake and tries to find a color match. The paint flake needs to be at least as big as a quarter so the computer has enough surface area to work with. Make sure that the correct side of the flake is matched, too. Sometimes the two sides can have slightly different shading due to sun exposure, and if you match the wrong side, you'll end up with paint that is too dark.

3. Bleach the affected area if necessary, especially if it's in a bathroom where moisture might have gotten under the loose paint. Mix bleach and water in the ratio specified by the bleach manufacturer. If the peeling paint is located outdoors, clean the area with a combination of bleach, water and trisodium phospate, again following the manufacturer's directions for applying and cleaning off the solution. Make sure you are wearing safety equipment, including gloves, a mask and goggles.

4. Wait two to three days.

5. Place drop cloths under the peeling area and begin scraping off remnants of the paint with a paint scraper if it's located outdoors. Rather than having several small areas to be repainted, combine them into one big area. If the peeling paint is located indoors, be careful that you don't damage the drywall with the scraper. It's also possible that the paint might peel off without scraping.

6. Sand the cleared area. Use a disc sander on wood outdoors. Gently sand indoor areas by hand.

7. Apply wood filler and Spackle as needed to fix holes or divots in the wall.

8. Add a thin layer of Spackle to the edges of the paint that's staying on the wall, if it's located inside.

9. Sand down the area again gently once all the wood filler and Spackle is dry. Sand by hand if the patch is indoors. Sand the Spackled border from Step 8 as well to create a smoother transition between the old paint layer and the new paint.

10. Place painter's tape around any fixtures or other areas you don't want to paint. If you are painting a large area or using spray paint, tape plastic sheeting over anything you don't want painted.

11. Brush primer onto the bare area, covering all the Spackle, too. Cover the entire patch and let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's directions. Wipe off any excess primer from the brush onto newspaper and wash the primer off the brush.

12. Apply one coat of the matched paint, using a clean brush. Wipe excess any paint onto the newspaper, and wash the paint off the brush.

13. Let the coat of paint dry as specified on the paint can's label. The instructions should specify how long you have to wait before adding a second coat.

14. Apply the second coat of paint and let it dry. Peel off the painter's tape slowly, if you applied any. If you're painting in a bathroom, wait at least a day before running a hot shower and creating humidity.

Tags: affected area, bleach water, coat paint, filler Spackle, Fixing peeling

Florida Buyer'S Remorse Law

Florida's buyer's remorse law does not cover your car purchase.

"Buyer's remorse" is a term that refers to a consumer deciding that he does not want to keep an item that he has purchased. These laws vary from one state to another and are distinct from consumer fraud laws, lemon laws and other similar consumer protection laws. These laws are often poorly understood. As a Florida resident, if you are experiencing buyer's remorse, get the facts on what your state's laws say before charging into the sales office for a full refund.

Scope of the Law

The scope of Florida's buyer's remorse law is very limited: It applies only to home solicitation sales. This means that you can exercise your rights under this law only with regard to purchases made from door-to-door salesmen. The law does not cover other types of sales, such as automobile purchases, telemarketing purchases, timeshare deals or any kind of retail or property sale. You might have recourse under other laws prohibiting fraud, or other consumer protection laws.

Time Span

You have the right to cancel a sale under the buyer's remorse law within three business days, but this is not three full business days. Your window for action ends at midnight on the third business day after the sale has been signed. For example, if you make a purchase at 4:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, you have until midnight on the Friday immediately following to exercise your right to buyer's remorse.

Notifying the Company

The onus is on you to notify the company of your intention to cancel the sale. You can do this by appearing in person at the office, by sending a telegram, or by sending postal mail. Email and telephone are not valid means for communicating buyer's remorse under Florida law. If you notify the company by mail, your letter must be postmarked by the deadline. It does not matter if the company receives the letter by the deadline, though buyers would do well to get a receipt that the letter was sent.

Cancellation Form

Your cancellation doesn't have to take any formal form. All you need to do is clearly communicate your desire to end the deal. To clearly communicate this you might wish to name the product, the date and time that it was purchased, and the name of the sales representative if you have it. This is more for your own protection than anything, as the more specific you are, the easier it will be if you have to defend the matter in court.

Tags: buyer remorse, buyer remorse, business days, cancel sale, clearly communicate, consumer protection, consumer protection laws

Repair A Car Tire Punch

Repair a Car Tire Punch

Tires are one of the most vulnerable parts of a car, prone to damage from roadside litter. Repairing tire punctures allows you to extend the life of the tires and the life of the car.

Instructions

1. Remove the damaged tire from the car with a car jack, and remove the bolts. Be sure the car is not on an incline and is securely elevated. Be cautious of the tire temperature from the brakes, engine heat or driving.

2. Inspect the tire for nails, glass, or other causes for damage. After a visual inspection, perform a touch inspection by running your hand carefully over the surface of the tire for further punctures.

If no damage is found after these inspections, pump the tire with air, and do an audio search for punctures. Alternatively, place the tire in water and look for bubbles escaping from the damaged area. If a large body of water is not available, use a soapy cleaning solution.

3. Clean the area around the puncture mark, using the tire kit scraping tool, tire cleaning material or a clean cloth. This cleaning is to ensure maximum surface contact when applying a tire adhesive for the tire patch. Ensure the area around the punctures are clean and dry before applying the tire adhesive.

4. Place a patch seal on the air tube breach of the damaged portion of the tire with tire glue/adhesive. Apply pressure, as directed on package. Wait for the designated setting time before testing the seal integrity.

5. Insert a tire plug into the breach of the treading. Think of the pug like an arrow, which is to go into the puncture, but difficult to remove. When the majority of the plug is inserted, pull the tire plug tool straight out.

6. Pump the tire with air, and check to see if tire pressure is maintained. Smooth out any surface differences around the damaged portion. Place the tire back on the vehicle, and carefully lower it.

Tags: tire with, applying tire, applying tire adhesive, area around, damaged portion, Repair Tire

What Are My Options If A House Inspector Finds That The Roof Is Bad

A bad roof can cause water damage to a home's structure making for costly repairs.

A house inspector examines the home's systems and structures, including the roof, and identifies potential problems. While no house is without flaws, it's up to you (as the buyer) to decide how you want to address a bad roof before you close on the purchase of a house. Although a seller does not have to make repairs recommended by a home inspector, you also do not have to buy a home that needs extensive roof repair. That being said, most buyers recognize that a house likely needs some repair and factors this into their overall budget and purchase agreement. Does this Spark an idea?

