Camping & Cabins Near Asheville North Carolina

Camp in Asheville, North Carolina.

Asheville is located in Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In Asheville, go white-water rafting in the French Broad River or visit the Biltmore House. Lodging possibilities in Asheville include camping at a rustic tent site or staying in a luxurious cabin.

Campfire Lodgings

Campfire Lodgings is located on 100 acres of land and offers yurts, cabins, tent sites and RV sites. Rates range from $35 per night for tent sites to $150 per night for cabins. Hike on trails, fish in the pond and play horseshoes at the campground.

Campfire Lodgings

116 Old Marshall Highway

Asheville, NC 28804

800-933-8012

campfirelodgings.com

French Broad River Campground

Camp in a tent, stay in a cabin or park your RV at the French Broad River Campground. Participate in activities such as fishing, tubing, hiking and tennis. Campsite rates are $29 per night; RV sites are $34.50 per night; and cabins start at $60 per night.

French Broad River Campground

1030 Old Marshall Highway

Asheville, NC 28804

828-658-0772

ncrivercamping.com

Five Kings Retreat

Stay in the Five Kings Retreat cabins to enjoy a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge mountains. Cabins sleep up to 12 guests in six bedrooms. Enjoy a private yard, two decks and a sauna. Rates start at $1193.40 for a two-night stay, and the cabins are open year-round.

Five Kings Retreat

45 Cedar Summit

Asheville, NC 28803

828-274-6978

asheville.vrmreservations.com

Wilson's RV Park

Wilson's RV Park offers RV sites and tent sites on the French Broad River. Enjoy access to the river and use the bike path. Tent sites are $20 per night, and RV sites start at $30 per night. If guests need RV repairs, Wilson's Inc. is located on the campground.

Wilson's RV Park

225 Amboy Road

Asheville, NC 28806

888-857-9027

wilsonsrvpark.com

Tags: Broad River, French Broad, French Broad River, Broad River Campground, Campfire Lodgings

Grants For Senior Citizens In Georgia

If you are a senior citizen in Georgia, you may be able to qualify to receive various different grants. You may be eligible for senior citizens grants if you are a senior citizen, a family member of a senior citizen or an organization that aims to assist senior citizens. The federal government also offers a wide array of benefits for its elderly citizens.

Eligibility

Senior citizen grants from the state of Georgia and the federal government are available to taxpaying citizens of the United States, whether they be naturalized or citizens by birth. Some grants require a certain amount of income that the applicant receives, as the benefits usually cater to the financially challenged. In addition, upon applying, a number of grants may ask for documentation, such as income tax returns, proof of income and personal information.

Education Grant

If you have retired from your job and you would like to take the opportunity to learn something new or complete your college education, you can receive educational financial aid to help you in this endeavor. In the state of Georgia, citizens who are 62 or older can enter in any state college or university for free.

Consumer Discount Grant

The state of Georgia offers a natural gas discount for low-income households that are unable to purchase gas from other marketers. Lifeline Assistance Program provides senior citizens with a $13.50 credit on your monthly telephone bill, as of 2011. This can be done with offers from local gas or power companies. In addition, if the electric service is under your name and your total household income is less than $21,600 a year, you are entitled to $6 monthly fuel credit to your bill.

Housing Assistance Grant

In Georgia, housing assistance generally takes on two different forms. First, you could avail yourself of the nursing home assistance. This provides you with 24-hour care from registered nurses. Programs include diet supervision, speech therapy, dressing and bathing. Furthermore, personal home care entitles you to meals, personal care, companionship and supervision according to your personal needs. To qualify for this grant, you must not be bedridden. You must also find the time to locate the best home for you, which must meet your physical and mental needs. Therefore, it is wise to visit various homes and gather information regarding your choices.

Tags: senior citizen, senior citizens, state Georgia, credit your, federal government

Diy Home Fire Sprinkler System

While a smoke detector helps protect your family from fire, what protects your house? Depending on the area in which you live, your fire department's average response time could be up to 15 minutes. As every minute passes, more smoke spreads throughout your home, causing expensive damage. A home fire sprinkler system helps control the spread of destruction until the fire truck arrives. Installing a sprinkler system yourself is possible, so long as you follow local building codes and take time to learn about the basics of plumbing. Does this Spark an idea?

Pipe Layout

The sprinkler system starts with a pipe leading directly up from your house's water supply (located in the basement) to the ceiling of your top floor. This vertical pipe is called the "riser." You will have to cut 2-inch-wide holes in the horizontal wooden beams behind your walls (between the studs) in order to fit the riser. At the top of the riser, install an elbow fitting and attach it to a pipe that runs above the rooms. Put a sealed cap at the end of this horizontal pipe.

If your house has more than one floor, install a T fitting along the riser just above the ceiling of the first floor. Next, install a horizontal pipe into the T fitting running above all the rooms. Cap this pipe as well.

Finally, return to the basement and install a T fitting on the riser about 4 feet from the floor. Install a short, 2-foot long pipe into it but don't cap it.

Fixtures & Valves

On the riser, below the first T fitting, install a pressure gauge, a rubber-faced check valve and a flow detector. Next, on the short pipe attached horizontally to the first T fitting, install a simple ball valve.

Next, you need to install the sprinkler heads in each room. First, you must drill a hole in the long, horizontal ceiling pipe(s) directly above the planned head site. A thin metal pipe with threaded ends must be cut to the proper length, inserted and sealed in each hole. The sprinkler heads are then attached to each pipe.

Finally, install an inspector test valve about 1 foot from the capped end of the horizontal ceiling pipe on the top floor.

Triggering Mechanism

In the event of a fire, the sprinkler head shoots pressurized water from its connecting pipe onto a small horizontal plate, causing the water to spray around the entire room. The sprinkler head assembly consists of the pipe opening, the plate, two or three metal strips which secure the plate and a special piece of metal alloy fit snugly between the opening and the surface. Under normal conditions, the alloy piece forms a tight seal, keeping the water from leaking out of the pipe.

However, this special metal used is part of a class of bismuth-tin alloys with melting points between 158 and 270 degrees F, depending on their exact composition.

As the fire burns in the room, super-heated gas rises to the ceiling where it quickly melts the bismuth-tin alloy. With this stopper piece gone, the water is free to escape from the pipe and spray against the plate below.

To stop the sprinkler, you have to shut off the main water line in the basement.

Tags: your house, above rooms, ceiling pipe, first fitting, first fitting install, fitting install

Selfinstall A Home Alarm System

Install a simple home alarm system along your doors and windows to deter burglars from entering your home.

You don't necessarily need a fancy home alarm system with complex wiring and large control boxes on the wall to help keep your home safe and deter burglars. You can install a simple wireless home alarm system yourself in just a few minutes. Although you won't have a monitoring station to contact the local authorities for you, the 120-decibel noise blaring from the alarm is sure to deter many burglars from entering your home, and it will alert you when someone has opened a door or window. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine if you want to install the wireless alarms on all doors and windows, or just certain windows. You might want to install the alarms on all ground floor windows, but second-story windows are less likely to be entered during a burglary. Purchase the correct number of alarms for your needs, keeping in mind that many alarms come two to a pack.

2. Clean the area where you plan to install the alarms with a towel and rubbing alcohol. Scrub away any dust or dirt. Clean surfaces allow the double-sided foam tape to adhere better to the surface.

3. Remove the double-sided tape from both sides of the alarm pieces.

4. Position the two pieces of the alarm next to each other, with the arrows aligned, on opposite sides of the door or window opening. For example, on a door you would house the large piece high up on the actual door, and the smaller alarm piece on the top doorjamb. Ensure there is no more than ½ inch distance between the alarm pieces. When someone opens the door, the magnetic field between the two alarms breaks and the alarm sounds.

5. Push the "On/Off/Chime" button to engage the alarm.

6. Test the alarm by opening the door; the alarm will continue to sound for as long as the door is open.

7. Close the door to disengage the alarm. Depending upon your model, you may have to press the "On/Off/Chime" button again.

8. Check or change the batteries on your door alarms twice a year, perhaps when you check the batteries on your smoke alarms. Your alarms sound only with working batteries inside.

Tags: home alarm system, your home, alarm pieces, alarm system, batteries your

Become An Apprentice Plumber

Unclogging drains is a basic skill apprentice plumbers learn.

