The feed dogs on a sewing machine help move the fabric underneath the needle. If they are not working properly, damage to the machine or fabric can occur. Feed dog assembly maintenance is critical to good sewing. Use the steps below to guide you through the procedure.
Instructions
1. Unplug the machine and examine the feed dogs. The newer machines have metal feed dogs, but older models may have rubber ones, which often need replacing. Examine the feed dogs and check for damage.
2. Remove the throat plate, which is the covering over the feed dogs, and clean it with a soft cloth. Use a small soft brush to clean the feed dogs. Make sure to remove all lint and thread from the grooves of the teeth. Some machines have an adjustment that lowers the feed dogs for specific sewing procedures. They should be in the raised position for better viewing during the cleaning process.
3. Clean the area around the feed dogs with a soft brush. Compressed air is a good choice to use in the small tight areas.
4. Wipe down all areas with a clean, lint free cloth before replacing the throat plate.
5. Prepare to clean the feed dogs and all other areas that lint may accumulate on, after every project. Your sewing machine will last longer and need fewer repairs if kept clean and lint free.
The aftermath of a fire to drywall is often a charred, soot-covered mess, which is why this is a job that is often left to professional fire restoration companies. This is not to say that you cannot repair your drywall yourself, because you can. As long as your drywall has not been extensively damaged it can be repaired, otherwise it will have to be replaced. There are several steps in the process of restoring your drywall from smoke damage, which include cleaning, scraping, sanding, priming and painting. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Add 1 gallon of warm water to your bucket and then add 1 tbsp. of trisodium phosphate. Gently stir with a paint stick.
2. Put on protective clothing, rubber gloves that are chemical-resistant and your goggles. Goggles will keep any splatters from getting into your eyes better than safety glasses. Open windows and doors for ventilation.
3. Place dropcloths on the floor in all areas where you will be working. Dip your rag or sponge into cleaning solution and squeeze out the excess solution. Wash a 3-foot by 3-foot section and then rinse with clean water. Continue this process until you are no longer getting soot off the wall.
4. Use your putty knife to scrape off paint that has blistered or bubbled from the heat of the fire. Sand the scraped areas and use spackling to fill areas that will not sand smooth or appear pitted. Allow the spackling to dry and then sand smooth. Use drywall compound and a drywall knife to fill large pitted areas to speed up your wall repairs. Allow the compound to dry and then sand it.
5. Prime your walls with an oil-based primer to seal soot stains and smoke odors. This step is particularly important if your walls were painted with flat paint and you cannot get the walls clean. Allow the primer to dry and paint your walls. When using oil-based primer be sure that you have adequate ventilation and wear a respirator.
Tags: your drywall, your walls, oil-based primer, sand smooth, then sand
Mobile homes are not usually top-quality structures. However, mobile homes have come a long way over the years. Older mobile homes, especially, need some help to make them a little more efficient and save you money. Keeping up with all the general home repairs helps a little bit toward making your mobile home more energy efficient. You can save money on your utility bills by making a few small changes, which will make your mobile home more efficient in the long run. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Caulk to fill in any gaps in the window and doorframes to help eliminate any drafts.
2. Purchase plastic to cover your windows, especially during the winter months. Buy window kits with plastic that cover up the windows and almost eliminate any drafts. Follow the manufacturer's directions to hang the plastic to the window frame and enjoy a draft free home. Keep in mind that most plastic window covering kits use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic after you stick it to the frame. Make sure you either have a hair dryer already or you purchase one at the same time you buy the plastic.
3. Make or buy some drapes out of heavy fabric. Hang the heavy drapes on the windows to help keep out cold night air and small drafts. Use lined drapes for even better results.
4. Get rid of any drafts around your doors by installing weather stripping. Use an adhesive to help make the project simple. Follow the manufacturer's directions on where to place the weather stripping, which is usually around the door frame and not the door itself.
5. Replace old heat pumps because old heat pumps can be inefficient. Find a heat pump that is appropriate for the size of your mobile home. Install one that is energy efficient, mainly a geothermal heat pump.
6. Install some insulation. Hire a professional to blow insulation into the walls of your home. Lay roof insulation on the top of your mobile home, which helps to hold in the heat during the winter months and the air conditioning in the summer months. Do not forget to insulate underneath your mobile home as well.
Tags: your mobile home, mobile home, during winter, during winter months, efficient save, efficient save money, eliminate drafts
Dual-pane windows are common in houses and offices because of their improved insulation. They work by having two panes of glass separated by about a half-inch of space between the two panes, with the trapped air acting as an additional insulator. If the seal on any of the panes of glass fails, fog can build up between the windows, caused by the moist air. While normal fog moisture can be wiped off the surface, getting rid of fog within the windows requires some additional work. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean the outer surface of the glass windows to ensure that the foggy problem is not simply something on the surface due to moisture. Spray a light layer of glass cleaner on the outer panes of glass and wad up some old newspaper to work the mixture across the glass. Avoid using rags or paper towels, which will streak the glass. Replace the newspaper often to avoid letting the scrap pieces get too wet with glass cleaner, thus streaking the surface.
2. Remove the insulating pane of glass on your own. Cut out the seal or glaze around the edge of the outer panel of glass, known as the insulating panel, with the utility knife and putty knife, starting on the bottom and working your way up. Repeat the process for either panes of glass. Cut them free from the sash, remove them carefully and wipe down all sides of the two panes of glass with window cleaner and newspaper. Reinstall the glass pane and reseal the glass in place using silicone window caulking.
3. Replace the silica spacer bars that separate the two windows from each other. Over time, the silica soaks up moisture and becomes so saturated that it can no longer work, at which point it needs to be replaced. Check the silica spacer bars when removing the insulating pane of glass on the exterior of the window, and replace if necessary. The average spacer bar lasts for five years.
Improving and repairing your home can be expensive, but it will raise the value of your house and make it more livable. If you can't afford to fix up your place, you may qualify for government assistance. In most cases, you can receive a loan to help with funding. However, some individuals qualify for grant money, which doesn't have to be paid back. Here's find U.S. grant money to restore your house.
Grant money can help offset the expenses of improving your home.
Who Qualifies?
Most government grants are reserved for those who truly need assistance. Very low-income individuals and families usually qualify, as well as people in rural areas, senior citizens and those involved in community development. To qualify, you usually need to be a homeowner; these grants are specifically designed for home improvement, not building or rebuilding.
Apply
Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's website (see References) to find a housing counselor in your area. A counselor can give you personal advice at very low cost. In some cases, advice and guidance are free of charge. Register at HUD's website (also see References) to apply for the specific grant that serves your needs.
Restrictions
In many cases, a lien will be placed on your house until you complete the work. When it is completed, you must file a Certificate of Completion, at which point the lien is removed. Grant money must be used for home improvements and nothing else. You may be asked to show proof of your spending.
State and Local Grants
If you don't qualify for federal grants or are having trouble with the process, you can contact your state or local government to ask about financial assistance. Resources and requirements vary greatly from area to area, but a local official or housing office can help you to find money for your home improvement.
If you have an urgent problem requiring minor repairs (such as a leaking roof or broken heating system) and have a low income, your municipal government may be able to help you more quickly and efficiently than either the federal or state government.
FEMA Grants for Disaster Relief
Victims of natural disasters qualify for grants through the the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These grants usually cover rebuilding costs if your home has been destroyed or severely damaged; however, you must be able to prove your home ownership and eligibility. If you are a victim of natural disaster, visit FEMA's site (see Resources) to find out whether you're eligible for assistance and, if so, to apply for funding.