Request a Seller Concession to Offset Repair Costs

When a home inspector identifies problems with the roof, you and/or your agent may request a seller concession, which is when a seller makes an offer to the buyer that generally results in a compromise. According to the Mortgage Reference Library, a seller concession consists of the seller lowering the sale price of the home to offset the cost for the buyer to make repairs once the sale is finalized. A concession will provide you the buyer with the flexibility to repair the roof when you choose and helps finance the repair costs.

Request Repair of the Roof

Another concession you and/or your agent may request is for the seller to repair the roof before you close on the house. This concession enables the seller to sell the house at the original agreed-upon price once he makes the repairs. You benefit because you purchases the house with a good roof and don't pay any repair costs from your own pocket. Although you request a seller concession of repair of the roof, the seller is not obligated to agree to your request.

Do not Purchase the House

Galt Home, a producer of online resource guides, says that one of the biggest home repair expenses is a new roof. Galt states that a general estimate to replace an asphalt roof is between $10,000 and $25,000 depending on the materials used and roof size. Depending on your budget, the cost of repairing a bad roof, in addition to the cost to purchase the house may exceed your resources. So you may decide not to purchase a house that requires too much repair to the roof and could put you in financial peril.

Tags: repair roof, seller concession, agent request, agent request seller, before close

Grants For Rewiring A House

Grants pay electricians to remove worn-out wiring, which can cause house fires.

Homeowners and property managers may benefit from government grants that pay for the rewiring of their homes and housing units' electrical systems. Grants cover the costs of the rewiring projects, which include labor expenses, equipment and supply purchases. Generally, you do not need to repay government grants, but some programs recoup funds if recipients do not fulfill the terms of their grant agreements.

Housing Preservation Grant Program

Rewiring projects are among the eligible projects covered by grants from the Housing Preservation Grant Program (rurdev.usda.gov). The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides grants to landlords, co-op members and homeowners in towns of of less than 20,000 residents for use toward home renovations and repairs. Grant recipients are required to exhaust funds within 24 months.

Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program

The Very Low-Income Housing Repair (rurdev.usda.gov) program provides grants to low-income senior homeowners in rural areas who face safety hazards from faulty wiring. Sponsored by the USDA, the grants of up to $7,500 are awarded to seniors 62 years of age and older to renovate and repair their homes. Recipients are required to keep their homes for at least three years after the repairs. If their homes are sold within the three-year period, they may have to repay the grant money.

Weatherization Grants

Replacing electrical, heating and cooling systems are among the eligible weatherization projects covered by grants from the Department of Energy. The Weatherization Assistance Program (eere.energy.gov) pays for projects to make homes more energy-efficient. Weatherization projects are completed on homes owned by low-income households free of charge. The total cost to weatherize a home averages $6,500 under this program.

Public Housing Capital Fund

The Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsors the Public Housing Capital Fund program (hud.gov). Grants cover construction costs of new public housing units, as well as modernization and improvement projects to existing residential structures. Funds also cover management improvements. Luxury improvements to housing structures, however, are not permitted with grant funds.

Tags: their homes, among eligible, Capital Fund, covered grants, covered grants from, government grants, Grant Program

Find Home Buying Grants

Find Home Buying Grants

If you're looking to purchase a home, but don't have the funding to purchase a home outright, you should know that there are home buying grants available to help individuals like you. From grants that will help you out on a down payment for your home to ones that will ensure lower prices for homes, this article will help you learn find home buying grants.

Instructions

1. Check out HUD. HUD or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is a great place to find resources for home buying grants. Although HUD does not directly give loans for buying homes, they do work with different organizations and companies to help bring great loan opportunities to individuals.

For instance, they offer loans that allow homeowners to integrate down payments into the monthly mortgage payments rather than paying them up front and similar opportunities. You can learn more by visiting http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/grantsrsrc.cfm or your own local chapter of HUD.

2. Search the Internet for Grants. You can use the internet to your advantage when searching for grants by using one of the major search engines. To find home buying grants in your state, simply type 'home buying grants + your state' into the search bar. Know that it may take some time to go through the results. You should beware because there are individuals and companies out there who will try to take advantage of someone who is looking for home buying grants.

However, there are also some legitimate sources online as well. Remember that you should never have to pay to receive information on home buying grants, and you should never have to give out any sort of personal information either. Never give anyone online your social security number, bank account numbers or anything other sort of personal information. For instance, check out www.Grants.gov. This is a great resource for individuals searching for grants. Here, you can use the keyword tool to search for home buying grants by simply entering 'home buying grants' into the search bar. You will receive a list of current grants that are available and the details for those grants. You can even download the necessary applications from this website. This is a reputable and trusted source for finding different types of grants, so you can skip straight through searching the internet.

3. Check out other resources. There are other resources available to individuals who are trying to buy a home, as well. While there are government grants available for many different types of people, you may find that you don't qualify for current grants. Don't worry, though - there are different kinds of grants offered by state as well. You can find out which kinds of home buying grants your state is offering by visiting http://www.buying-a-home-info.com/home_buying_grants_by_state.htm today.

By using the information listed above, you can find home buying grants easily and without problem. Good luck!

Tags: home buying grants, buying grants, buying grants, home buying, buying grants your, grants your, grants your state

What To Do When A Kindle Freezes

The Amazon Kindle is one of the most popular ebook reader devices on the market, with Amazon claiming the device to be its top-selling product as well. Unfortunately, at times the device may freeze and become unresponsive during use. Amazon included a method to reset the device in cases when it is locked up and unlikely to recover.

Causes of Kindle Freezes

Kindles typically freeze because the processor load becomes more than the device's limited memory and processing power can handle. This most commonly occurs during periods of high use or when trying to access websites using the Kindle's wireless capabilities. If the device freezes during a time when it isn't being used it may be because of reduced power to the processor due to the Kindle's battery being low or outdated firmware that doesn't fully support the features being used.

Resetting the Unit

When a Kindle freezes, the device needs to be reset. Unplug the device if it is connected to a charger or PC, then slide the power button to the right as though you were simply restarting the unit. Hold the power button in this position for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Release the switch; the screen will remain blank for up to 30 seconds while the device resets itself. Once the reset is complete, the Kindle will restart and can be used as normal.