The journey toward becoming an apprentice plumber generally begins with getting the proper training at an accredited school. It's during this training that students learn the basics of plumbing, such as unclogging drains and fixing toilets. An apprentice plumber gains the skills and experience needed to obtain a plumber's license.

Instructions

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility standards. There are minimum age and education requirements for apprentice plumbers, although the rules vary from state to state. At a minimum, apprentice applicants in most states are expected to be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

2. Complete introductory plumbing courses. Find a private or public technical or vocational school that offers plumbing classes. You also can sign up for classes at a community college. Learn the basic skills needed in the plumbing field, such as unclogging pipes, using cutting torches, jackhammers and other tools and fixing water pressure. You also must know the field's safety requirements and understand basic math.

3. Request help from school faculty members to find a quality, paid apprenticeship. Those attending private plumbing schools are sometimes guided directly into an apprenticeship when they graduate. But for students attending public schools, ask for information, advice and possibly a recommendation to reputable apprenticeship programs in your area.

4. Apply for apprenticeships with companies recommended by the plumbing school's staff. Include a resume that outlines your plumbing school education. Submit letters of recommendation from instructors or professionals in the plumbing field. Once hired, expect to spend at least four years as an apprentice before obtaining a plumber's license.

Tags: apprentice plumbers, plumber license, plumbing field, plumbing school, such unclogging

Repair A Mobile Home Cabinet'S Finish

Refinishing is the best way to repair a laminate cabinet finish.

Mobile homes generally have laminate cabinets, which have a dark vinyl covering over inexpensive particle board that can easily be damaged by normal use.Because of the construction of these cabinets, gouges and scratches cannot be sanded down and refinished like wood cabinets. This construction makes a flawless repair nearly impossible. The best course of action for the repair of the finish is to refinish the entire cabinet. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the cabinet doors to be refinished and place them in the area you intend to do the work. If also doing the cabinet framework, prepare the surrounding area by covering or taping anything you do not wish to have paint on.

2. Remove the hardware, such as handles and pulls.

3. Clean the surface to be refinished thoroughly. John Dee with This Old House suggests a strong solvent such as xylol to remove all dirt and grease effectively.

4. Rough up the surface. Use a coarse sandpaper such as 150 grit and sand by hand or using a belt sander. According to HammerZone, the idea is not to sand away the vinyl, but to provide some texture to which the primer can adhere.

5. Clean with solvent a second time to remove any dust or debris caused by sanding.

6. Apply a primer. This is especially important if the cabinets are dark in color and you wish to repaint with a lighter color. Spray-on primers tend to work better than brush-on primers, according to John Dee.

7. Paint with your choice of oil-based or latex paint. Experts generally recommend that a semi-gloss be used for cabinets as it cleans up nicely.

8. Allow paint to dry completely before replacing the hardware and rehanging.

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Fix Small Rust Holes

Using an electric grinder to remove rust.

Rust, also known as iron oxide, is very damaging to metal, especially cars. Rusting is a natural chemical process that occurs when metal is exposed to damp air. When moisture and oxygen touch the iron in metal it forms rust. Rust damage usually starts from a scratch or dent in the finish that is covering the metal. If left unchecked, a small rust hole will occur and it will get larger until it is impossible to repair. Fix small rust holes as soon as possible to prevent the rust from spreading and making the hole larger.

Instructions

1. Inspect the item that has the rust hole to locate all of the areas that are rusting. Do not leave any rust on the metal or it will rust over again. Look for areas where the paint is bubbling or lifting; there may be rust underneath.

2. Measure the size of the hole. A small hole is considered anything smaller than two inches. A hole larger than that size will require other methods of repair.

3. Place a tarp on the ground underneath the item that will be fixed. Cover the other parts of the item that are rust free with plastic sheeting. In other words, if you are removing rust on a vehicle, secure plastic sheeting over the parts of the car that are in good condition.

4. Sand the area around the rust hole with an electric hand-held grinder. An electric grinder will make the job easier, if you don't own one use heavy sand paper and a wire bristle brush to remove the rust. Scrape away loose paint and all the rust that is surrounding the rust hole until it is completely gone.

5. Apply a rust-removing solvent around the hole to make sure all traces of the rust are gone. Follow the manufacturer's directions and apply it to the front and backside of the metal, including the interior of the hole.

6. Wipe down the surface surrounding the hole with a clean dry cloth. Make sure there are no specks of dust, rust, or paint any where on the metal.

7. Apply a fiberglass fill, or bonding compound, over the hole. If the hole is small you should be able to apply the bonding fiberglass fill over the hole on it's own with no support. If the hole is larger, place a small piece of wire mesh over the hole, and then apply the fiberglass fill. Follow the directions on the container of bonding fiberglass compound you are using. Allow it to dry the specified amount of time.

8. Sand the bonded area with a piece of sand paper until it is smooth and even with the existing metal around the hole. Clean the dust off the metal and the bonded hole with a brush and a dry cloth.

9. Prime the bonded hole and the exposed metal with a primer. Paint the bonded hole and the unprotected metal with spray paint. Follow the manufacturers directions for use and dry time. All of the exposed metal should be covered with paint, so the rust will not reappear.

Tags: hole with, rust hole, bonded hole, fiberglass fill, hole larger

Install Log Siding

Log siding can be added to either the exterior or the interior of your home and can add warmth and rustic charm to almost any home.Modern log siding comes in either half round logs or quarter round logs, with tongue and groove edges for fast, easy, and air-tight installation.Log siding can be installed over wood studs or sheeting that has been applied over wood studs. Most interior and many exterior applications are easily accomplished by one or, at most, two people. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut and install the specially-designed corner (vertical) logs as per the manufacturer's instructions. Leave the proper spacing between the floor and your corner piece as well as the proper space between the corner piece and the ceiling, as per the manufacturer's instructions (usually 1/2 inch). Use 3-inch or longer lag screws to attach the corner pieces to your studs and/or sheeting. Whenever possible screw through the log into a stud.

2. Cut the foundation log to the proper length so it fits snugly between the corner logs which have already been installed. Lay the foundation log along the bottom of your wall. Make certain it is level. Use shims if necessary to keep it approximately 1/2 inch off the floor and perfectly level. Make sure the "tongue" of the tongue and groove is running the length of the top of the log. Use 3-inch or longer lag screws to hold this bottom log to the wall. Screws should be spaced every 24 inches or per manufacturer's instructions. When possible screw through the log and into a stud.

3. Cut the next log to the proper length and lay it on top of the foundation log. Use your hammer and a wooden block to carefully tap the tongue of the lower log into the groove of the log you are now adding. make sure the fit is tight. If the original foundation log was perfectly level than all additional logs should be level, but it is still a good idea to check this every couple of rows. Use a hammer or a nail gun to drive a 2.5-inch nail into either end of the log. Nails should be driven at a 45 degree angle just under the tongue so that the next level of log will hide the nail heads from view. Continue adding nails every 24 inches or as per manufacturer's suggestion. Whenever possible, nails should be driven into studs.

4. Continue adding rows of new logs until you reach the top of the wall. The top log may need to be ripped using a table saw depending on the height of your wall. Each new level of wall needs to be tapped into place using your hammer and a wooden block to make sure that they seat firmly into their tongue and groove before being nailed to the wall as described in the previous step..

5. If wall is longer than the length of your logs, be sure to cut your logs so that the seams are staggered. A random pattern is often most pleasing.Fill screw holes in foundation piece and corner pieces with wood putty and allow to dry. Continue with next wall.

Tags: manufacturer instructions, tongue groove, 3-inch longer, 3-inch longer screws, between corner, Continue adding, corner piece

Install Laminate Flooring In A Mobile Home

Install Laminate Flooring in a Mobile Home

A mobile home is a small enough space that you can easily tackle many do-it-yourself projects, such as installing laminate flooring. Flooring options with laminate come in many designs, so you can choose the style that best accents your décor. In addition, because it's laminate, it's more affordable than many other types of flooring. When you install laminate flooring in a mobile home, you can easily update the look of your floors and increase the value of your house with a product that can last much longer than carpet. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Inspect the rooms and hallways where you will install mobile home laminate flooring. Determine which direction will be easiest, and most aesthetic, to run the plank. For example, if you have a long hallway, it may be easier to install your mobile home laminate flooring planks so they run parallel to the hallway walls. That makes it much easier to install, with fewer cuts required. Make sure the planks run the same direction throughout the entire mobile home for a consistent look.