Tags: your home, your house, grant money, Grant money, home improvement
Each state has a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which is a resource for you in all matters concerning renovation of your historic home. They are a source for information on available grants as well as a necessary agency in regard to evaluating and nominating your home for the National Register of Historic Places. They help you find out if your home meets the National Register criteria and instruct you as to how the nomination process works in your state. They also provide contacts with local restoration groups and inform you about tax incentives available in your state.
Instructions
1. Contact your state SHPO and obtain the criteria for historical registry of your home, if your home is not already registered. Examine the criteria carefully to ensure that your home qualifies. If it does, collect the necessary documentation and do the other steps, such as taking photos, that are needed to apply. Fill out the application and submit it to the SHPO. Be prepared to respond to any inquiries concerning the registration.
2. Obtain from your state SHPO information on Historic Preservation Grants. These are grants of federal funds for preservation projects from the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. They are administered by a branch of your state government. For example, in South Carolina they are managed by the Department of Archives and History. Look for a grant in the category of stabilization projects. These matching grants provide financial support for renovation and preservation projects. Also ask for information about other institutions and organizations in your area that have financial incentive programs for historic home renovation.
3. Complete a description of the renovation project for which you intend to apply. Ensure that all the necessary work is included in the description. Prepare lists of the materials and actions required to do the renovation. Make the best estimate you can of the cost of the renovation based on information from building supply stores and contractors (if appropriate). If applicable, include in your project measures to improve the energy efficiency of the home, updating of heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems as well as the typical exterior and interior preservation and rehabilitation work. New plumbing and electrical fixtures and electric appliances must be omitted. However, fees for architectural design or engineering consulting work can be included.
4. Carefully fill out the grant application forms supplied by whichever institution or agency you are applying to. Submit your grant application. Be prepared to supply additional information to the granting agency should it be requested. Apply to another agency or institution should your grant request be denied. Continue to apply until all possible avenues for grants have been tried.
Tags: your home, your state, grant application, historic home, Historic Preservation
Whole house meters have been available for a few years, but not many consumers know that much about them. A whole house meter is an ingenious device that tracks your energy usage, allowing you to have a better idea of how much electricity you are wasting or conserving. Installation is pretty straightforward--here is what to do. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the panel cover. If you have a large electrical panel, you should have someone available to help you remove the cover, as they can be quite heavy.
2. Locate the two feed lines coming into the panel. These will be connected to your main breaker and will be much larger than all of the other wires in the electric panel. Now, there are many different types of whole house meters, but the two most common either get plugged into an existing outlet or wired to a spare circuit breaker.
3. If you have a whole house meter that gets plugged into the wall receptacle, there should be one in close proximity to the electric panel. For this installation, clamp one of the supplied wired clamps over one of the feed legs, then secure the other clamp over the other feed wire. Now just plug the unit into the electrical outlet.
For a wired installation, follow the same instructions for connecting the clamps to the feed lines, then connect the black wire to a spare breaker (make sure it is OFF when connecting) and the white wire to the neutral bar.
4. Both units feature a remote monitor that you can keep anywhere in your home. It gets plugged into a regular receptacle and will keep track of your electric use. Some models will even calculate your electric bill in real time, so you'll know what your bill will be long before you get it in the mail.
Tags: plugged into, Bills With, Bills With Whole, Electric Bills, Electric Bills With, electric panel, feed lines
A slogan is written in close proximity to the business name or logo and helps describe a key benefit.
According to the Tagline Guru Erik Swartz, a tagline is a concise phrase, next to your logo, that communicates a single but powerful brand message aimed at evoking a powerful resonance with a target audience. He recommends that you think of it as "the final exclamation point to your 30-second elevator speech." A well written tagline, such as Bounty paper towels' "the quicker picker upper," can add tremendously to a brand's name recognition.
Instructions
1. Write words that describe your business in general or specific terms, using one index card for each word. Use one color ink for all business descriptors. For example, if you own a car repair shop, you can write "car repair" on one card, "automotive maintenance" on another, and "car care" on another. However, you might also include "tire rotation," "brake checks" and "air conditioning service and repair." Pile cards in one stack.
2. Write down customer benefits from doing business with you, using a different color ink and putting one key benefit on each index card. Put these in a separate stack from the first group. For example, if you have 30 years of experience, work on all makes and models of cars, guarantee your work for 90 days and have won awards for your service, you could write benefits such as "service you can trust," "all work guaranteed" and "lasting quality."
3. Write down terms to describe your customers on a separate set of index cards, using another color of ink. Use positive and negative terms. For example, suppose your typical client lives or works in your neighborhood, half are retirees and the working half are stressed and earn a middle-class income. You could list "stressed," "retirees," "working class" or "local." Pile these cards in a third stack.
4. Using different colors for the index cards helps to stimulate the imagination.
Place piles in vertical columns, so that the business descriptors form one column, the benefits form a second column and the client descriptions form a third column. Match one card from each column to find verbatim slogans or slogan concepts. For example, although most of your car care clients are local, you know you have some who come from out of town because they came to you before moving away and they don't trust anyone else. You might use the "car care," "lasting quality" and "local" ideas to develop the slogan, "Lasting quality car care you'll drive miles to get."
5. Write down all the possible combinations from the index cards. Then go back and fine-tune. Let the ideas germinate in your mind while you do something completely different. You can also you creativity tools such as puzzles, games and cards to stimulate your imagination. The time away from idea generation allows more ideas to come to conscious awareness. When they do, write them down.
Tags: index cards, Write down, business descriptors, describe your, index card, retirees working
If someone owes you $7,500 or less and you want to represent yourself, you can pursue your case through the small claims courts in Colorado.
Instructions
1. Determine how much money is owed to you. Colorado small claims courts can only handle lawsuits in the amount of $7,500.00 or less. If it's more, you have to go to the civil division of the county court and possibly hire an attorney to help you.
2. Fill out the basic forms to start a lawsuit. In Colorado, you can fill these out electronically or you can obtain these forms at your local courthouse (request a complaint for small claims court).
On the form, where it asks for a description of the plaintiff's claim, simply state the basic facts that support your claim for money from the defendant. Don't overstate the situation or provide too much detail -- if you do, you're setting yourself up for the defendant to point out discrepancies, errors or inconsistencies in your argument. The simpler the better.
3. File the completed forms in the county courthouse where the defendant (the person you're suing) works or lives. Be prepared to pay a filing fee. At this time, the court clerk will give you a copy of the lawsuit papers as well as a trial date.
4. Serve the lawsuit papers to the defendant. These papers need to be served on the defendant in person at least 15 days prior to the trial date. You have two effective legal options for the serving process:
A) In the county where the defendant lives, you can ask the sheriff's office to serve the papers (ask the court clerk for directions to the civil/process service unit of the county sheriff), or
B) Hire a private investigator or process server to serve the papers. Ask the court clerk if he/she has a list of private process servers.
Tags: court clerk, Case Colorado, Case Colorado Court, Claims Case, Claims Case Colorado, claims courts
The Internal Revenue Service wants you to go green. The IRS will pay you (through tax credits) for making energy-saving renovations to your home. Not all additions or renovations qualify, but the IRS allows for generous tax credits to encourage homeowners to make energy-conscious choices in materials and construction methods. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Write down a list of materials and items you plan to add, or change, for your home. These might include new windows or new appliances. Use this list when shopping for the materials, and attempt to find the most energy-efficient products by shopping around at more than one store. Try to purchase electrical items listed as "Energy Star Compliant" and also try to purchase insulation with the highest "R Value" rating as possible for even more energy savings.