Firmware Updates

One way to prevent problems with a Kindle freezing up is to make sure that your Kindle device has the latest firmware version installed. Firmware updates are software installations that upgrade the way that the device itself works, fixing problems and introducing new functions. Visit the "Kindle Software Update Latest Generation" page and download the firmware update for your specific Kindle type, then transfer the update to your Kindle and start the software installation by selecting "Update Your Kindle" from the "Settings" menu. Once the firmware update is complete the Kindle will restart.

Contacting Amazon Support

Contact Amazon support if you have continued problems with freezing to report your problem to them. Provide details of what lead to the freezing and whether your Kindle has experienced other problems such as spontaneous rebooting or unresponsiveness. The support agent may ask you questions about your Kindle and firmware version, so have your Kindle nearby so that you can access the information or perform actions at the agent's prompting. In severe cases you may be required to ship your Kindle to Amazon for repair or replacement if the agent believes the device to be defective.

Tags: your Kindle, being used, complete Kindle, complete Kindle will, firmware update, firmware version

Repair Ps2 Disc Scratches At Home

Clean the scratches off of your PlayStation 2 game discs.

All hope is not lost when your favorite PlayStation 2 game starts skipping or freezing when you are playing. Your game disc may be scratched, but it can likely be fixed at home using household cleaners. While you cannot fix deep scratches that are caused by actually scraping the disc, most surface scratches can be wiped clean off your PS2 game. Try to remove scratches at home before heading out to replace your disc. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Toothpaste Method

1. Squeeze a teaspoonful of non-gel, baking soda toothpaste onto a lint-free cloth. Make sure the cloth is soft and not a standard dish towel.

2. Turn on your faucet and let the water run until it is warm to the touch without being hot.

3. Place the cloth under the faucet so the water just hits the toothpaste.

4. Grip your PlayStation 2 disc in your off hand with the scratched side facing up. Place the cloth on the center of the disc.

5. Wipe down from the center of the game to the edge, spreading the toothpaste in a straight line. Repeat the line three times. Remove the cloth.

6. Rotate the game disc slightly in your hand. Hold the cloth and wipe down from the center to the edge again. Continue rotating the disc and wiping straight down each time.

7. Complete five rotations around the disc. Remove the cloth.

8. Dampen a clean lint-free cloth. Wipe the toothpaste from the game disc using the same method as before, straight lines from the center to the edge of the game disc. Continue until all toothpaste is off the game disc.

9. Wipe the game disc with a dry cloth.

Brasso Method

10. Squirt three to five drops of Brasso onto a dry lint-free cloth.

11. Place the cloth in the center of the scratched side of your PlayStation 2 game.

12. Wipe the cloth down in a straight line from the center to the edge of your game disc. Wipe five to seven times over each scratch.

13. Remove excess Brasso with a dry lint-free cloth. Wipe in a straight line over the Brasso to remove it.

14. Check the game disc for remaining scratches. Repeat until the scratches have been removed.

Tags: game disc, from center, lint-free cloth, center edge, disc Wipe, from center edge

Repair A Mobile Home Bathtub

Repair a Mobile Home Bathtub

Because a mobile home is constructed differently than a stick-built home, a mobile home bathtub is constructed differently than a bathtub in most other kinds of homes. Mobile home bathtubs are made of plastic, and are usually supported by plastic legs so that plumbing can be placed directly beneath the tub. Because it can be difficult to find a plastic tub to replace a mobile home tub, and because of the nature of the plumbing around a tub, replacing a mobile home tub is not considered a simple do-it-yourself project. Your better bet is to repair cracks in your existing tub. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Sand the area around the crack as far away as 1 inch.

2. Drill a hole with your drill bit at either end of the crack to relieve stress and prevent it from opening further.

3. Clean the area of the crack thoroughly to remove all dirt, grease and soap scum.

4. Cut a fiberglass strip from your epoxy kit so that it is slightly larger than the crack.

5. Mix the epoxy according to the directions on the package.

6. Cover the crack and drill holes with half of the epoxy mix.

7. Apply the fiberglass patch over the crack and press into the epoxy mix.

8. Coat the fiberglass patch with the other half of the epoxy mix. Smooth the mixture and taper the epoxy beyond the edges of the repair.

9. Wait 20 minutes for the epoxy to dry and cure before using the bathtub or shower.

Tags: mobile home, constructed differently, constructed differently than, differently than, fiberglass patch, half epoxy, Mobile Home Bathtub

Get A Community Development Block Grant For Home Improvements

Eligible urban communities use the community development block grant to provide housing to people of low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements as a community, pass the grant money on and meet particular restrictions. Communities frequently use the grant to improve personal homes or community housing, such as sewer and water line replacement or structural improvements.

Instructions

Pre Submission

1. Determine if your community is eligible. The city must be inside a metropolitan area or an urban county of at least 200,000 people or a city over 50,000 in a metropolitan area.

2. Pick persons of low to moderate incomes, defined as a the Section 8 low income limit, set by HUD. This person agrees that 70% of the money is used for housing expenses that will benefit them. They pick a one, two or three year period to make the improvements.

3. Submit a written proposal with your plan of action. Keep citizens informed by following a citizen participation plan, informing citizens of how much money is eligible and what the plan is to use the money.

4. Incorporate citizens feedback into your final proposal and plan of action.

Submit Application

5. Prepare a consolidated plan that includes the pre-submission information, an action plan for every year and any certification that may be necessary.

6. Submit the paperwork to HUD, within the deadline set.

7. Expect approval comes from the Secretary of HUD within 45 days of submission.

Tags: metropolitan area, plan action

Grow Figs Into A Canopy Tree

Fig trees have distinctive root formations.

Many gardeners value fig trees for their hardy nature, attractive appearance and the figs they produce each season. Growing a fig as a canopy tree requires some effort by the gardener to ensure that the tree receives enough nutrients, correct pruning and the right amount of sunlight throughout its life. Fig trees that receive proper care from the time they are saplings can grow into lush canopy trees. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a site for your fig sapling that's at least 10 feet away from other trees, in an area where it will receive full sunlight throughout the day. Figs are tropical plants and require light and warmth.