2. Lay down foam padding on the subfloor where you want to install laminate wood floors. The padding acts as sound insulation and it helps prevent your mobile home laminate flooring from wearing out because it acts as a cushion between your laminate flooring and the subfloor. To cut the foam padding to size, you can use regular scissors. Use duct tape to seal any seams you may have in your foam padding.

3. Place your first laminate flooring plank on the ground in the place where you want the installation to begin, usually in a corner. Place the tongue side up against the wall.

4. Insert the tongue of your second laminate flooring plank into the corresponding groove on the first plank. Snap the second plank down so it sits flush against the subfloor. Repeat this process until you install all of your laminate flooring planks. Use a circular saw to cut your laminate flooring planks to size, if necessary.

5. Install your laminate flooring planks with a 5/16-inch gap between the flooring and the wall. Some types of laminate flooring can react to temperatures and will expand or contract as temperatures change. The 5/16-inch gap, which you will conceal with wood trim, allows the floors to move around as needed without causing damage or buckling.

6. Nail wood trim around the edge of the wood to hide the gap and to camouflage any uneven cuts or discrepancies that might show up without the trim.

Tags: laminate flooring, flooring planks, laminate flooring planks, your laminate, your laminate flooring, foam padding, home laminate

Install Internet Explorer 8 On Windows 7

Windows 7 comes with Internet Explorer 8, or IE8, preinstalled on the operating system. Because Internet Explorer integrates into many of the Windows 7 operating system components, the program files remain on your computer even if you uninstall the browser. This is fortunate, as it makes installing IE8 on Windows 7 as simple as re-enabling it in Windows Features. You can use this method to both uninstall and reinstall IE8 on your Windows 7 computer.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button, and select "Control Panel." The Control Panel window appears.

2. Click on the "Programs" heading.

3. Click "Turn Windows Features On or Off." Input your Windows 7 administrator password if prompted. The Windows Features dialog box appears.

4. Scroll through the list of Windows 7 features and locate "Internet Explorer 8." Place a check mark next to it and click "OK." A progress bar appears; allow the computer to install IE8.

5. Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Tags: Internet Explorer, Windows Features, Control Panel, operating system, your Windows

Fix A Cracked Computer Screen

Don't let a cracked computer screen scare you

Much to the dismay of computer owners around the world, a slight nudge, touch, or overly tough grip is capable of causing a crack in any computer screen. Does this mean you need to purchase a new monitor? Can the computer be salvaged? Good news! With time and patience, it is possible to fix a cracked computer screen...as noted in the information provided below.

Instructions

Dealing with a Cracked Screen

1. Decide whether it's financially worth it for you to attempt to fix the computer screen or if purchasing a new computer would be cheaper. Often, a dead pixel in a computer screen can be salvaged for relatively cheap; a cracked screen, however, requires additional hours and thus investment, and success is not always guaranteed. In the event you choose to purchase a new computer, it's always possible to transfer the data from your current computer to it.

2. Get back to work with a new screen in no time

If you want to salvage your existing computer rather than purchase a new one, and it's a laptop, identify the exact make and model and contact your local computer repair shop. If your computer only suffered a few dead pixels, the computer repair staff might be able to fix the laptop without further delays. If that's not the issue, the computer repair shop will be able to assist you in locating and purchasing a new computer screen. You may also find a computer screen for purchase on online forums, ebay, or specialty shops. If you have a desktop computer with a cracked screen, you can purchase any screen of your choice, connect it to your existing computer and begin working.

3. When you locate the matching computer screen, remove your cracked computer screen so you may replace it. This may require small screwdrivers, so be sure to have them available. Start by removing the battery and cable adapter. Delicately unhinge the cracked monitor and separate the screen from the motherboard. Attach the replacement monitor and carefully screw it in. Be sure there are no wires sticking out and the screen is properly connected before reinserting the battery and power outlet and resuming work.

4. In the event you don't want to purchase a new computer or replace the monitor yourself, take your computer to a local computer repair shop or the store where it was purchased and opt for a full-service repair. Many computer shops will locate and install the matching replacement screen for you.

Tags: computer screen, computer repair, computer repair shop, cracked computer screen, repair shop, cracked computer, cracked screen

Heating Assistance Help

Help may be available for your heating costs.

With heating and energy costs rising each year, more people are seeking assistance. Help is available for heating bills and energy-related home repairs through the federal government and state and local programs. These funds are mostly for low-income individuals and for those going through temporary or unanticipated difficulties, such as illness or sudden job loss. If a family is not qualified for assistance at the federal level, help can often be found at one of the state or municipal charities. Some energy companies also offer assistance with payment options and credit lines, which can help customers through a tough time.

LIHEAP

LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, a grant program set up by the federal government to help pay heating and cooling bills for those who qualify. This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It is also available to state and federally recognized Native American tribes. LIHEAP offers low-income families bill payment and energy crisis assistance for home energy repairs. Applications are available online and at most state and federal assistance agencies. You need to supply proof of residency and income, social security numbers or birth certificates for everyone living in the home, and energy bills.

Citizens Energy

Citizens Energy is an assistance program available in 17 states. Through a network of oil dealers and other fuel assistance programs, it offers free or discounted fuel to those who use oil heat. If eligible, Citizens will provide a onetime delivery of 100 gallons of oil. Even if you do not qualify for other programs, Citizens Energy may still be able to help out.

Local Charities

Many churches and local charities offer assistance to families needing help paying heating bills. Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army and your local gas and electric companies often have heating assistance specific to your area. Check with your local county or municipal government for information on whom to contact in your state.

Lower your Bills

There are several things you can do to make your energy bills more manageable. Lower the temperature on your water heater. Even a slight decrease in temperature can have a positive effect on your bills without lowering the comfort level when you shower. Close the damper on your wood stove or fireplace when not in use. Heat can leak out through the damper when there is no fire burning. Invest in a programmable thermostat so you can lower your heat when no one is home. Winterize the windows by caulking or sealing with plastic specially made for this purpose. Plastic window seals are available in most hardware stores.

Tags: Citizens Energy, available states, energy bills, federal government, heating bills, Help available

Repair Brick Basement Walls

Repointing a basement brick wall demands extra care.

Although brick walls in a basement are indoors by definition, they are still exposed to some of the same kinds of weathering effects that cause exterior masonry to decay. Basements often have a cool, damp environment, and that kind of environment promotes the penetration of the mortar by moisture. You need to repair this mortar in a process called repointing. However, working on a basement wall can be more complicated than a standard repointing job. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrub away loose, crumbling mortar with a wire brush. Strike cracked mortar or any solid remnants stuck on the sides of the brick with a chisel, using medium taps from the hammer.

2. Make a batch of mortar in a bucket by adding water in the proportions indicated by the manufacturer, and pour it into a masonry bag. Mix up enough for between 15 and 30 minutes worth of repointing so that the mortar does not harden and clog the bag while you work.

3. Put the masonry bag spout into the empty wall joints -- the spaces between the bricks. Push mortar into these hollow spaces by holding the bag above its snout and squeezing. Fill up the joints to a level matching the old mortar.

4. Mold the fresh mortar with the trowel so its surface matches that of the old mortar. Scrape away excess mortar, and either drop it into the masonry bag for reuse or discard it.

5. Allow the repointed mortar to cure for at least 24 hours.

6. Coat the entire basement wall with a fresh coat of masonry sealant. If you intend to leave the basement with an exposed brick look, use clear sealant. If you intend to eventually paint the wall, use a white sealant that can double as primer.

Tags: basement wall, into masonry, mortar with, sealant intend, that mortar

Tax Law For A Boat As A Second Home

If your boat has living quarters, you may be entitled to second home tax breaks.

Boats are many things to many people. For most, they are fun, recreational vehicles on the water. For others, they are sports vehicles for fishing or skiing. Sometimes, they are all the above. What many people overlook is the possibility that their boat is also something else: a home. With your boat as a second home, you might be eligible for some tax breaks.

What Boats Qualify?

Any dwelling you own, including a boat, that has a sleeping area, a cooking area and toilet facilities qualifies as a second home. These areas can all be separate rooms and complete setups, or they can exist in one room, as long as it is possible to cook, go to the bathroom and sleep.

What is Deductible?