2. File the receipts for all energy-efficient items, keeping them in a place where you know you can find them, like a filing cabinet. They will be needed when filing your taxes with your tax preparer who will apply the most current tax laws to your situation.
3. Be sure to keep copies of all energy-related utility statements--like your electric, gas or oil bill--for at least three months before renovations, and three months after renovations. It would be best if you accumulate utility statements for an entire six months pre-renovation and six months post-renovation. These statements may help your tax preparer justify your tax credits to the IRS, especially if the post-renovation statements show a definite reduction in energy expenditures.
4. Take along your receipts and utility bill statements when visiting your tax preparer at the end-of-year filing of your taxes, and allow your preparer to assess the amount of tax credit you are able to claim as allowable by current tax laws at the time of filing.
Tags: your preparer, Claim Credit, Claim Credit Home, Credit Home, Credit Home Renovations, current laws, filing your
Knowing thread an early electric New Home sewing machine can make your antique a useful treasure. This machine was built to last and could still be counted on to create a quality stitch. Vintage electric New Home sewing machines are categorized in lettered model designations. The FWZ, NHZ, AHC, CZ, NZ, NLB and NLC all are pre-World War II and have similar threading mechanisms. When properly threaded, the early electric New Home models remain functional and effective.
Instructions
Threading the Upper Sewing Mechanism
1. Turn the handwheel on the extreme right end of the sewing machine to raise the needle to the highest position.
2. Raise the presser foot, releasing the tension in the tension discs.
3. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin located on the top right side of the sewing machine.
4. Hold the end of the thread between your fingers and guide it through the hole of the middle spool pin located on top of the machine.
5. Guide the thread to rest in a V-shaped notch on the left side, top edge of the sewing machine.
6. Draw the thread down the left side of the sewing machine through a face plate thread guide located about 1/4 of the way down, above the round tension disc protrusion.
7. Pull the thread between the tension discs, around the bottom of the tension knob and up into the center of the thread check spring. This is a small metal wire hook protruding from the left side of the tension disc apparatus.
8. Pass the end of the thread to the take-up looper on the top left side of the machine. The looper and its hole point toward the back of the machine.
9. Bring the thread down again to an additional face plate thread guide located on the left side of the machine, about 3/4 of the way down, a little lower than the tension knob mechanism and more toward the back of the machine.
10. Push the thread through the needle bar thread guide located above the needle and on the front of the rod that pushes the needle up and down.
11. Guide the thread down through the eye of the needle, from front to back.
12. Leave 3 to 4 inches hanging as a tail from the threaded needle.
Threading the Lower Sewing Mechanism
13. Remove the bobbin case from the lower compartment of the sewing machine. Place a fully wound bobbin inside the case, leaving a 3- to 4-inch thread tail accessible.
14. Hold the bobbin with one hand, pull the thread and find the gap in the outside wall of the bobbin casing. Continue to pull the thread into the gap until it is caught and cannot be guided back through the gap.
15. Place the open end of the threaded bobbin case onto the central pin in the lower compartment of the left side of the sewing machine.
16. Twist the bobbin case slightly until it clicks into place.
Begin to Sew
17.Hold onto the end of the thread running through the needle.
18. Crank the handwheel toward you, moving the needle down and up. The upper thread will draw up the bobbin thread.
19. Pull both threads to the back of the machine and you are ready to sew.
Tags: left side, sewing machine, back machine, bobbin case, electric Home, guide located, sewing machine
You'll learn to creatively survive and thrive in a struggling economy while using resources that are new to you.
Instructions
Food
1. Learn to exploit the learning curve of up-and-coming chefs at a culinary arts and hospitality program at a school near you.
2. Use coupons for your local health food store. They're found in the back of Energy Times Magazine which is distributed at most health food stores.
3. Check the discontinued items cart at the grocery store and pay as little as $1 for what used to be a $3-$4 energy drink.
4. Buy cheap organic groceries at a discount grocery store.
5. Check your church calendar for Fellowship Dinner Days and enjoy eating mega-church style.
Repairs and Bartering
6. Let your friend who knows do plumbing fix your $3 part on your toilet instead of hiring a plumber.
7. Buy rebuilt computers instead of new.
8. Try bartering. If you have a friend who is a groomer, for instance, and you have a dog, do dictation for the groomer's office in exchange for free baths for your pup.
9. Use your skills to teach at a facility where you would like a discount or free use of amenities, i.e., music teacher at a music store, yoga instructor at a local gym.
10. Attend Chamber of Commerce mixers for networking. Check your yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment
11. Cancel all subscriptions, ditch Netflix, and check out movies at the library for free with a library card. You can keep them for a week.
12. Become a docent at a local museum.
13. Volunteer at your favorite venue as an usher to get to see free concerts, ball games, and theater events.
14. Trade CDs, DVDs, and books at a used book store or other local buy/sell/trade places to update your collection without expense.
15. Start an entertainment blog and get free access to shows and hook up with promo DVDs, books, or CDs.
16. Buy tickets at halftime for any professional sporting event or during intermission for any performance.
17.Adopt an animal from an animal shelter for cheaper than you would a pet store if you're in the market for a new pet. It's a furry companion for free entertainment.
18. Access hyenascomedynightclub.com to sign up for free passes on certain nights if you like comedy.
Miscellaneous
19. Bring the kid to the meeting and let him play with other kids there at kid-friendly meetings if you're in a recovery program and can't find or afford a babysitter for your child.
20. Get free HIV testing. Most health department offer these for those who cannot afford it.
21. Check out Catholic Charities in your town for financial services if you're disabled, elderly, a refugee, or have a child.
22. Turn off your water heater between uses to save costs, try cat litter instead of air freshener, use wax paper instead of Swifter refills.
23. Use coupons only for items you regularly buy.
Shopping
24. Check out thrift stores. Even thrift stores have sales..
25. Shop at a discount grocery store. You can buy two weeks' worth of groceries for $30.00.
26
Go to dollar stores for underwear and bras, ladies.
27
Buy off-brand items including perfume.
28
Stock up on soap.
29
Buy trial size or sample shampoos.
30
Check out debtorsanonymous.org
Jobs
31
Sign up with some temp agencies. Today's Temporaries, for instance, will pay you daily.
32
Check out the various job listings on the net such as careercity.com, careermag.com, careers.org, careershop.com, careersite.com, cweb.com, and careermosaic.com.
33
Peruse the bulletin board at city hall for clerical openings on a weekly basis.
34
Participate in market research studies occasionally for pay. The Chamber has a list of companies they can email you who hire frequently as well as a list of companies .
35
Check out cleaning, pet and house sitting, and errand services for jobs.
36
Look for jobs at the numerous workforce centers in various towns.
If you've turned on your central air conditioning and were dismayed to find out it's not cooling your house properly, there are a number of things that could be wrong. Before you call a repair service, there are a few steps you can take to determine if a central air conditioner needs a charge. By eliminating any other possible reasons for a lack of cooling, you can save money on an expensive repair call. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Start by turning on your central air and setting the thermostat for 65. Wait at least 15 minutes. If the room temperature reading has not moved, or has gone up, you need to diagnose the problem.
2. Check to see if the fan is functioning. While the unit is on, go outside and look at the central air unit. If you cannot see a fan turning, the motor may have burned out. Do not stick your hands or any object into the fan to see if it is operating. If the fan is moving, go on to the next step.