2. Dig a hole with your shovel that is as deep and twice as wide as the fig sapling's root ball. This will prevent damage to the tree when you plant it.

3. Turn over the soil inside the hole. Mix in a balanced fertilizer to add nutrients to the growing area and help the tree maintain its health.

4. Place the fig sapling in the hole and make sure it is standing straight. Fill the hole with soil, covering the roots. Tamp down the soil gently around the tree, creating a slight slope away from the trunk to avoid pooling water.

5. Water the ground around the tree immediately. Cover the soil with mulch, but keep the mulch from touching the trunk of the tree, as trapped moisture can encourage the growth of harmful fungi.

6. Water your fig tree once a week -- more often if the soil dries quickly. Fig trees need regular watering to grow properly.

7. Prune the fig tree after it has grown for a full season, using pruning shears or loppers. Trim the tree in the spring before new growth starts, after the danger of frost is past. Remove all dead or diseased branches, which can impede the tree's growth, make it sick or spread disease to other trees and plants.

8. Prune each branch at a 45-degree angle to the nearest adjoining branch or the trunk. Angled cuts promote new growth and limit the injury to the tree.

9. Prune branches from the lower portion of the fig tree to keep the trunk elongated and help the tree develop its canopy shape.

10. Prune smaller branches from the top portion of the tree to allow sunlight to penetrate to the lower branches of the fig.

11. Prune the tree annually in the same manner until it reaches maturity. Perform maintenance pruning on a fully mature tree to remove damaged and diseased branches.

Tags: around tree, away from, branches from, diseased branches, help tree, hole with

Repair A Plasma Tv

Plasma TVs usually have bigger screens than CRT models.

Plasma TVs work by enclosing neon and xenon gases between two glass panels. These gases light up when a small electrical charge passes through them, forming plasma and producing vibrant pictures. Plasma screens offer advantages over CRT sets, as they usually are bigger, with thinner widths, allowing wall mounting to save space. However, plasma TVs can suffer picture problems that following some basic steps can often remedy.

Instructions

1. Examine the cables that run from your plasma television to your cable box provider and devices such as games consoles and surround sound systems. Make sure all cables are connected to the right sockets. Composite and HDMI connections are usually color-coded to match the outlets at the rear of your TV. Examine the coaxial cable that runs from your cable box to check if it has any tears or dents that can result in image interference.

2. Examine the length of the cables connected to your TV set. Very long cables of 10 meters or more can often yield poor pictures. This is because the signal weakens due to the distance it has to cover before producing an image. Position devices such as Blu-ray Players or cable boxes closer to your TV. This may improve sound and picture quality.

3. Check your user manual to see if your set has a self-diagnostic feature, which you can use to repair sound and picture problems. Access this feature by pressing the Menu button on your remote control and locating it on-screen. For some plasma sets, you may have to hold down a button on the remote control. Check your user manual for precise instructions on access diagnostic tools.

4. Treat dead pixels. Apply a damp cloth to the affected areas on-screen. Dead pixels are pixels of a fixed color that do not change with the displayed image. Download or purchase pixel repair programs if a damp cloth fails to improve the problem. Pixel repair software can identify problem pixels in your plasma set and restore image quality.

5. Press the Menu button on your TV remote to access picture settings, if you are receiving dark or blurry images. Adjust the contrast, color, sharpness and brightness settings using the + and - or left and right arrows.

Tags: button your, button your remote, cables connected, Check your, Check your user, damp cloth, devices such

Avoid Craigslist Scams

Beware of non-working phone numbers included in ads on Craigslist.

While Craigslist can serve as a helpful, online marketplace where you can find products you want to buy or advertise items you have for sale, it has some pitfalls. Even if you're a savvy seller or buyer, you can fall victim to a dishonest person running a scam. The best practice is to be skeptical of everyone you encounter through Craigslist and follow certain rules, such as never giving personal information to buyers or sellers and insisting on seeing a product in person before committing your money toward a purchase.

Instructions

1. Deal only with people who are willing to meet with you in person. Never conduct transactions with people who are out of the country or claim to be from another country. You need to inspect the item in person before you pay for it. If you purchase items without seeing them in person, you risk receiving something that doesn't meet your expectations.

2. Offer to sell your items only to those who agree to pay in cash. One of the most common scams is someone telling you he is out of state or out of the country and offering to send you a money order or cashier's check for the merchandise. Unfortunately, the cashier's check or money order he will send is a fake. When you receive the check, it's for an amount that's more than what the buyer owes. The buyer asks you to cash the check and send him the difference with the merchandise. Once the bank realizes the cashier's check or money order is fake, you will be held responsible for the whole amount.

Even if someone offers to write you a check, don't accept it. The buyer could write a check on a closed or fictitious account or the check might bounce, leaving you with no money and little recourse.

3. Do not give your sensitive personal or financial information to anyone you've contacted through Craigslist. Never give a buyer or seller your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card number or any of your online auction or payment account information. Dishonest buyers or sellers can use your personal or financial information to defraud you.

4. Do not pay up front for training fees, give personal information for background checks, set up a direct deposit, pay rent or a deposit for a job or housing that's being offered to you by someone who you've contacted through Craigslist. The "employer" or "landlord" might be offering empty promises in exchange for your money or personal information. Instead, ask for a physical address and contact number of the employer and call or visit. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if the employer is legitimate. In the case of housing, insist on seeing the inside of the property before paying a deposit or rent.

5. Arrange a public meeting between you and anyone you contact via Craigslist. For example, if you advertise in the personal section for a male or female companion, arrange your first meeting in a public place. Do not invite someone you don't know to your home or give them your home address. Wait until after you meet the individual to give him your personal information. You might meet the person and decide you don't want to see him again. If you sell something, meet the person in a safe, public location to sell the item. Don't allow the person to come to your home.

Tags: personal information, cashier check, money order, through Craigslist, your home, buyers sellers, cashier check money

Grow A Vegetable Garden In North Carolina

Growing a vegetable garden in North Carolina has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Most of North Carolina enjoys a lengthy growing season of around 200 days or more, allowing for two, or sometimes, three separate harvests. Much of the hard clay or sandy soil in this area needs to be built up---some areas have been stripped of nutrients because of intensive tobacco farming. But regardless of whether you live in the western mountains, the central piedmont or the eastern coastal area, you can grow vegetables successfully in North Carolina with these simple steps. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick a garden spot. Be sure that your garden will get a full six hours of sun per day---eight to 10 hours will be even better. If you choose your spot in the winter, check that nearby trees will not shade the garden when their leaves come back in the spring. Rain in North Carolina is sporadic, so make sure you have a water source convenient to your garden.