The second home designation only matters if you have an outstanding loan on the boat. Just like with your regular home, the interest you pay on a mortgage is what you can claim on your taxes. You must declare which residence is your primary home and which is your secondary home. However, it is not necessary to claim the same designations each year. You can switch them around for your benefit. There are some limits on the amounts allowed. You can only claim a loan in the amount of fair market value and up to $500,000 (or $1 million for married couples filing a joint return).

Expenses

Boats are expensive vehicles. A common saying in the boat world is that the word "BOAT" is really an acronym for "Break Out Another Thousand." However, regular expenses for upkeep or repair are not tax deductible. You cannot declare repairs or upkeep expenses on a boat any more than you can claim a new furnace or repairs on your primary home. What you can declare is interest on a second mortgage, money spent for value-based improvements and the cost of any mortgage point fees.

Number of Second Homes

You can only have a single second home for tax purposes, according to MadMariner.com. Even if you actually own an RV, a mobile home and/or more than one house, you must decide which one you will use for a second home on your taxes. A wise choice is the one you have the greatest mortgage liability for.

Commercial Use

If you use your boat for a commercial purpose, even one time, you must spend at least 15 days on board as a live aboard. Keep accurate records for the time you spend living on your boat to prove occupancy when necessary. If you charter your boat for 15 days or more, you must report the income, and, to remain eligible for a second home deduction, you or another family member must live aboard for 10 percent of the time you rent it out.

Sale

Sale proceeds from a second home are tricky. You can declare losses, but profits are usually capital gain. However, if you live full-time in your second home for at least two out of five years, you can exclude up to $250,000 of the sale from taxable income ($500,000 for married couples with both living in the home for the time in question and filing jointly).

Proof

Be careful when you choose to claim a boat as a second home. A boat is a "flag" item for the IRS, and you may have to prove your ship's eligibility. Even though a cooking area does not have to be separate from a sleeping area, it does need to be a dedicated cooking area, not simply a grill on deck. Also, the bed has to be a permanent bed, not an inflatable mattress on the aft deck.

Tags: second home, second home, your boat, cooking area, area does, boat second home, live aboard

Tools For Rebuilding A Transmission

Sockets are used in repairing transmissions.

Rebuilding a transmission is no easy feat. It requires attention to detail, patience and the proper tools. An experienced transmission mechanic can easily rebuild a transmission in his own garage, provided he has the proper tools readily at hand. The transmission is underneath the vehicle, either behind the engine or underneath the engine, depending on the whether the vehicle is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. The transmission must be removed and then it must be taken apart, the problem fixed and then reassembled. Depending on the model of the transmission, more tools may be necessary to get the job done, but most transmission rebuilds require some basic tools.

Air Tools

Impact wrenches are the workhorse of any technician. The wrenches are used for 80 percent of the work. The wrench's primary function is driving sockets. The most common size is a 3/8-inch drive, versatile enough to use for some precision work but tough enough for some heavy-duty tasks. Impact wrenches drive sockets, which in turn drive bolts that hold the transmission together. An air drill's only function is drilling holes through various types of material, such as aluminum, steel and magnesium. These metals are very common in transmission repair. The most common use of the air drill is for modifying the transmission separator plate. Blow guns shoot pressurized air to blow away debris, clean surfaces and dry moisture on metal surfaces.

Sockets

There are dozens of different sockets. The most commonly used is the six-pointed socket. Transmission repair frequently requires specialty sockets, such as torx bit sockets, to complete a certain task. Torx bit sockets are six-pointed, non-inverted drivers. All sockets listed come in metric and standard sizes, except for torx bit sockets. Other sockets commonly used in transmission repair are the 12-pointed socket and the allen head socket. Wobble head sockets, which are six-pointed sockets with a 30 degree bend, are crucial for getting into the tight spaces frequently encountered in transmission repair.

Wrenches

The different styles of wrenches available are as vast as the different styles of sockets. For transmission repair, the combination wrench is the tool of choice. The combination wrench has a 12-pointed driver on one end and an open head driver on the other end. A variety of short and standard length wrenches, both metric and standard size, make the job of repairing a transmission easier, but the combination wrench is the most important. Wrenches are used to drive bolts.

Simple Hand Tools

Flat-head screwdrivers, in various lengths and sizes, are used for prying in transmission repair. The machinist hammer, or ball-peen hammer, in varying weights is also used in transmission repair work.

Pliers

Regular pliers, snap ring pliers and needle nose pliers are used frequently in transmission repair. Regular pliers have short, stubby heads with wide jaws for grabbing on to various transmission parts. Needle nose pliers have a long, needle-shaped head with narrow jaws. They are ideal for getting into tight spaces. Snap ring pliers are a spring-loaded specialty tool designed specifically for compressing snap rings, which are found in transmissions. These three pairs of pliers form the most basic set you will need for transmission repair.

Tags: transmission repair, combination wrench, commonly used, different styles, drive bolts

California Property Inspection Checklist

Most homes in California undergo a property inspection when being sold.

Although having a home inspection is not required when buying and selling residential real estate in California, typically buyers do hire home inspectors to examine the condition of the property they are buying. Home inspectors, who are not licensed by the state, go through a checklist and note items on the property which are in need of minor or major repair.

Foundation Inspection

A home inspector in California inspects the foundation of a building, including the framing system of the floor, as well as the anchoring and cripple wall bracing of the foundation. He also inspects under-floor ventilation and insulation, as well as the separation of wood from the soil.

Exterior Inspection

A California home inspector inspects the exterior of the property in question, including all doors and windows, as well as walls. She also inspects any attached structures, including balconies, decks, patios, porches and stairways. In addition, she inspects land, walkways and driveways adjacent to the building being inspected.

Roof and Attic Inspection

The inspection of a building's roof in California includes the roof itself, as well as drainage from the roof area, and any skylights and flashings. In addition, the home inspector inspects the framing of any attic space, plus its insulation and ventilation.

Plumbing Inspection

The plumbing inspection of a building in California includes inspection of all water supply and gas plumbing coming into the building, as well as all drain and waste pipes going out of the building. In addition, the home inspector inspects all fixtures, faucets and water heaters. He also examines the functionality of all drainage.

Electrical Inspection

The California home inspector examines all electrical panels and circuit wiring as part of her inspection of the electrical systems of a building being purchased. In addition, she inspects lighting fixtures, outlets and switches.

Heating and Cooling Inspection

A home inspection in California includes examination of all central heating and cooling equipment, as well as other heaters and vent systems. It also includes inspection of all condensation drainage, as well as of energy sources and connections to the heating and cooling systems.

Fireplace and Chimney Inspection

The California home inspector examines the chimney exterior as part of his inspection, as well as the firebox, spark arrestor and damper. He also examines the hearth, but does not examine the interior of the chimney.

Interior Inspection

A home inspection in California includes a thorough examination of the interior of the building. Elements included in the inspection are ceilings, floors, walls, doors, windows, handrails, stairways, cabinets, all permanently installed appliances and smoke alarms. In addition, the home inspector inspects garage doors and their opening systems.

Tags: home inspector, California includes, home inspector inspects, inspector inspects, addition home, addition home inspector

Rent A Hospital Bed

A hospital bed.

Renting a hospital bed is a cost-effective way for individuals to obtain medical beds for the home when the bed is only necessary for a short time. Hospital beds are rented through medical supply companies and are often covered by insurance or Medicare. To be approved for coverage, however, the bed must be deemed medically necessary and be prescribed by a physician.

Instructions

1. Speak to your physician about renting a hospital bed for your home. Factors that you'll want to consider before contacting medical supply companies include: how long the hospital bed will be needed, the best type of hospital bed for your needs and any additional equipment that may also be necessary. Mattresses, for example, are sold or rented separately from the hospital beds.

2. Contact your insurance company to ask whether they cover the rental of medically necessary hospital beds. Medicare Plan B does cover hospital bed rentals, but the bed must be properly prescribed by a physician. A "Certificate of Medical Necessity" must also be filled out by the prescribing doctor and filed with Medicare.

3. Talk to Medicare or your private health insurer to determine if there are any medical supply companies that they recommend. For Medicare coverage, hospital beds must be rented through a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare and has a Medicare number. You can also speak to your doctor or caregiver for recommendations on medical supply companies in the area that rent hospital beds.