3. Look at the thermostat again. Does the house feel cool? If the air temperature inside your home is measurably cooler than the outside, you may simply have a broken thermostat. While this can be checked with an Ohm meter, it is best to leave this to the professionals. If your thermostat seems to be functioning properly, go on to the next step.
4. Put your hand in front of one of your air vents. Make sure it is not the cold air return duct, but rather the vent where you will typically feel cold air entering the house. While the unit is running, put your hand over the vent. If the air feels warm, this is the best way to know if a central air conditioner needs a charge. Once you have gone through all of the above steps and narrowed it down to hot air coming out of the vents, you can be assured you are dealing with a unit that needs to have its freon charged.
5. Call your heating and cooling specialist. You should not attempt to charge the unit on your own. A specialist will be able to quickly add a freon charge to your central air conditioner and the unit will be functional in a matter of minutes.
Tags: your central, central conditioner, conditioner needs, conditioner needs charge, needs charge, next step, While unit
If you do not hire an agent, you will need to advertise your house to find potential buyers.
Selling a house yourself instead of using a real estate agent will save you thousands of dollars in commission payments. If you do not hire an agent, you will need to advertise your house to find potential buyers. Advertise on real estate websites, online classified ad sites, newspaper classified ads and through distribution of local fliers. Write an effective property listing to entice potential buyers into contacting you for further details.
Instructions
1. List basic property information including number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms and neighborhood. Describe the type of property, such as "single family home," "duplex," "vacation home" or "townhouse."
2. List the property address, if the ad publication or websites requires you to do so or if you are advertising an open house. Do not list the property address if the property needs repairs or remodeling and you do not want potential buyers to view the property at this time. Also, use caution when listing the property address if you currently live in the house or have tenants and do not want strangers coming to your door without advance warning.
3. Describe exterior property features, such as parking space, a garage, patio, garden or swimming pool.
4. List additional rooms beyond the basic bedrooms and bathrooms, such as an office, a breakfast nook, service porch, den or library. Include additional indoor features, such as appliances, heating, air conditioning and fireplaces.
5. Describe decorative and aesthetic features such, as marbled tiles, a hardwood floor, newly remodeled kitchen or scenic view.
6. Describe the benefits of the housing location. Use phrases such as "located on safe and quiet street" or "friendly neighbors." Mention neighborhood schools, shopping malls, community centers, public parks or other attractions located nearby.
7. List the property's sales price. Listing a price will filter out low-interest prospects so only serious buyers will respond to your ad. If you do not want to list an exact price in the ad itself, give a vague idea of pricing by using terms such as "priced to sell," "price negotiable" or "competitively priced."
8. List your contact information such as your first name, phone number and email address.
9. Include a few property images, if the ad format allows. Clean your house, remove clutter and tend your garden before taking pictures.
10. Limit your real estate listing if placing a classified ad with a word limit. List key information including number of bedrooms and bathrooms and neighborhood. If you have room, include the most valuable property features. List, for example, that your house contains a swimming pool, but leave out that your house contains a microwave.
Tags: your house, potential buyers, agent will, features such, property address
While working in the medical field you are faced with many challenges. With these challenges you must know protect the well-being of the patient while preventing injury to yourself. A common way medical workers cause injury to themselves is by lifting a fallen patient incorrectly. The steps to take before, during and after a patient has fallen are extremely important. Lifting a patient the wrong way could cause more harm to them as well as yourself.
Instructions
1. Let them fall. Once the patient has already begun to fall, it is best not to try to stop or catch her. Instead guide them to the ground with as little impact as possible. Remember to focus on protecting the patient's head.
2. Assess injury. Before lifting or moving any fallen patient, you must determine if any injuries have occurred. If so, tend to the injuries before attempting to lift the patient.
3. Grab a chair. If the patient is capable of lifting herself up, get a chair or walker. This will stabilize her and aid in pulling herself up.
4. Hook your arms. If the patient is stable enough to stand then lifting them becomes easier. Have one person on each side of the patient hook their arms under the patient's armpit and lift.
5. Bring a blanket. If the patient is bedridden or unable to stand on her own you will not be able to just lift her up. Roll the patient onto her side. Place a blanket under the patient and gently roll him onto the blanket.
6. Lift. With two or more people on each side of the patient kneel on one knee and grasp the blanket. After a count of three, lift the patient while standing up. Carefully move the patient onto the bed.
Tags: each side, each side patient, fallen patient, lift patient, patient onto, patient while, side patient
Reinstalling Works from the original CD takes just a few steps.
Microsoft Works is a word processing program similar to Microsoft Word, but with fewer features. Many new computers come with Works pre-installed, and you may find that you need to reinstall it in the future to fix a persistent error message or because you reinstalled Vista or upgraded your operating system to Vista. Before you start the reinstall process, you need to uninstall your original copy of Microsoft Works if you haven't already.
Instructions
Uninstall Microsoft Works
1. Click the "Start" button and click on "Control Panel."
2. Click on "Programs."
3. Click on "Programs and Features."
4. Click on "Microsoft Works" once to select it.
5. Click "Uninstall." Follow the directions in the on-screen wizard to complete the uninstall process.
Reinstall Microsoft Works from CD
6. Insert the Microsoft Works CD if you have it. An installation wizard should automatically appear. Follow the instructions in the wizard to install a fresh copy of Microsoft Works.
7. Choose "My Computer" from the "Start" menu if an installation wizard does not appear.
8. Double-click on your CD-ROM drive, which is often "D:\" drive. The CD drive icon may look like a CD and/or have the label "Microsoft Works."
9. Double-click "Setup.exe" to launch the installation wizard. Follow the instructions to complete the install process.
Tags: Microsoft Works, installation wizard, Click Programs, copy Microsoft, copy Microsoft Works, Follow instructions
Over time, a mobile home owner may notice that the home has become out of level. This is usually due to the ground settling underneath the foundation of the home. Even a small shift in the underlying soil can cause gaps between the supports and the I-beams of the mobile home, leading to cracks in the walls, doors that close by themselves or windows and doors that bind and stick. Serious structural damage can even happen, so it is wise to re-level your mobile home as soon as possible. The steps below outline the procedure for leveling your mobile home floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Locate one of the support piers near the center of the mobile home that has not sunk and is properly supporting the I-beam.
2. Make what is known as a water level. Fill a container with water, add a little food coloring and mix. Have a helper hold one end of the tubing closed with his thumb, or you may use a small clamp. Fill the other end of the plastic tubing with the water to a point about 2 inches short of its capacity. Tap and shake the tubing to remove any air bubbles. Now hold your end of the tubing closed, also with your thumb or a clamp.
3. Have your helper hold one end of the plastic tubing to the bottom of the correctly supported I-beam. The end of the tubing should be facing upward and the bottom of the meniscus of the water in the tubing should be lined up with the bottom of the I-beam. Then have your helper remove his thumb or clamp from the end of the tubing.
4. Place the mobile home jack securely in place under the I-beam to be leveled.
5. Hold the other end of the tubing next to, and above the bottom edge of the I-beam to be leveled. Position it in the same manner as your helper, with the end facing up, and remove your thumb or the clamp.
6. Use the jack to slowly raise the I-beam until its bottom edge reaches the same level as the bottom of the meniscus of the tubing being held next to it.
7. Slide pieces of hardwood lumber into the gap between the support pier and the I-Beam. Do not use soft wood such as pine. Add more pieces of lumber until the I-beam is supported in a manner that it stays at the same level as the meniscus.