2. Prepare the soil. Whether you have light, sandy soil or heavy, clay soil, you will need to add organic matter to improve its quality. Most North Carolina soil is acidic, so you may need to add lime as well. Thanks to the numerous farms in North Carolina, you can often find a farmer happy to give you some horse, chicken or cow manure, free for the taking. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture will perform a free soil test to help you correct any problems in your area's soil (see Resources below). Use a tiller or shovel to work the soil, turning it over and working in the organic matter and other additives.

3. Plan your garden. Choose the vegetables you would like to grow. Most vegetables will grow in North Carolina, but the following perform especially well: tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, squash, pole beans, Swiss chard and okra. Cool weather crops, such as broccoli, beets and lettuce can do well in the western part of the state, if they are planted early in the spring. Draw a grid that shows where you will plant each type of vegetable, keeping in mind each plant's space requirement.

4. Plant seeds and seedlings in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. See Resources below for your area's frost dates. Frost dates in North Carolina generally range from mid-April in the spring to mid-October in the fall. Check the seed packets for specific planting instructions for each vegetable. Water seeds and seedlings daily until their roots are established.

5. Maintain your garden. It can be difficult to get motivated to work your garden during the hot, humid North Carolina summer. Work during the cooler early morning or evening hours. Don't let the weeds get ahead of you, or they will take over your garden very quickly. Make sure the garden receives a good inch of rain or water weekly---more often if the weather is especially hot. Add fertilizer regularly to the nutrient-poor North Carolina soil for best results.

Tags: North Carolina, your garden, Carolina soil, Most North, Most North Carolina, North Carolina soil

Focus 10x35 Bushnell Binoculars

Bushnell's StableView electronic stabilization keeps binocular images steady.

Binoculars bring faraway objects up-close, for better viewing at sporting events or for nature watching and sightseeing. A common drawback of all hand-help optical devices is unsteadiness at higher magnifications. Bushnell's 10 by 35 StableView binoculars utilize regular and enhanced modes of electronic image stabilization to counteract the effects of instability such as hand tremor or vibration in a moving vehicle. The binoculars feature multi-coated 35 mm objective lenses with 10X magnification providing a 260-foot field of view at 1,000 yards. The image stabilization function is powered by two AA alkaline batteries.

Instructions

1. Look through both eyepieces. Swivel the eyepiece positions so they match the distance between your eyes. When correctly adjusted, you should see a single circular image when looking through both eyepieces.

2. Close your right eye and rotate the center focus control knob until the image in the left eye is sharply focused.

3. Open your right eye and close your left eye. Rotate the diopter ring on the right eyepiece until the image in the right eye is sharply focused.

4. Open both eyes and point the binoculars at a distant object. Rotate the center focus control knob to bring the object into focus.

5. Make all subsequent focus adjustments with the center focus control knob only.

Tags: center focus, center focus control, control knob, focus control, focus control knob, both eyepieces, Bushnell StableView

Ground A Mobile Home

Grounding a mobile home helps to make the electrical system safer.

The regulations regarding mobile homes and manufactured homes have changed since mobile homes were first manufactured. Most communities are now requiring mobile homes to be equipped with a 200 amp four-wire service that is grounded. The increased power helps the owner to run appliances in the mobile home without triggering breakers on a regular basis. Grounding the mobile home increases the safety of the electrical system. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use the measuring tape to measure a distance of 6 feet from the meter pole. One grounding pole will be buried next to the meter pole and the other grounding pole must be buried 6 feet away. It is advisable to bury the second grounding pole between the meter pole and the mobile home to prevent foot traffic from passing over the grounding poles.

2. Use the posthole digger to dig 8-foot holes at the measured locations. Place the grounding rods into the holes and hold them so they stand straight up. Use a shovel to fill the dirt back in around the rods. Pack the dirt down as it is being filled in around the rods.

3. Turn the power off to the mobile home at the main disconnect.

4. Locate the green ground wire coming out of the main disconnect. Connect the ground wire from the main disconnect to the grounding rod conduit according to the directions included with the grounding rod. Run continuous grounding wire from the first grounding rod to the conduit of the second grounding rod. Secure the end of the continuous grounding wire to the conduit of the second grounding rod.

Tags: mobile home, grounding pole, main disconnect, meter pole, mobile homes, second grounding, around rods

Ground An Electrical Outlet With No Grounding Wire

Ground an Electrical Outlet With No Grounding Wire

Ground an electrical outlet with no grounding wire by installing a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. The National Electric Code (NEC) allows three prong GFCI outlets to exclude ground wires due to the built-in breaker switch that trips at the indication of a short. An electrician may insist on grounding a GFCI during installation, but it is not required for most applications. A GFCI without ground wiring is not considered safe for computers or microwave ovens, but it will accommodate all other household electrical items. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Shut off the electricity running through the circuit at the breaker box. Check both sockets with a volt tester or a working night light to be certain the power is off. Lock or tape the breaker box closed and hang a warning sign to keep anyone from turning the switch back on while you work.

2. Remove the old receptacle. Use a slotted screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the cover plate. Loosen the top and bottom mounting screws that hold the receptacle to the outlet box.

3. Pull the receptacle away from the wall and examine the wiring. A black or dark-colored wire will be attached to a brass terminal. Mark that with tape as the hot wire. The neutral wire, usually white, is attached to a shiny silver terminal.

4. Remove the wires from the old receptacle and prepare them for the new one. Loosen the terminal screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Cut the bare wire off the ends with wire cutters. Strip 1/2 inch of the insulation off the ends by bitting gently into the shielding with the blades of wire cutters and twisting them around the outside of the wire. Pinch the end of each individual bare wire between your thumb and forefinger to twist the strands together.

5. Attach the wires to the GFCI terminals. Wrap the exposed twisted end of the hot wire around the brass terminal on the GFCI outlet marked "Line" in a clockwise direction. Tighten the terminal screw with all exposed wire under the screw head. Attach the neutral wire to the silver terminal marked "Line" with a clockwise wrap around the terminal, tightening it over all bare wire.