4. Call medical supply companies in your area and inquire about renting a hospital bed, mattress and any other equipment that your doctor has deemed necessary. When renting a bed, make sure that you specify whether you are looking for a manual or an electric bed. Other information to find out includes the rental cost, whether they have a "rental cap" that will allow you to purchase the bed if you need it longer than expected and their policy regarding repair and maintenance of the bed. If possible, look for a company that will cover periodic maintenance or repairs to the hospital bed as part of the rental agreement.

5. Make sure that you follow the procedure for renting the bed as directed by your insurance company or Medicare to ensure that your coverage is not denied. Regardless of how reputable or large the business is where you're renting your bed from, Medicare will deny coverage if the company is not Medicare approved.

Tags: medical supply, medical supply companies, supply companies, hospital beds, about renting, about renting hospital

The Average Hourly Rate For A Plumber

The average hourly salary of plumbers depends on skill level and years of experience.

Traditional plumbing is one of five specialized plumbing trades, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Plumbers are trained in the installation, maintenance and repair of piping systems and appliances in homes and larger commercial and industrial facilities. Plumbers deal with the kinds of pipes that transport water, waste, gas and drainage to and from homes and buildings. The salary for this type of work varies by experience and expertise.

Hourly Wage Trends

National trends indicate that the average hourly rate for a plumber is between $14.89 and $24.26. This assessment is based on an October 2010 PayScale survey of 395 plumbers. The survey also accounts for additional compensation from tips, overtime and bonuses. The national hourly average for tips is $.05 to $.63 cents per hour while overtime paid an hourly rate between $22.35 and 34.15. Bonuses for plumbers ranged from $205.80 to $1,513 annually.

Apprentice Plumber

One of the most important determinants of hourly rates is experience. A new plumber, otherwise called an apprentice plumber, makes an average of $11.78 to $17.07 per hour in salary, according to PayScale as of October 2010. Compensation from tips and overtime increases hourly wages anywhere from $17.73 to $30.77. Plumbers whose employers award bonuses and profit sharing earn an average of $198.70 to $786 in bonuses and $406.95 to $4,815 annually.

Journeyman Plumber

A journeyman plumber is a skill step above an apprentice plumber and requires passing an examination. As a journeyman plumber you have the necessary skills and knowledge of plumbing, systems and the skills needed to install, maintain and repair. The national average hourly rate for a journeyman plumber ranges from $17.59 to $26.49 an hour, according to PayScale as of October 2010. In addition, overtime rates jump to an hourly average between $26.32 and $39.27. National data also indicates that bonuses vary from $482.86 to $1,181 annually. The combined average annual salary of a journeyman plumber ranges from $37,902 to $59,740.

Master Plumber

In terms of skills, a master plumber takes precedence over an apprentice and a journeyman plumber. This designation also requires examination and years of experience. According to a national survey of master plumber hourly salaries conducted in October 2010 by PayScale, the hourly average ranged from $19.56 to $30.14. Overtime work increases the hourly wage to between $27.55 and $43.47. Accounting for salary, bonuses and commissions, PayScale estimates master plumbers make an average salary between $42,850 and $70,555 annually.

Foreman

Foreman positions in plumbing are typically supervisor roles responsible for overseeing a team of p lumbers. According to an October 2010 PayScale survey of 395 Lead Plumbers and Foremen, the average hourly wage is between $19.94 and $30.89. Overtime work increases hourly wages to between $29.94 and $47.81. The survey found that the combined annual value of salary, bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing adds up to anywhere between $44,795 and $72,667 annually.

Tags: journeyman plumber, October 2010, 2010 PayScale, average hourly, hourly average, hourly rate

Do I Have To Get My Car Repaired After Filing A Claim

After an auto accident, your car insurance could pay you to repair all of the damage. Many times, the insurance company will simply give you a check for the estimated amount of damage to your car. When you receive this check, you may be tempted to simply keep the money and avoid repairing your car.

Getting the Money

How you receive your money will depend on what type of claim you have filed. If you were in an auto accident, it may take some time to get the claim settled. You may have to be paid for medical bills and for the damage to your car. Eventually, the adjuster will settle on an amount with you and send you a payment. In some cases, the insurance company will pay a repair shop directly. If you receive the check, it is up to you to get the repairs done.

Hail Damage

If your car is damaged in a hail storm, the claim process could be handled differently. In a massive hail storm, many cars are typically damaged at the same time. Because of this, the insurance company will have a large number of claims to handle. In some cases, the insurance company will set up a drive-through claims center to handle all of the claims from the storm. In this case, the company will assess the damage and issue checks immediately. If a large number of claims were not filed, you may simply have to meet an adjuster and he will write you a check for the damage.

Auto Lender

When you still owe money on your car and the damage is significant, the insurance company may need to issue the check in your name and in the name of your auto lender. You will then need to have the check endorsed by someone from your lender to release the funds to you. If the damage is significant, the lender may require you to repair the car with the funds from the insurance company.

Keeping the Money

If you only have a small claim and an auto lender is not involved, you may have the option of keeping the money and not repairing your car. When you do this, the insurance company will not give you any money for the damage if you file another claim in the future. The insurance company will subtract the amount it has already paid on the previous claim. This prevents the insurance company from paying for the same damage twice.

Tags: insurance company, company will, insurance company will, adjuster will, auto accident

Make A Mobile Home Permanent

Make a Mobile Home Permanent

One of the primary requirements when converting a mobile home to real property and making it eligible for mortgage financing is placing the home on a permanent foundation. It also increases the safety of the home by minimizing possible damage from flooding, high winds and weather. The requirements for certification of a permanent foundation vary from municipality to municipality, but there are certain minimum requirements that would apply no matter where live. In addition to meeting these conditions, you may need to have an inspection done, file paperwork and pay fees to certify that your mobile home is on a permanent foundation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check with county zoning for the lot to ensure that the land's zoning allows for mobile and manufactured homes to be attached to the lot.

2. Level the home site, making sure to address lot drainage issues and ensure that water runs away from the foundation, rather than pooling around it. Try to find a site where the dirt is firm and compact and will also support a septic tank, if one is required.

3. Remove the wheels and axles from the home so that it can no longer be moved.

4. Build a perimeter support wall of grouted masonry or poured reinforced concrete. Check with local requirements on height.

5. Dig footings for jacks and/or support piers to minimize settling and possible structural damage caused by uneven settling. This is done by digging down to where the ground is firm and pouring concrete in the holes to give a firm and level surface to place the jacks or piers on.

6. Place jacks or piers at a minimum interval, as required by local ordinance.

7. Place cross supports on the home, if needed, to evenly disperse the weight of the home across the footings and foundation.

8. Permanently attach the home and the supports to the foundation walls and jacks or piers. This could be done with straps, bolts or other methods.

9. Attach all utilities such as water, sewer, septic and electricity to the home.

10. Have any inspections and certifications performed to meet local building codes or requirements. These may involve a structural engineer or county building inspector.

Tags: jacks piers, permanent foundation, Check with, ensure that, Home Permanent

Find A Mobile Home Blue Book Value Free

There are a few ways to find a mobile home blue book value free, but all will require some work on your end to avoid any fee. Still, it's very possible to do, and you won't need to purchase a book that you'll wind up using once, then tossing in the trash. As you likely know, there are several ways to determine how much any manufactured house is worth, not just one. You really can find a free mobile home blue book value.

Instructions

1. Call your local bank to get a free mobile home blue book value quote. Banks generally have the N.A.D.A manufactured housing appraisal guide in their office because they often give out loans for these types of manufactured houses. The manufactured house loans they give out require certain percentages of money down, called loan to value ratio. Without these books, the banks would only be able to guess, and banks need to be more accurate than that. A local bank that you've done business with in the past is a great way to get a free mobile home blue book value.

2. Talk to a local real estate agent to get a free mobile home blue book value quote. This is really one of the very best options. Different manufactured houses will be worth different amounts in certain areas. The end result is a much more accurate idea of the actual worth of your manufactured house. In addition, if you are thinking of selling, the agent can see any and all improvements you've made to the house, which can improve the worth and help you find a free mobile home blue book value. The agent can also give you a better idea of the overall condition of the home, which will have an impact on the amount of money it's worth. This really is a great way to get a free mobile home blue book value on your own.

3. Visit the various no cost sites out there to get a free mobile home blue book value quote. In general, the N.A.D.A. worth is considered to be the most accurate, but it really is hit and miss. As stated earlier, the area you live in can and will have an impact, along with the condition and improvements made to the manufactured house. Still, it will give you a ballpark idea and it's a good way to get a free mobile home blue book value.