8. Repeat this process for each incorrectly supported pier and I-beam. Use the original correctly supported pier and I-beam as your reference point, and level the others one at a time.
Tags: mobile home, thumb clamp, your helper, bottom edge, bottom meniscus, correctly supported
A properly flashed chimney will help keep your roof water resistant.
A chimney is an area of the roof particularly vulnerable to water damage. Chimney flashing creates a water-resistant shell around the chimney, but flashing can be damaged, resulting in leaks. Repairing chimney flashing is dicey. Once the system of overlapping metal plates is compromised, sealing provides only a temporary fix. The best tactic for repairing damaged chimney flashing is to remove the old material and replace it. This will cost a little more and take some time, but in the long run, your house will be better protected from severe damage caused by leaky flashing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Removing Old Chimney Flashing
1. Cut away sealant from along the edges of the flashing, where the cap flashing meets the chimney mortar.
2. Pry up the shingles around the edges of the chimney flashing. Do not remove the shingles completely. Lift the shingles with your pry bar enough to gain access to the flashing edges.
3. Drill out plastic expanding anchors with a 3/16-inch drill bit.
4. Pry the flashing away from the chimney and rooftop with a pry bar. Remove all the flashing from around the chimney.
5. Scrape away any leftover caulking or sealant from the rooftop and chimney with a paint scraper.
Installing New Flashing
6. Mark and cut your front base flashing. This piece of flashing measures about 8 inches longer than the front of the chimney and is bent in half lengthwise. Measure in 4 inches from each side and make a mark on the bend in the center of the piece. Cut from each inside corner to the mark with tin snips. Your cuts should follow approximately 45-degree angles.
7. Shape and position the front base flashing. Set the piece in place on the front of the chimney, and hand bend the cut corners so they wrap around the sides of the chimney.
8. Cut and position your front step flashing pieces. At the prefabricated bend, cut in about 1 inch using tin snips. Place a single dollop of caulk on the inside corner of the front base flashing and set the front step flashing in place. The corner of the step flashing piece will wrap around to the front of the chimney.
9. Place each piece of step flashing along the sides of the chimney and refasten the shingles in place to secure them. Nail the shingles with galvanized roofing nails.
10. Position the chimney saddle behind the chimney. This specialized piece of sheet metal is designed to redirect water away from the chimney. Fasten the chimney saddle with galvanized nails driven every 6 inches along the edges of the piece.
11. Cut and bend your front cap flashing to fit around the corners of the chimney and into the grooves cut into the chimney mortar. Knock the front cap into place using a wood block and hammer. The grooves in the mortar were cut when the original flashing was installed.
12. Drill a hole into the top corner of the front cap flashing. Use a 3/16-inch masonry bit and drill the holes about 1 ½ inches deep, through the flashing and into the brick behind it. Insert an expanding plastic anchor into the hole to secure the flashing.
13. Cut and band side cap flashing to fit into the grooves cut into the mortar. The prefabricated flange at the top of the cap flashing will fit into the mortar grooves.
14. Drill holes into each piece of side capping with the 3/16-inch masonry bit, and fit expanding plastic anchors to hold them in place.
15. Install the back cap flashing onto the backside of the chimney. Knock the flange into the groove with a wood block, then drill and fasten with expanding plastic anchors.
16. Caulk along the top seam of the cap flashing, where the flashing flanges have been knocking into the grooves in the mortar.
Tags: step flashing, base flashing, chimney flashing, expanding plastic, front base
Pennsylvania provides several forms of assistance to its residents who are behind in their utility bills. Most of the help is available through the state's various utility companies. To receive the help, people generally must have low incomes or dependent children living with them. Senior citizens and disabled persons are also generally given priority to receive the help.
Pennsylvania Power and Light
Pennsylvania Power and Light sponsors the On Track fund. Money for the program comes from donations made by the company's customers and employees. Through the On Track program, Pennsylvania Power and Light customers can receive one-time grants to pay off a portion or all of their past-due utility bills or they can get late bills reduced. The amount of assistance provided is based on the funds available in the program and the gross incomes that applicants receive.
Philadelphia Gas Works
Philadelphia Gas Works administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) programs. The maximum amount of the UESF grant is $1,500 as of 2011. The highest gross income applicants can have to receive the help is 175 percent of the federal poverty level. Residents also must apply for LIHEAP grants before they apply for a UESF grant. LIHEAP grants are federally funded. Grants range from $300 to $1,000. Applications are accepted from November through April. It can take up to six weeks to receive money from the program.
Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO)
People who get their utilities through the Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO) can receive about $200 in one-time grant assistance through PECO's Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF). The help is provided to residents whose incomes do not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. However, the majority of people helped through MEAF have incomes at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level. The program is paid for with donations from PECO customers and the company itself.
Adams Electric Cooperative
Through the Adams Electric Cooperative's Project Helping Hand program Pennsylvania residents can get grant money to pay their utility bills. The grants are not renewable; money from the grants is paid directly to utility companies. Before applying for the help, residents must pay at least 25 percent of their past-due bills. They also must have received a shutoff notice. Additionally, people living in Pennsylvania also can receive help to pay their utility bills through the Central Electric Cooperative. Counties supported by the cooperative are Allegheny, Armstrong, Clarion, Butler, Venango and Forest.
Water Company
Water companies like the Pennsylvania American Water give their customers help through the Dollar Energy Fund. People who live in Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Northumberland counties also can get help to pay their water bills through the A Helping Hand program. Other water bill assistance is provided through companies like United Water. As with other assistance programs, the help is not renewable. In other words, water companies do not pay residents' utility bills month-to-month.
Tags: utility bills, receive help, Electric Cooperative, federal poverty, federal poverty level, Pennsylvania Power, Pennsylvania Power Light
Give your window air conditioners a check up and cleaning each spring. Turning on an air conditioner on the first hot day and not getting the cool air you need is very disheartening and brings to mind the idea it needs expensive repairs or more Freon. Clean it out first before calling a service person. Regular cleaning can save you from expensive service calls. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Unplug the air conditioner, take it outside and place on a drop cloth.
2. Take the grill and filter off from the front and unscrew the metal case, being mindful not to damage the coils.
3. Wash the filter with plain water or install a new one.
4. Put the soft brush on your vacuum cleaner and use it to clean the coil's fins.
5. Cover the wires and motor with plastic. Spray water from the side with the fan through the fins.
6. Use a clean cloth to wipe the unit and check the drains to make sure they are not clogged.
7. Allow the air conditioner to dry completely.
8. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions about lubricating the motor and take care of it while you have the opportunity.
9. Put the air conditioner back together and re-install.
A water leaking air conditioner can not only be messy but it can also ruin the interior of your home. Fixing the leak is not so much a repair job as much as it is a routine maintenance that should be performed once a year before the window air conditioner goes back into service. By following a basic process you keep that window air unit from leaking during the warm months that it is needed. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Pull the air conditioner from the window on a mild, sunny spring day. The sun shine will help in rapidly drying out the air conditioner after you perform the next routine process.
2. Place the air unit on a firm surface. Preferably a concrete slab or a few old boards. Do not place the unit on grass or dirt.
3. Use the screwdriver and remove the outer metal housing of the air conditioner. There are generally 4 to 6 screws along the lower edge of the cover that holds it to the frame.