6. Place the GFCI outlet into the box and secure the upper and lower mounting screws. Put the cover plate on around the outside of the sockets and screw in the plate screws. Label the outlet to indicate the absence of a ground wire. The NEC requires this for safety.

7. Turn the power back on at the breaker switch and push the "Test" button between the sockets. Push the "Reset" button to restore power to the outlet.

Tags: bare wire, around outside, brass terminal, breaker switch, cover plate

State Of New Hampshire Regulations On Mobile Home Tie Downs

New Hampshire mobile home installation requirements conform to federal standards.

To reduce the likelihood of mobile homes being dislodged during severe weather, mobile home installers use tie down anchoring systems during installation. In New Hampshire, the installation is governed by the Manufactured Housing Installation Standards Board (MHISB), an agency the Division of Fire Safety of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, in accordance with federal law: Title 24 CFR § 3282 (Manufactured Home Procedural and Enforcement Regulations).

Definition

Tie down anchoring systems for mobile homes are defined under New Hampshire law in Chapter 600 (Manufactured Housing Installation Standards) of the Rules of the Manufactured Housing Installation Standards Board.

Tie down anchoring systems include cables, chains, footing, ground anchors, piers, straps, tension devices, ties, turnbuckles, and any other materials and methods of construction used to stabilize a mobile home in New Hampshire, which is in federally-designated Wind Zone I, the least dangerous category.

Tie down anchoring systems comply with federal manufactured home construction and safety standards: Title 24 CFR § 3280.306 (Windstorm protection).

Installation

Inst 603.12 (Anchoring Instructions, Security Against Wind) ensures that all tie down anchoring system equipment is certified by a New Hampshire registered engineer and that the installer has a MHISB-issued permit. The tie down straps used will have a breaking strength of at least 4,725 pounds, and be made of either galvanized aircraft cable with a minimum diameter of one-fourth inch or Type 1, finish B, grade 1 steel strapping that is one and one-fourth inches wide and three-hundredths of an inch thick, in conformance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standard D3953-91.

Installers will block and level the mobile home first and will ensure that the number and spacing of the tie down anchors conform to the manufacturer's installation instructions and are in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 225. The installer will only utilize the diagonal tie down method.

Applicability

MHISB rules apply to only manufactured housing that is: transportable in a mode that is at least 8 feet wide and at least 40 feet long; at 320 square feet once erected, whether or not the foundation is permanent; and connected to plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.

Tags: down anchoring, anchoring systems, down anchoring systems, mobile home, Housing Installation

Find Grants In Pennsylvania

There are many grant opportunites available in the state of Pennsylvania.

The state of Pennsylvania sets aside various types of grants for individuals and businesses, including those for small businesses, students, persons with disabilities, female workers and the elderly. Applying for grants in Pennsylvania is simple, with many online and offline options to obtain and submit grant applications. Having knowledge of the type of grant you want to focus on and which offices to contact will help you to easily find and acquire your desired grants.

Instructions

1. Determine the type of grant you want to obtain. There are many different grants to choose from and hundreds of opportunities within each facet of life, including business grants, special assistance, student grants and other areas.

2. Download the PA Grant Resource Directory Act at pheaa.org/stategrants/index.shtml. The directory provides information for all grants available in the state of Pennsylvania, including contact information and deadlines for application submissions.

3. Go to the official government website, Grants.gov. Register on the website to find grants that you are eligible for and then download the application package. After you submit the application package, you will be given a tracking number. You will have to obtain a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and get a Central Contractor Registration (CCR) number when applying as an organization. You will not need this when applying as an individual.

4. Contact your local Small Business Administration (SBA), which is located in each state, if you are seeking a small business grant. The SBA assists small businesses in financing, operations and applying for grants. To access the office in Pennsylvania online, go to sba.gov/localresources/district/pa. Click on the area where you will be applying for the grant. You can also contact the office by phone.

5. Search other sources, such as foundations, that provide grants. A list of foundations and their funding opportunities is provided at foundationcenter.org. Also search the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance located at cfda.gov; it lists all available grants. If you are a student seeking educational grants in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) located at pheaa.org. Find out if you are eligible to apply for a student grant first by visiting pheaa.org/stategrants/grant_eligibility.shtml. A useful resource to visit when applying for a business grant in Pennsylvania is business.gov/states/pennsylvania.

6. Prepare a business plan and a business proposal if you have applied for a grant related to business opportunities. Prepare your documents and hire a professional grant writer if necessary to help guarantee your approval for the grant. You can also contact the Pennsylvania SBA center to assist you in writing your business plan and proposal.

Tags: state Pennsylvania, when applying, also contact, application package, available state

Advertise A Computer Business

Help your computer business grow with advertising.

Being skilled with computers isn't enough to make your computer business a success. Part of building a truly successful business is using effective advertising. This lets local customers know you're out there and ready to serve their needs. After all, you cannot attract customers if no one knows you exist. Figuring out advertise your computer business is perhaps confusing, but there's no reason to panic. Seeking out tried-and-true advertising methods will help you draw in more customers and increase profits.

Instructions

1. Circulate fliers. Leave them on car windshields and other impossible-to-miss locations. Post them at local businesses your target market likes to frequent, whether coffee shops or electronics stores. Leave them at community hot spots like recreation centers and supermarkets to attract potential customers. Make sure your fliers not only advertise your business, but also your areas of specialty, whether repairs, custom computer building or virus removal. Advertise how much money and hassle you can save customers and compare the costs of repair versus replacement.

2. Use traditional advertising venues. Purchase an ad in the Yellow Pages. Buy advertising space in the newspaper and other print publications like coupon books and real estate booklets. Create a television or radio commercial, if your budget allows.

3. Solicit other small businesses. Visit the ones without their own tech support team or with few employees or even home-based businesses. Create a letter of interest and send promotional kits to area businesses, letting them know you want to service their computer support needs. Do cold calling. Ask owners or managers if they need help with computer support tasks such as repairs, network creation or monitoring employee Internet usage. Appeal to their bottom line and point out how much cheaper it is to retain your services as a contractor than to hire in-house tech support staff or replace equipment.