4. Find out what other manufactured homes similar to your have sold for recently. This is actually the most accurate way to find a free mobile home blue book value. While the amount may not be "by the book", it will be a more accurate indication of worth in your area. There are a few ways to find a free mobile home blue book value, but you'll have to put a little time into your search to make it sure it doesn't cost you a dime.

Tags: book value, free mobile, free mobile home, home blue, mobile home blue

Calculate Pc Labor Cost

Operating your own PC repair store in a successful manner requires careful planning--and some math skills--in order to establish a profitable pricing structure for services rendered. The labor costs you charge customers will represent the bulk of your income, so make sure you are charging enough for this revenue component to make a profit, and not so much that you price your company far beyond your competitors.

Instructions

1. Calculate your base cost-per-hour of your store operations. Take the number of days per month that your store is open for business. Multiply this figure by the number of hours your store is open every day. This number will be something like 172 hours for a full-time Monday through Friday store.

2. Take your average monthly expense budget and divide it by this monthly store hour figure. Example: your monthly expenses amount to $3,000 per month. Divided by 172 hours, the total is $17.44. This means that to simply pay your bills, your repair store must earn an average of $17.44 for every hour the store is open.

3. Consider this per-hour base number. The number of computers that come in the door for repairs will rarely equal one computer per hour. You must charge more than $17.44 per hour to cover the hours when no computers come in the door in order to meet your expense budget, and to earn any profit from your work.

4. Multiply your per-hour base number by a factor of 4, 5, 6 and 7. Examples: $17.44 x 4 = $ 69.76 per hour. $17.44 x 5 = $ 87.20 per hour. $17.44 x 6 =104.64. $17.44 x 7 = $122.08 per hour. Round these "target" figures up to the nearest dollar and enter them into a spreadsheet.

5. Check your competition's prices for labor. Have a friend call every repair shop in the area and find out what they charge for an hour of labor. Add these competitors' prices into your spreadsheet.

6. Sort the spreadsheet by "Amount Per Hour." Locate the middle range of prices and identify if any of your target prices fall into this range. For example: if the middle of the prices is $80 per hour, your "5" factor target falls at $ 88 per hour. If this becomes your labor charge per hour, you will be just above the middle of the "pack" and yet still below many of your competitors, a good marketing strategy.

7. Think about your proposed target charge per hour for labor in terms of real repair time. You must decide if you will charge strictly for every hour the computer is on the repair bench, or whether you will charge less for the second and third hours of work. With prices for new computers so low in 2010, it makes no sense for an owner to pay more than $300 for a computer to be repaired when they can buy a new one for not much more. If you charge $88 per hour for every hour it's on the bench, you will have exceeded the value of the computer within 4 hours of work.

8. If you plan to make "house calls," set those prices higher. Computers repaired in a shop are more cost-efficient since you can usually repair two or more computers at one time. House-call repairs gobble up tech time for just one computer.

9. Keep your charges flexible. Inform inquiring customers about your base rate, but assure them this cost is dependant on many factors.

10. Revise your pricing policies as time passes. Revisions every six months are not unreasonable. Avoid large, sudden increases for labor that may shock customers away from your business.

11. Defend your labor costs at all costs. Many consumers are under the mistaken impression that PC repair technicians do not deserve healthy labor charges. Remember that you are a professional with vast knowledge, rivaling any auto mechanic.

Tags: charge hour, every hour, store open, your store, about your

Make A List Of Fixed Expenses For A Business

Fixed expenses are those expenses that do not change regardless of sales or production.

Every business carries with it two types of expenses: fixed expenses and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are those costs that do not rise or fall with the volume of the business' sales or production. Also known as "fixed costs" or simply "overhead," fixed expenses must be paid whether the business sells a million units or just one. Because they're so rigid, these fixed costs will be a major factor in how much income your business must earn to break even and succeed.

Instructions

1. List all of the expenses related to the business' employees, including salaries, hourly wages, employment taxes and employee benefits such as paid vacation or medical insurance. Also include Worker's Compensation payments and any expenses related to employee acquisition, such as paid moving expenses.

2. List the expenses related to the business' physical location and operation, known as "occupancy expenses." Occupancy expenses include costs such as rent, lease or mortgage payments, property insurance, maintenance or repair costs, equipment leases, utilities, property taxes, loan repayment expenses, business insurance, trash and cleaning services, and capital depreciation.

3. Add to the list any expenses related to advertising or marketing, such as print or broadcast advertising costs; the expenses of promotional events or giveaways; printing costs for brochures, flyers or other promotional materials; sales staff expenses such as travel or laptop computers; and any other expense related to the promotion and marketing of the business.

4. List your business' administrative costs, along with any regular overhead costs not included in the other sections of your list. Line items for administrative costs may include expenses such as professional dues, subscriptions, Internet access charges, copier leases, office supplies, employee training costs, computer upgrades, postage, cleaning supplies, liability insurance and miscellaneous expenses.

Tags: expenses related, administrative costs, expenses related business, expenses such, expenses those, fixed costs, Fixed expenses

Replace Insulated Glass Windows

Even an insulated glass window will lose heat around the edges with time, as the house shifts and gaps form around the casing behind the trim. A modern replacement window unit---including newer insulated window panes---will make a dramatic difference in your heating bill. Replacement windows usually are purchased "pre-hung," meaning you install them as an entire unit instead of putting individual sashes and hardware. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure for the dimensions of your replacement window unit before you remove the old windows, using a tape measure. Measure from the widest and longest points of the height and width inside the opening, moving the window sashes up and down as necessary to get at the sides. Your replacement windows should be 1/2 inch smaller than your measurements, so you'll have 1/4 inch of "play" on each side of the window unit when you install it.

2. Remove the old windows after the new unit arrives. Remove them by using your hammer and pry bar to pry off the perimeter of trim from around the inner edge of the window opening, which will be holding in the old sashes. Don't break the trim as you remove it. Pull the sashes straight out.

3. Set the new unit into the opening, starting by sitting the bottom of the unit on the sill and then pushing the rest of the unit up and in. Tuck insulation in around the edges to fill any open space around the unit.

4. Push wood shims in around the sides of the unit, using your level to determine when it's level and square. Once it is, shoot 3-inch screws though the screw holes on the sides and out into the surrounding frame to set it in place, using a screw gun.

5. Reinstall the perimeter of trim around the inner edge of the window opening to trap the new unit in place, using trim nails and your hammer. Caulk all around the new window unit.

Tags: window unit, around edges, around inner, around inner edge, edge window, edge window opening, inner edge

Get Free Government Help In Fixing Up A Residence

The U.S. government offers a handful of programs that will help you fix your home if you qualify.

You do not always have to take out a loan or spend your life savings to fix up a residence. The U.S. government offers a handful of programs that will help you fix your home if you qualify. Qualifying applicants are those who either live in rural areas, are considered "low-income," disabled, elderly or have survived a natural disaster (like a flood). To obtain assistance, you must first apply through a government or nonprofit agency. Such agencies include FEMA, Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Programs, Community Action Partnership agencies and the Weatherization Assistance Program. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Apply for Disaster Relief through FEMA

1. Make sure your county is covered by a disaster declaration.

2. File an insurance claim. You will not be denied assistance if you file a claim.

3. Apply for disaster assistance online (www.FEMA.gov) or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). You will need to provide the following information for your application: your Social Security number, your current address, pre-disaster address, telephone number, insurance information, total household income (annual) and a description of your losses.

4. Record your FEMA application number and wait for an an inspector or FEMA to notify you so you can receive assistance.

Apply for a Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Grant

5. Contact a Rural Development office in your area.

6. File an application.

7. Receive a response in 30 to 60 days.

Apply for Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Grant

8. Contact a local WAP, LIHEAP or a community action partnership office to make an appointment with a caseworker. This information is often found with the inserts or notes included with an electric or gas bill.

9. Meet with your caseworker and give her information about the weatherization repairs that need to be completed in your home. Take an ID and Social Security card, proof of income and your electric/gas bill to the appointment.