4. Observe the inside of the air unit. Note that there is a plastic drain tray on the bottom. This drain tray carries away the condensation water from the cooling coil and allows it to flow to the outdoors and drip to the ground. The drain tray is plugged from last seasons collection of dust and bacteria growth.
5. Use the cup measure and pour some house bleach into the plastic tray. Allow the bleach to "work" on the nasty solids that have collected there for about 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Connect the garden hose to the outdoor spigot and attach the spray nozzle to the hose.
7. Spray in the interior of the air unit with the moderate pressure from the spray nozzle. Force the water into the plastic drain tray and remove all of the solid debris that is laying there. Spray the interior and exterior coils as well since you have the unit cover off. You will have to remove the interior filter as well. Clean the filter while it is exposed.
8. Place another cup of bleach into the plastic drain tray and allow the liquid cleaner to set for about 5 to 10 minutes than thoroughly rinse the unit with fresh water. The inside area should be thoroughly clean.
9. Allow the unit to completely dry in the sun. When dry, replace the exterior cover and place the unit back into the window. The unit will be cured of leaking for another cooling season.
Tags: drain tray, into plastic, plastic drain, plastic drain tray, about minutes, back into, bleach into
Tow trucks are a common tool in repossession because they make the car keys unimportant.
California has more vehicle repossession agencies than any other state, and it's no surprise when you consider that agents can make anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per vehicle. It's a potentially lucrative field that allows operators to run their own schedules, and with 1.5 million cars repossessed in the U.S. in 2007 there seems to be a fair amount of work to go around.
Instructions
Getting Licensed
1. Visit California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services website at http://www.bsis.ca.gov/.
5. Ensure that you meet all of the California bureau's requirements, including the required experience as an employee of a repossession agency.
6. Fill out the paperwork as the "qualified manager" since you will be operating in California as a single entity.
7. Visit one of California's Live Scan stations to have your fingerprints submitted to the California Department of Justice and the FBI. The fee for this is $51 ($32 to the state Department of Justice and $19 to the FBI).
8. Return the following forms and the appropriate fees to:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
P.O. Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002
Forms:
31A-4 (Application for License) - $825 fee
31A-8 (Certificate in Support of Experience)
31A-9 (Personal Identification Form)
31A-12 (Request for authorization of business name)
31A-26 (Application for Qualification Certificate) - $325 fee
The second copy of the Live Scan form completed by the operator
Two recent photos of passport quality sized 1.5" x 2"
9. Schedule the date and time of your license examination after receiving your study materials from Psychological Services Industries (PSI) of Burbank, Calif.
10. Take the examination and await your official license.
Finding Clients
11. Call area banks, credit unions and car dealerships to offer your services as a licensed repossession agency.
12. Network with agencies outside of your region to create a list of unofficial partners. You can use this list to refer clients to a partner if the vehicle owner has moved outside of the region, and hopefully you'll receive a few referrals in return.
13. Place an ad in the local phone directory or buy ad space on Google when someone searches for "auto repossession" + "your area of operation".
14. List your business location on Google Maps so clients searching for agencies near them can find you easily.
Tags: Bureau Security, Bureau Security Investigative, Department Justice, Investigative Services, Live Scan, repossession agency
The Crosley Company has been based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina since 1976 and manufactures several home appliances, including washing machines. Crosley washing machines are available as both front- and top-loading models and are sold by independent appliance retailers. They are generally reliable, but like all washing machines may occasionally have problems removing water during the spin cycle. Crosley washers have a maximum spin rate ranging from 700 RPM (top-loader) to 1,200 RPM (front-loader). If you experience problems with the spin cycle on a Crosley washer, some common troubleshooting methods may be helpful in resolving the issue. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Verify that the Crosley washer is properly connected to the power supply. Check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary.
2. Make sure the door of the top-loader is kept closed during the spin cycle.
3. Open the washer and make sure the load is evenly balanced inside the tub. Redistribute as necessary. Make sure the load is not too small. A washer may not spin with one or two small items in it.
4. Examine the drain hose and straighten it if it is bent or kinked. Clean the drain hose of any obstructions. Do not operate the washer if the drain hose is not well protected during freezing temperatures, as the drain hose may freeze and then will not drain as required.
5. Check for items wedged between the inner and outer tubs of the washing machine. Grasp any stuck item with a pair of pliers and remove it. Make certain the washer is unplugged before you do this.
6. Plug in the washer. Select the spin and drain cycle and press "Start" to drain any remaining water out of the tub.
7. Contact a service technician if the above steps do not resolve the problem, as other potential causes include a frozen pump pulley or broken pump. Such problems require professional repair.
Tags: drain hose, spin cycle, washing machines, cycle Crosley, during spin, during spin cycle
Produced by Ford, Aerostar is a type of American-made vehicle produced during the 1980s and 1990s. The Aerostar is known for being the first minivan ever produced by Ford, but is also infamous for its many mechanical problems.
Time Frame
Ford released the first Aerostar in 1985 and produced a new version of the model each year through 1997.
Appearance
The Aerostar has a boxy shape in the back with a futuristic-curved front end meant to evoke thoughts of space shuttles, explains CarGurus. Ford released an Eddie Bauer line of Aerostars that were intended as a high-end or luxury minivan.
Features
The Ford Aerostar was built on a truck body, which made it more durable on rough roads. Models of the Aerostar constructed during the 1990s featured all-wheel drive and V6 engines.
Recalls
Major recalls were issued on a number of Ford Aerostars over the years due to due to brake master cylinder failure, electrical shorts, fuel leaks, seat belt defects, defects in the welding of the rear suspension, faulty driver door latches and fuel tank cracks, according to the Center for Auto Safety.
Safety
The 1992 to 1997 models of the Ford Aerostar received a rating of "Poor" on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute frontal offset crash tests. This indicates a risk for severe injury to the driver or front-seat passenger in a head-on collision.
If your garden path is flaking, save money by fixing it yourself.
The change of seasons wreaks havoc on a concrete surface, and can turn your beautiful driveway, walking path or wall into a visual nightmare. If it's been through a few freeze-and-thaw cycles, you may notice that the concrete appears to be flaking in areas. This is known as scaling, and it's caused by water expanding in the pores of the concrete during freezing weather and breaking apart the top layer of concrete. If you are willing to put in a few hours of work, you can save a good amount of money by repairing the concrete yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Prepare the surface by peeling up as much of the loose concrete flakes as you can. Use a long handle spade, which is easier on your back. A flat head screwdriver will work too. Once you have all the loose concrete pulled up, pressure wash the area. Pressure washing the surface will force up any loose flakes that remain. Do not skip the pressure washing step -- it is essential to the life of the repair that you have a clean, flake-free surface. Allow the concrete to dry.
2. Mix the Patchcrete, following the directions on the back of the bag. Fill the voids in the concrete and trowel it smooth, just until the height matches the rest of the surface. Then with light pressure, run it over it with a wet sponge to feather the Patchcrete into the old concrete. Allow to completely overnight.
3. Notice the areas you patched stand out like a sore thumb. The only way to fix this is to cover the entire surface with an overlay, or slurry, so the whole thing looks uniform. Mix the Ardex overlay as directed on the back of the bag, being careful not to add too much water. Pour the mixture onto the surface, working on one section at a time, and roll it out in a uniform fashion for a smooth look.
Home repairs can be expensive for seniors on a fixed income.
Many seniors live on fixed incomes. Home repairs can be expensive and, even when necessary, are often beyond the reach of low-income seniors. Federal, state and city governments offer grants to help seniors with home repair costs. Does this Spark an idea?