4. Encourage word-of-mouth advertising. Deliver quality service to your customers at reasonable rates. Go above and beyond customer expectations to convince them your services are a great value. Do something extra special to differentiate your business from your competitors, such as offering wholesale rates on computer components or having professionals available for house calls 24-7.

Tags: computer business, your computer, your computer business, advertise your, computer support, Leave them

Fix A Ceiling Leak

Small Ceiling Leak

Notice a discoloration on your ceiling after a rainstorm? This could be due to a small water leak from your roof. Many roofing companies will charge hundreds of dollars to fix these small problems that you could fix yourself. With a few simple tools and a few hours, your roof could be as good as new. This guide will take you through the basic procedures for fixing a small water leak caused by failed shingles or tar paper. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Locating the Leak

1. Locate the leak on your ceiling. If the leak is on a lower level ceiling, go to the floor directly above the leak. Determine whether the water is leaking from the roof or from a water pipe, washer, sink or toilet. If the plumbing is leaking, a plumber will be required to fix the problem. If you have an attic, find the leak there.

2. Drill a small hole through the center of the leak all the way through your roof. Insert the pencil through the hole to help find the problem on top of the roof. Climb on the roof and locate the pencil.

3. Using the speed bar, gently pry away and remove the shingles around the pencil to uncover the tar paper.

4. Remove the tar paper from the affected area. Fill any holes with roofing caulk, including the one you drilled.

5. Cut a new piece of tar paper and "glue" it in place using roofing caulk. Ensure the top and side edges are pushed underneath the existing tar paper so that water will flow over the new tar paper and not channel its way underneath it. The bottom edge of the tar paper must be over the existing tar paper for the same reasoning.

6. Install new shingles over the tar paper.

Tags: your roof, existing paper, over paper, roofing caulk, small water, small water leak

Get Past The Windows Administrator Password

You can work around a Windows XP password problem.

If you are trying to access a computer that has an Administrator password blocking your way, there is a way to quickly step around this problem---as long as you are trying to enter a Windows XP computer. Unfortunately, this easy "back door" solution was closed for Windows Vista and Windows 7 but there are a few ways to unlock a Vista or Win7 machine as well.

Easy Back Door: Safe Mode

You can get into any Windows XP computer protected by a password by pressing "F8" when the machine is first booting and then selecting "Safe Mode" as the start-up option. The password gatekeeper is bypassed in Safe Mode and you will be able to go to "Start," "Control Panel" and then "User Accounts." Inside User Accounts, remove or reset the password. Save the change and reboot windows through a proper system restart procedure ("Start" then "Restart.").

Hard Way for Windows Vista And Win7

Realizing the password security protection was so weak in Windows XP, Microsoft closed this door for Vista. Users of Vista and Windows 7 are unable to enter Safe Mode if a correct password is not inputted first. But, realizing that there are several scenarios where a legitimate owner may forget or lose a password, or have a password accidentally reset by a child or guest, Microsoft did create a fall-back position. Vista and Window 7 have a Password Recovery tool that can be used to record the password to a flash drive or CD. If you had the foresight to create this emergency tool, insert the disc or flash drive and boot the machine.

Last Ditch Effort for Vista And Win7

If you did not make a Password Recovery tool, there is one more way you can "break into" the machine: reinstall Windows using the onboard Recovery console. Read the Recovery option directions carefully, however. In some instances you can lose data when you reinstall Windows in this Recovery mode. Despite that threat, a full recovery is a better option than a totally useless machine. To invoke the Recovery console, place a genuine Windows Vista or Windows 7 setup disc into the CD drawer and boot the computer. Windows will offer the Recovery and Repair options. Conduct additional research at the Microsoft Support website on use these options and hopefully save some of your original data.

Caution: Getting Caught Is Easy

The owner of the machine will know someone has had unauthorized access to the computer in their absence. Their customary password \won't work or they won't be asked for the password when the user attempts to log on. You will not be able to uncover or recreate the password before you remove it from the User Account control panel because the password is masked with password "dots." Think about this potential discovery before you trespass in this manner.

Tags: Safe Mode, Vista Win7, Vista Windows, Windows Vista, access computer, flash drive

Purchase A Home For Back Taxes

Before you purchase a home for the back taxes, there is some information you need to absorb. The owners found themselves in a bind and cannot pay the taxes. They opt to sell the home but cannot until they have the taxes paid. Now, you are trying to buy the tax lien (and the home) in a back-taxes sale. Follow the steps below so that you will be informed.

Instructions

1. Peruse a list of tax lien sales in your area. Check the local tax authority or sheriff's office to see how much the taxes are in arrears on the property you want to purchase. General rule of thumb is that homeowners will not have their home seized for taxes until they remain unpaid for a year or two.

2. Make certain the home you are interested in is officially on the list. If the taxes remain unpaid for the specified amount of time, place your bid on the home during the county's sale to recoup back taxes through your purchase. At this point, the original owners have a period of time (determined by the local authorities) in which they can catch up on the taxes and interest and pay back your investment. Should that occur, they regain ownership of the home.

3. Understand the laws. You actually only purchase the tax lien itself. If the home was behind on the mortgage payments as well, this opens a completely new assortment of problems that you have to deal with as the mortgage is still in force. If the original owners own the home outright with no mortgage, then it is yours for taking care of the back taxes (unless the original owners repay your investment within the allotted amount of time).

4. Think ahead. On the day of the auction or sale, have a fixed amount in mind you will pay for the home. A bidding war against another individual is not your purpose. If necessary, have your financing arranged. You need to pay your bid price before leaving the sale.

5. Halt further improvements. If you purchase the home and must wait the timeframe stipulated for the original owners to try to come up with the money for your investment, do not do any repairs to the property until that time has passed. There is no need to spend more of your money improving someone else's property (unless that was the original idea).

6. Discuss relocation options with the former homeowners (if they are still living in the home). They can pay you rent to stay there, leave in a pre-agreed timeframe or pay your investment immediately.

Tags: original owners, your investment, back taxes, amount time, remain unpaid

Florida Building Grants For The Elderly

The costs to develop senior housing in Florida can be reduced with government financing.

Federal, county and nonprofit agencies provide funding for affordable senior housing development in Florida. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the majority of funding to help low-income seniors with affordable housing options. You must meet the low income-limit level requirement to qualify for a government-funded senior housing unit. HUD has determined the income-limit levels for every county in Florida.