10. If you are eligible for assistance, fill out the application the caseworker gives you so services can begin.

Tags: Assistance Program, your home, electric bill, government offers, government offers handful, Grant Contact

Install A Wax Ring Toilet Seal

Wax Ring Seal for Toilett

If your toilet is rocking on the base, or if you have the smell of sewer gas in your bathroom, it may be time to replace the wax ring seal that serves as a connecting gasket between your toilet and the flange at the drainpipe's opening, Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cover the area of the floor where you will place the toilet after removing it with padding and newspaper. Put on your gloves.

2. Flush the toilet to drain the tank at top. Lift off the cover on the top of the tank and set it aside, out of the way. Remove the remainder of the water in the bowl with a sponge. Tape the toilet seat down to secure it in place.

3. Locate the water-supply shutoff valve and turn it clockwise to shut off the water. Use the crescent wrench to loosen the compression fitting and detach the supply-line from the shutoff valve. Have towels ready to absorb the dribble from the disconnected line.

4. Locate the bolt-covers, which are usually dome-shaped plastic or ceramic caps on the middle of the sides of the toilet base. Remove the caps and, using the crescent wrench, loosen the nut under the cap. Often the nuts are too rusted or corroded to be unscrewed, and will need to be removed with a hacksaw.

5. Lift the toilet off the flange. Do not attempt this unless you can easily pick up loads of 80 lbs. Place legs on both sides of the toilet. Grip the edges of the toilet directly above the bolts on either side. This is the balance point. Twist the toilet from side to side to loosen the old wax seal. Rock slightly from side to side to test if it has become unstuck. If it feels loose enough, raise the toilet about 4 inches to lift it over the bolts.

6. Place the toilet on the newspapers and padding so that the bottom of the base faces upward. Spray the underside of the base with disinfectant. Use scrapers to remove the wax residue.( A solvent, like WD-40 will help in removal and clean-up.) The wax is very sticky, so be careful to place the old wax directly into the garbage bag.

7. Seat the new wax ring on the toilet base. Use moderate pressure and twist the ring slightly from side to side to get it to stick firmly. Some wax rings come with the plastic flange as pictured, which is recommended over the standard plain wax ring.

8. Spray disinfectant around the old wax ring and flange. Remove the old wax ring from flange on the floor with scrapers and solvent.

9. Clean out tracks or notches that hold the toilet bolts. Mark the placement of the bolts. Remove old bolts by sliding them out along the tracks or out of the notches. You sometimes need to tap them gently with a hammer to loosen them and get them moving. Set in new bolts and align them to the markings where the old bolts were.

10. Replace the toilet. First turn toilet on side. Then grasp sides in the middle and roll it until you can lift it up in the normal upright position. It is best to have another person to help align the bolt-holes in the base while re-seating the toilet. Take care to lower the toilet directly from the straight vertical axis to seat new wax ring carefully. Sit on the toilet-seat cover and use your body weight to compress the wax ring, rocking side to side until the toilet base contacts the floor.

11. Bolt toilet in place, using the crescent wrench to tighten nuts and washers. Take care not to over-tighten the bolts, as it is possible to crack the toilet base.

12. It is usually necessary to saw off the bolts to shorten them for fitting under the bolt-caps. Measure the inside height of the cap and cut the bolts to the same length using a hacksaw. One trick is to reverse the blade with the teeth pointing inward, which makes it easier to work the saw in narrow places. Place toilet bolt caps over the bolts when they are snug and the toilet is firmly mounted. Test the mount after a few day's use; if it rocks or wiggles, it may be necessary to retighten the bolts.

13. Reattach the supply line to the shutoff valve by tightening the compression fitting with the crescent wrench.

14. Place new caulk around the base. A round-ended pallet knife can be used to smooth and seal the caulked edges.

Tags: crescent wrench, side side, toilet base, from side, from side side

Repair A Clogged Drain In An Amana Refrigerator

Often the frost free drain on an Amana refrigerator clogs with ice. Solve this by cleaning out the drain. There are two drains on most refrigerators; one in the freezer and one at the base of the refrigerator. If you have water underneath your crisper drawers each day, or in a small puddle on the floor, chances are you've got a clog. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Start with the freezer drain located at the back bottom corner on the inside of your freezer. Visible ice around the area means you have a clog.

2. Chip away any standing ice from the drain with an ice pick or knife.

3. Take a cup of warm water and gently pour down through the drain. Do this several times until water begins to run down into the drip pan underneath your refrigerator.

4. Pull your unit away from the wall if you still don't get any water to come through after several attempts. You may have a larger ice block somewhere down the line.

5. Use a blow dryer to gently warm the condensation tube that runs down the back of the unit and into the drain pan underneath the refrigerator. Put gentle pressure on the tube with your fingers to see if the ice is melting and beginning to loosen.

6. Pour another cup of warm water into the drain in the freezer and see if the clog is clear. You may get a lot of water overflow from your drain pan after melting a large clog. This is normal.

Tags: into drain, underneath your, warm water

My Chimney Is Leaking Through

Chimney leaks may lead to mold growth.

Homeowners who have fireplaces may find themselves dealing with water leaks due to damaged or aging roofing materials or problems with the home's chimney. When moisture leaks through your chimney, you must determine the cause of the leak and repair it to avoid structural damage to your home and possible mold growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Symptoms

Homeowners who have water leaks around their chimney may experience water damage inside their home. Water spots may be visible on the ceiling over the fireplace and water may trickle inside the fireplace. Walls near your leaking chimney may become stained or discolored. Excess indoor moisture often causes homes to feel damp or have a musty smell.

Causes

According to North Dakota State University Extension, one common cause of chimney leaks is defective building materials. Flashing is sheet metal, typically used to waterproof homes where the chimney meets the roof. Improperly fitted flashing allows moisture to seep through and leak into the home. Another common cause of chimney leaks is loose or crumbling mortar in the brickwork of the chimney itself. As time goes on, mortar joints can develop gaps, crumble and allow bricks to become loose, causing water leaks into the chimney.

Diagnosis

Examine your roof to determine the cause of your water leak. When the roof has wet spots near the chimney or the outside wall near the chimney is wet, the problem is most likely overly narrow or defective flashing. Check around the base of the chimney for signs of crumbling furnace cement. If large sections are missing or brittle, aging mortar is the most likely cause. Any missing shingles around your chimney may also allow moisture inside your home. Inspect your home's shingles thoroughly to determine if any are damaged or missing.

Solution

Damaged or missing shingles are fairly simple for most homeowners with home repair experience to replace. If mortar is crumbling or missing, chisel it out to a depth of 1 inch and refill the joints with chimney mortar, which is meant to stand up to fluctuating temperatures. Defective flashing or narrow flashing is more difficult to repair and should be done by a roofing contractor. Once your leak is repaired, examine any areas of water damage for signs of mold growth. Scrub mold away with a stiff bristled brush and liquid dish detergent. Rinse and pat dry when mold is gone. Repair any future water leaks as soon as possible to avoid mold growth inside your home. Mold can damage the structure of your home if allowed to remain on surfaces such as wood or drywall.

Tags: your home, mold growth, water leaks, cause chimney, cause chimney leaks, common cause

Houston Automotive Schools

Houston's School of Automotive Machinists build race car engines for drivers internationally.

Careers in the automotive industry include those in repair, technology and sales. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook in 2008, the employment rate of transportation technicians is expected to grow from 11 percent to 19 percent in the areas of automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine (boats) from 2006 to 2016. Houston, Texas is the home of several technical and community colleges providing training in the field.

School of Automotive Machinists

The School of Automotive Machinists (SAM) maintains a focus in building race car engines by combining hands-on experience and coursework. Graduates of the school have secured positions with companies like NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), NHRRA (National Hot Rod Association) and IRL (Indy Racing League). According to the school's website, graduates of SAM have also opened some of the country's top race shops. The school offers four programs in block machining, block and head machining combination, cylinder head machining and CNC machining (computer numerically controlled machines). The CNC machining program is the only one of the four to require education prerequisites and prepares students for careers specifically in the motorsports industry, rather than the automotive industry in general.

School of Automotive Machinists

1911 Antoine

Houston, Texas 77055

713-683-3817

samracing.com

Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is a nation-wide technical school specializing in preparing students for careers in the automotive, motorcycle and diesel industries. UTI is partnered with leading manufacturers such as American Honda Motor Company, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Motor Sales and Harley-Davidson. According to the school's website, UTI graduates nearly two-thirds of its students, which is much higher than the national average. The Houston campus offers the Automotive Technology Training Program, Diesel and Industrial Technology Training Program and Collision Repair and Refinish Technology Training Program. Electives include Nissan Advanced Technology Training (NATT), Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT), EPA Certification for Refrigerant Handling and Cummins Diesel Training Elective (CDTP). UTI offers career placement assistance for students while in school, upon graduation and throughout their entire career.