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers grants to seniors through the Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants program. To qualify, seniors must be age 62 or older and have an income that falls below 50 percent of the area median. Grants range up to $7,500 and can be used for repairs that remove safety hazards.
CHAI
Seniors over 62 in Baltimore can apply for home repair help through the nonprofit CHAI organization. Applicants must be on a fixed income and have physical disabilities to qualify. Grants can fund projects such as chimney and roof repairs, handyman chores and wheelchair ramp installation.
Community Action Planning Council
The Community Action Planning Council in Jefferson County, New York, operates the Restore Program. The program funds repairs to low-income seniors who own and occupy their own homes. Seniors must be at least 60 years old to apply. Qualified repairs include health and safety hazards, such as roof, furnace or structural repairs, electrical wiring, and stair installation.
Tags: Action Planning, Action Planning Council, Community Action, Community Action Planning, Department Agriculture, fixed income
Promoting your work at car shows is one way to advertise an auto detailing business.
Running any small business can be a challenge, especially in a competitive economy. Auto detailing businesses need to attract clients who appreciate careful work and entrust valuable cars, trucks and motorcycles to the hands of skilled detailing technicians. Follow some basic steps and be creative to market your auto detailing business and establish new and repeat customers.
Print Advertising
Though it might seem old-fashioned, traditional print advertising is essential for good coverage in your marketing. Be sure to place your business in the local yellow pages and advertise in local newspapers. Taking out an ad in the classifieds where car shoppers are likely to read it is one way to make your name known to your target customers. It also makes it possible for customers to find you with minimal effort.
Web Advertising
Having a strong web presence is also essential, especially for younger customers who may not have an established, long-term relationship with an auto detailing shop. Invest in website design and have your site listed on all of your promotional materials, including business cards. Use the site to show pictures of work your shop has completed, along with basic information like your location, the skills of your technicians and any current promotions.
Promotions
An auto detailing business should serve individual customers with one-time needs, such as a rust spot or accident damage to a vehicle. However, getting repeat customers, such as car collectors or custom car builders, can set your business up for future sales. Use promotions, such as loyalty discounts or coupons for first-time customers, to get both kinds of buyers into your shop.
Exhibition
Auto detailing shops rely on the quality of their work and the skill of the employees to stand out from the competition. To do this, you not only need to hire talented artists and skilled technicians, but also put their work on display for your potential customers to see. Encourage any employees who have detailed cars to compete in local or regional car shows, and consider offering to sponsor owners of vehicles your shop has worked on by paying the exhibition fee. Putting your work on display in front of car enthusiasts is important in letting customers compare your work, side-by-side, to the competition's. Besides participating in car shows, consider using a company vehicle. This is useful if you offer any sort of mobile detailing services, or simply for an owner or manager to commute to work each day. Print the name of your business on the vehicle, along with a phone number, address, slogan and web address. And be sure to give it a top-notch paint job with elaborate detailing to impress other drivers every day.
Tags: auto detailing, auto detailing business, detailing business, your business, your shop, your work
A lien represents a claim against an asset like a car or a house. Liens usually involve outstanding debts. To file a lien against someone's home, you must prove that you have not been paid. Most courts have specific rules about who is eligible and what debts qualify for liens. For example, a contractor who has performed substantial work on a property typically can file a lien if the homeowner fails to pay. However, some courts require subcontractors to sue the general contractors instead of the homeowners.
Instructions
1. Review the contract carefully to ensure that you and your business complied with your end of the bargain. If a written contract does not exist, summarize all of the terms from your perspective, which you will use later in court.
2. Contact the appropriate civil court about standard procedures. You usually must file a lawsuit in the city or jurisdiction where the work was completed. For example, if the property sits in Travis County, Texas, you should contact the Travis County Civil Court.
3. Prepare a petition that describes the reasons why you are requesting a lien (nonpayment). Many courts provide sample petitions or examples. Gather all receipts and information related to the work.
4. Attend the hearing and present your case. If the other person fails to attend, the judge should grant a default judgment. If the other person arrives, you must defend your claims.
5. File the default judgment or lien with the county recorders office. Make sure that the homeowner does not have a clean title. After you file the lien and cloud the title, the homeowner cannot escape his debt by selling his property.
Tags: file lien, default judgment, other person, Travis County
CenterPoint Energy offers appliance repair to customers in Minnesota.
CenterPoint Energy provides electricity and natural gas in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and Oklahoma. CenterPoint in Minnesota offers Home Service Plus furnace and appliance repair and maintenance to residents in the St. Paul/Minneapolis metropolitan area as well as other parts of Minnesota. Does this Spark an idea?
Plans
A variety of repair plans are available through Home Service Plus. Monthly rates as of 2011 are $17.50 for the Basic Repair Plan, $39.95 for the Total Repair Plan, an additional $5.20 for Optional Appliance Coverage and $8 for a maintenance plan.
Coverage
The Basic Plan protects consumers by covering repairs on their furnace or boiler, water heater, range and clothes dryer. The Total Plan will also cover repairs to central air conditioning, dishwasher, freestanding freezer, refrigerator, clothes washer, gas fireplace and gas grill. Optional Appliance Coverage can include drain cleaning. The Maintenance Plan includes tune-up service for central air conditioning, fireplace or furnace/boiler. Labor and most parts are covered with all of these plans.
Availability
Home Service Plus is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The website also provides an on-line sign-up form for repair service. CenterPoint reminds consumers that if they suspect a natural gas leak they should vacate immediately and contact CenterPoint's gas leak hot line.
Tags: Home Service, Home Service Plus, Service Plus, Appliance Coverage, CenterPoint Energy, central conditioning, furnace boiler
To keep your mobile home looking neat and attractive, it's important to pay attention to the crawlspace and underpinning. Flooding or strong winds can compromise or destroy the crawlspace area. It's good to inspect under a mobile home and check all support blocks or mechanical mechanisms holding up the house. Examine the floor for plumbing issues or leaks while you're in the crawlspace. Another major issue to address is insulation problems for the crawlspace area to save on heat and cooling bills. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use a crowbar to pull a couple of sections of underpinning away from the foundation. Look for cracks in the blocks if the house is sitting on a cinder block foundation. Put a plastic drop cloth under the home to crawl around on. Beware of insects and rodents that might reside there. Use a flashlight or corded light to examine the flooring area. Look for water leaks or faulty insulation. Inspect every crevice of the foundation to decide proceed. Repair wood support framing for exterior siding with 2x8 boards.
2. Call a mobile home dealer to jack up the home if the block foundation is damaged. Call in a builder to redo cinder blocks and mortar. To repair underpinning materials destroyed by water or wind, remove enough exterior material to examine the framework holding the siding. Reconstruct lumber around the perimeter of the trailer home to hold new sections of siding. Again, use 2x8 boards versus 2x4 boards for the framing.
3. Use a light to look over ductwork under the home. Replace any ductwork or repair it to conserve heat and cooling dollars. Go ahead and run additional ductwork, plumbing or electrical wiring you've been putting off while you're working in the crawlspace area.
4. Install caulking to plug up holes in the mobile home flooring from beneath it. Install roll-type fiberglass insulation in the entire floor area from the crawlspace. Staple the insulation to appropriate sections of the underside of the mobile home. Check for weak floors or dampness before you place insulation under the house. Cut out any rotted areas and replace with particle-board flooring or plywood. Install heavy permanent plastic sheeting on the ground to prevent moisture from rising into the floor joist areas.