Osceola County and Neighborhood Stabilization Grant

In February 2011, the county of Osceola in partnership with the Catholic Charities of Central Florida opened the St. Anthony Garden complex for low-income seniors. The senior housing was created with a $7 million grant from HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Seniors aged 55 and older whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the area's median income can apply for an apartment. Seniors pay 30 percent of their income toward rent. The senior complex offers residents a 24-hour nurse call system, a meals program and a community center.

Mildred and Claude Pepper Towers

In February 2011, the Mildred and Claude Pepper Towers in Miami began an $8 million project for renovation work. The Mildred and Claude Pepper Towers is an independent living facility for low-income seniors. The state of Florida and HUD provided the financing for the rehabilitation. The high-rise houses over 150 senior residents. Renovation work includes installing energy-efficient appliances, improving building systems and constructing handicap-accessible units. The senior housing community provides a meals program for residents.

HUD Section 202 Loan and HOME Programs

HUD's Section 202 loan program provides financing for the construction of elderly-only affordable housing units. Senior housing complexes in Orlando, Lehigh, Plant City, Tampa and Miami were constructed with HUD 202 financing. 202 financing includes a Housing Assistance Payment contract with HUD that allows a portion of the resident's rent to be subsidized. Seniors who live in these housing communities pay 30 percent of their income toward rent. HUD pays the remaining portion. HOME funding is also used to make upgrades or repairs to affordable senior housing complexes.

Charlotte County Housing Services

The county of Charlotte utilizes funding from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership to develop affordable housing for seniors. Affordable senior homes constructed with SHIP funds allow seniors with incomes up to 80 percent of the area's median income to obtain a housing unit. The senior must be aged 62 years or older to qualify for an apartment. Some senior facilities waive the age requirement if the applicant has a disability. These low-rent complexes allow seniors to afford an independent lifestyle.

Tags: senior housing, affordable housing, Claude Pepper, Claude Pepper Towers, low-income seniors, Mildred Claude

House Settling Vs Faulty Foundation

Large cracks in your foundation should be inspected so that structural problems are repaired.

Although you may have had your home's foundation inspected when you built or purchased it, problems can develop that were not there during the initial inspection. Soil conditions may change with the weather, and external factors such as tree roots can affect an otherwise stable foundation. The key to knowing when your foundation is settling as it should or when it is faulty is in knowing the signs of trouble. Does this Spark an idea?

House Settling

When a foundation settles, it is because of the movements of the building or its components to a lower point. This is usually caused by shifting or compacting of the soil beneath the foundation. Soil often shifts naturally because of moisture content and changes in the environmental conditions around it. Most homes will settle to a certain degree within the first few years after construction. This is normal and does not affect the foundation's stability because builders take this into account when designing the home. While settling, the foundation may develop cracks which are small and do not represent a cause for concern.

Faulty Foundation

When foundations move significantly more than is normal, problems in the house itself occur, such as stuck windows and doors that won't fully close. Your plumbing and wiring can also be affected. If a crack is more than 1/4 inch wide, it is typically a sign of foundation problems. Small cracks may also indicate problems, but there are typically more than just one. New cracks or those that were once very small but got bigger over time could indicate a serious structural problem with your foundation.

Causes

Foundation movement may be caused by environmental factors or building errors or a combination of the two. Building a foundation on soil that contain gaps or filling with soil that hasn't been compacted enough causes some movement. Often this is minor and doesn't indicate a faulty foundation. Over-excavating and then inadequately back-filling can also result in some settling. Settlement that is a result of normal soil compaction or expansion is minimal and will reach a stable point. If the soil consists of materials that deteriorate continuously, then the settlement will continue as well. Foundation problems also occur if the soil suddenly becomes wet and swells beyond normal levels, causing the foundation to heave. This moisture is typically caused by plumbing problems, over watering plants along the foundation or extreme weather events such as flooding.

Reading Cracks

Most concrete and block foundations will have some cracking because concrete shrinks as it cures. Hairline cracks located in an L-shaped section of your foundation, such as where the foundation must be built down a slope, are often caused by shrinkage and aren't indicators of a faulty foundation. Hairline cracks formed in the mortar between blocks are also minor and not a concern. Cracks that move in a stair step pattern in masonry joints can indicate structural problems, particularly if the wall bulges or the cracks exceed 1/4 inch in width. Horizontal cracks are more serious, indicating moist soil has frozen and pushed into the foundation, breaking it. Also look for cracks in your interior walls around doorways, windows, or where the walls meet the ceilings. In areas where flooring has been laid over a concrete floor, buckles and cracks may develop. While these signs may result from normal settling, more often they are signs of a more serious foundation issue.

Tags: your foundation, more than, cracks your, Faulty Foundation, Hairline cracks, House Settling

Safety Issues From A Leaking Roof

Roofs can develop leaks for a variety of reasons, such as wind damage, poor installation, insufficient flashing around a fireplace and lack of maintenance. Age is often a factor, as most roofs need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years. You may think that a leaky roof is just a structural problem. But it can pose health and safety risks, as well. Ignoring a leaky roof can be very costly in more than one way. Does this Spark an idea?

Health Issues

Mold and mildew grow and thrive in and on moist, humid areas, such as on a ceiling that becomes damp. Mold and mildew are health issues for those with high sensitivities. The issues include nasal congestion, rhinitis, conjunctival inflammation and asthma, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dark spots on the ceiling or a musty smell indicate that mold is growing. Stop the leak and dry the area as quickly as possible.

Fire Hazard

Often, electrical wiring is present in an attic or ceiling. A leaky roof could pose a fire threat caused by wires that have shorted. Turn off electricity to the area that's affected, and have an electrician examine the area that's damp. Follow his recommendations and repair the roof as quickly as possible.

Slip and Fall Hazard

A severely leaking roof can cause water to puddle on the floor. This may not seem like a huge risk, but if you have an active family and especially if you have children who like to run, you need to get that water mopped up to prevent human spills. Again, get that roof fixed to eliminate the hazard.

Structural Issues

A serious and long-standing leak inevitably leads to structural damage. That means a good chunk of deteriorated ceiling could give way and fall, damaging anything underneath. You would surely hate to find your laptop or television under a collapsed ceiling. It would be even worse if you were under it.

Tags: leaky roof, area that, Mold mildew, quickly possible