UTI Houston

721 Lockhaven Drive

Houston, TX 77073

800-510-5072

uti.edu

Houston Community College

Houston Community College (HCC) emphases diversity and offers programs in over 70 disciplines, preparing students in vocational and technical training, corporate training and transferring to a four year institution. HCC is composed of six campuses in the Houston area and a distance learning campus. The Northeast College campus offers 12 career training programs, including 2 in transportation. These programs are commercial truck driving and automotive technology. The Automotive Technology Training Center provides degree and certificate programs preparing students for entry-level careers in the transportation industry. These include the A.A.S. (Associate of Applied Science) and certificate in automotive technology, diesel engine mechanic and repair certificate, auto body repair continuing education course and the light automotive maintenance technician MSA (Marketable Skills Achievement Award).

Houston Community College Northeast

555 Community College Drive

Houston, TX 77013

713-718-8300

hccs.edu

Tags: Technology Training, Automotive Machinists, Community College, School Automotive, School Automotive Machinists, Houston Community, Houston Community College

Install A Septic Tank And Field Line Sewer System

Install a Septic Tank and Field Line Sewer System

When people refer to sewage treatment, they almost always refer to all of them as septic tanks. While this is usually incorrect, septic tank and field line systems are still the preferred method of sewage treatment in areas conducive for that type of treatment. For clarity, field lines refer to drain fields and leach fields since some people refer to them that way. Septic tank and field line sewer systems work best in areas of sandy soils and in this article we will describe the method of properly installing one. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Apply for a permit. In Grandpa's time, he and his brothers dug their own holes and trenches with shovels. I must say, some people knew what they were doing without government guidance, but most did not and inadvertently polluted the environment. To make sure it will be done correctly and legal, apply for your permit to install a septic tank and field line sewer system with your local health department.

2. Run a percolation test. The health department will guide you through the steps. A percolation test will indicate the porosity of the soil and how many feet of field lines will need to be installed. The actual tank size usually depends on the number of bedrooms and the percolation test has no bearing on it. Be sure to bring in legal documents showing ownership and property dimensions.

3. Get an approved tank and field line material. Believe it or not, sewage treatment is a highly regulated endeavor since so many people have screwed it up for so long. Make sure you purchase materials approved by the State. In many areas of the country, a homeowner can still install their own septic tank and field line system. If your hire a licensed installer, he would probably already be aware of approved materials.

4. Dig your holes and make sure you have your proper grades. It seems easy, but most people think that you just dig a hole for the tank and lay the field lines in trenches. Be sure your field lines are not sloped too much as this will cause premature failure. You will also need to have the proper grades for the pipes coming from the home. In Louisiana, the last 10' from the home to the septic tank cannot exceed ¼" per foot and prior to that they must be not be less than 1/8" per foot. The grades are very important so be sure to follow the guidelines. You also do not want to install the field lines too deep underground as they will not work correctly. A depth of 18"-30" is usually required.

5. Decide on the type of field line material. Conventional field lines, which is perforated pipe with gravel on top and bottom was once the only type of field lines you could install. These days there are new materials which require no gravel, and actually allow for a reduction in the amount of field lines.

6. Cover everything up and fill the septic tank with water. Be sure to cover your field lines with slightly mounded dirt over the field lines. You do not want all the water in your yard draining into your field lines. Fill the septic tank with a hose to prevent it from popping up in the event a downpour occurs before you can fill it with normal household usage.

Tags: field lines, field line, tank field line, percolation test, septic tank, septic tank field

Diy Repair A Foundation

The foundation of your house is the most important factor in the safety and security of your home. At the first sign of any weakness or loss of integrity, repairing the foundation is a priority. There are a number of signs that indicate the foundation is in need of repair. Over the years, your house settles as the soil condition changes. This can causes small cracks to appear which, if left unattended, may enlarge and create more severe problems. It is easier and more achievable to repair the cracks when they first appear to avoid any potential problems. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a stiff-bristled brush to thoroughly clean the inside of the crack and surrounding area. You may need to use a chisel and hammer to remove any loose pieces of concrete around the area where the crack is located.

2. Clean the area around the crack with a sponge soaked with a pH-neutral cleanser. Be sure to clean inside the crack. Rinse well with clear water and allow the area to air-dry, or use a rag to accelerate drying.

3. Open the crack slightly with a crack chaser blade and rout the crack to form an equal depth of 1 inch along the entire length. Still using the blade, remove enough concrete from the walls of the crack so that the bottom of the crack is actually wider than the top. This creates a triangular shape to the crack that better withstands the movement of the foundation as it continues to age and settle.

4. Use a wire brush and the sponge with the cleanser to clean out the debris from Step 3. Allow to dry thoroughly, at least an hour, before proceeding with repairs.

5. Apply a thin layer of epoxy gel adhesive to all the surfaces of the crack using a brush. This aids in binding the patch material to the existing concrete to create a secure repair to the crack. Allow the adhesive to dry to the point where it is no longer wet but still sticky to the touch.

6. Use a putty knife to press an epoxy resin firmly into the entire crack, leaving no portion of the crack exposed. With the knife, even out the resin on top of the crack to make it flush with the surface of the surrounding concrete. Read the instructions that come with the epoxy resin to determine the appropriate amount of time for curing it, as it may differ from product to product.

7. Use a circular motion with a concrete grinder to flatten the patch and level it with the surrounding foundation surface. Work along the length of the crack, taking care not to grind away the edges of the patch. Use the wire brush to clean and dust off the entire area.

8. Utilize a concrete sealant on the resin and all around the area of the crack in the foundation. This provides additional protection against weathering and erosion.

Tags: around area, clean inside, clean inside crack, crack that, epoxy resin, inside crack

Buy Foreclosed Homes With No Money Down & No Credit

Foreclosure properties can be a potential goldmine, even for a novice real estate investor. Since foreclosure properties are sold for well under market value, making a purchase and repairing and cleaning up the property can mean large profits on resale. While most individuals assume that purchasing property must be done with impeccable credit and a lot of investment capital, there are ways for real estate investors to make a foreclosure purchase with no money down and no credit.

Instructions

1. Locate owners of distressed properties. Distressed properties are those posted for a foreclosure sale. Foreclosure sale notices are posted at the county clerk's office where the property is located, and are of public record. The best time to do this is after the first Tuesday of every month, which is when the last batch of foreclosure properties were sold at auction, and upcoming foreclosure sales are newly posted.

2. Contact the lender who is going to foreclose on the property. Propose a loan assumption of the property, without having to qualify. A loan assumption without qualification simply means that you are offering to take over the mortgage payments for the bank, but that you are proposing to do so without the bank qualifying you based on your credit. Many times, smaller banks will agree to this if you can prove that you have at least three months of reserve payments on the mortgage in the bank.

3. Contact the distressed property owners. The easiest way to contact these property owners in most cases is by making a visit to their property directly. Speak to them about taking over their loan payments using an assumption. Doing so will mean that you have the deed and own the property, but that the past due payments are wiped out and the property does not have to be sold at auction, and they will not have a foreclosure haunting them on their credit history. If the property owners agree, you can proceed with the purchase.

4. Write up the agreement to purchase with an addendum for a loan assumption. This agreement is a standard contract that must be completed on state-approved forms. Obtain signatures from the current resident of the property, and submit it to the bank that is taking them to foreclosure. Once the lender approves the assumption, you are able to open escrow and close on the property.

5. Submit the contract and applicable addenda to a local title insurance company. While, in most cases, you will be required to pay certain fees for title insurance and closing costs, on a loan assumption, these are typically minimal. The title company will review all of the documentation and schedule the closing appointment. This will normally take at least one week.

6. Close on the property in front of a notary. Have the sellers sign the final documentation conveying the property to you, as well as the bank owner of the property, so that you are the new owner of record on the deed. Once the closing appointment is completed, you will receive your keys and the bank will have transferred the property in your name. At this point, you have made a foreclosure purchase with no money down and no one checking credit.

Tags: loan assumption, property owners, purchase with, bank that, closing appointment