5. Screw exterior replacement siding into the wooden framework under the trailer. Check the entire underpinning to ensure all seams fit tightly where siding pieces butt up against each other. Add wood trim over the seams, if necessary. Strive to give the underpinning a professional look. Paint the exterior in a shade that harmonizes with the look of the mobile home. Use several coats of paint to protect the siding.
Tags: mobile home, crawlspace area, block foundation, heat cooling, Home Crawlspace, Mobile Home
Outdoor wrought iron hand railings can rust over time, especially after years of being exposed to rain, snow and ice. When the condition of the railing deteriorates to the point that metal primer and paint can no longer protect it against corrosion, it may be time to remove the old railing and replace it with new iron or aluminum railing. Changing a rusted railing can improve your home's curb appeal, and if you have the right tools, you can probably do the job yourself.
Removal
Use an adjustable wrench to take off the old railing by removing the lag screws that fasten the railing to the house. If the railing was embedded directly into the concrete, cut the support posts level with the concrete stoop using a circular saw with a carbide tip blade. You will want to remove any rust stains from the concrete stoop. One way to do this is by squeezing the juice of a lemon directly onto the stains. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, but do not let the lemon juice dry. Scrub with a stiff bristled brush such as an old, hard texture toothbrush. In some cases, you may need to use a wire brush to remove stubborn rust spots.
Types
Visit a local home improvement retailer if you want to purchase prefabricated metal sections usually kept in stock. Select railing made of solid metal rather than hollow tubing. These will be more expensive, but the railings are more durable. Keep in mind when buying new railing that a metal railing is easier to install than a wood railing, and it requires less maintenance. Aluminum railings are a practical choice because they will not rust. This type of railing is affordable, easy to install, and usually available in a variety of different colors and styles. Railing sections also come pre-assembled.
Installation
Position the new railing at least two inches from the edge of the stoop. Mark the drill holes and then pre-drill the holes using a 3/16" masonry bit. Attach the railing posts securely to the concrete or brick stoop using galvanized or stainless steel masonry screws that are weather and rust resistant.
Tags: concrete stoop, screws that, stoop using, that metal
Austin is home to many hardy trees and plants, especially avocado trees. These trees are naturally robust because they're resistant to disease and able to produce fruit all year long. Avocado trees have adapted to different types of soil in Austin, but these trees do best when grown in soil that has good drainage. Most types of avocado trees produce flowers that bloom from January to March. Does this Spark an idea?
Guatemalan
The Guatemalan avocado tree grows especially well in Austin. The fruit is teardrop-shaped, with skin that can be thick or thin, and the foliage is dark green. Care is generally the same for all types of avocado trees; they need a lot of sun, and watering at least three times per week during dry seasons, though no watering is required if there's ample rainfall. Plant your Guatemalan avocado tree in early spring, and prepare the soil in advance by tilling the ground 15 inches deep and then digging a hole 2 to 3 feet deep. This size works well for small transplants, but you may need to dig a larger hole if the avocado transplant has an extensive root system. Add compost or cow manure to the bottom of the hole to improve soil fertility. Some trees begin producing fruit during the first year after transplantation, but other trees can take 2 to 3 years to produce mature fruit all year long.
West Indian
The West Indian avocado tree produces smooth round fruit that's glossy when it's time to be picked. The fruit turns blackish-green as it ripens, and the pit is pear-shaped. These fruits can weigh up to two pounds each, and also contain high-quality oils.
Mexican
The Mexican avocado tree has the same basic needs as the Guatemalan and West Indian varieties. This tree produces fruits that weigh 6 to 10 ounces. The skin is glossy green and paper thin, and turns black or dark green as it ripens. Pick the fruit when it's light green and firm, and allow it to continue to ripen in a cool, dry place. The fruit is not necessarily ripe when it falls from the tree, but you can distinguish how ripe the fruit is by firmness and color: Ripe avocados are slightly squishy and dark green or black.
Tags: avocado tree, dark green, West Indian, fruit year, fruit year long
In modern times, the cost of interring a loved one in a cemetery includes "perpetual care." Far too many cemeteries have fallen into perpetual neglect, but preservation and historically-minded groups and individuals or the descendants of those buried in a particular cemetery may seek to restore a graveyard and honor the dead. Grants and funding for cemetery restoration projects in New York state are available through various federal, state and local sources and agencies.
New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Grant
The New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites grant helps restore not only houses of worship throughout New York state but cemeteries connected to these religious entities. New York City-based congregations may apply for the NYLC's consulting grant. The Sacred Sites grant may be used for professional services, surveys, specifications and plans, engineering reports and project management. It cannot be used for restoration work that is already in progress. Although matching grants up to $10,000 may be awarded, as of 2010 the average Sacred Sites grant was approximately $3,000.
New York State Division of Cemeteries
Along with regulation of cemeteries in New York state, this department also provides funding for not-for-profit cemetery corporations seeking to restore damage from vandalism and removing or repairing grave monuments that fall into disrepair or become dilapidated. By law, this division is responsible for the oversight, maintenance and preservation of the burial grounds of any not-for-profit cemetery located in New York state. Its jurisdiction does not include family, religious, private or municipal cemeteries.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
In addition to providing information on cemetery preservation resources and treatment of historic markers, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation may also provide project consultation services. The office aids communities in evaluating, preserving and revitalizing historic and cultural resources, and is the state office administering funding from the federal National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the state Historic Preservation Act of 1980. It oversees sights on the national and New York Register of Historic Places, which can include burial grounds.
Local Legislators and Organizations
Some New York cemetery restoration projects receive funding through the efforts of local legislators in the cemetery's district. Nonprofit organizations seeking cemetery restoration money should contact municipal officials or a town's historic preservation committee, which may aid in securing funding. Another source of aid, if not funding, are local Scout troops. Young men aiming for Eagle Scout status may take on cemetery restoration projects in smaller graveyards.
Fix your leaky bathtub or shower without calling a plumber.
If you have a leaking tub or shower or you find it difficult to completely shut off the water in your tub or shower, this indicates the wearable parts in your faucet assembly need to be replaced. Rather than calling a plumber to do the job, make the repair yourself. Even if you do not own a bath socket or seat wrench and need to buy them the first time, you will still be able to complete the job for far less than what you would pay a plumber. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn off all water to the tub by closing the main water valve in the house. Open another faucet in the house, if possible on a level below the tub, to relieve any water pressure left in the pipes.
2. Pry up the edge of the caps on the tub's water control handles, exposing an anchor screw in the middle of each handle. Remove the screw and pull the handles off their spindles, using a handle remover tool if the handles do not come off easily.
3. Unscrew the metal sleeve over the spindle assembly or undo the screws holding the sleeve in place and pull it off the assembly. Put a bath socket over the stem and turn it counterclockwise to remove the stem.
4. Insert a seat wrench into the spot where the stem was inserted and turn the wrench counterclockwise to remove the seat. Use the seat wrench to install a replacement seat.
5. Remove the old wearable parts on the stem by undoing the packing nut on the end of the stem. Apply a thin layer of plumber's grease to the replacement parts and put them on the stem. Replace the packing nut.
6. Reassemble the faucet and handles in reverse order of how you took them apart. Turn on the water and open the faucet to ensure you replaced everything properly.
Protect your family from the elements with an underground tornado shelter.
Underground tornado shelters are essential safe spaces for families living in areas where tornadoes are common. When it comes to options for home tornado shelters, there are a variety that can work for you and your family. You can install prefabricated tornado shelters inside or outside your home that already meet the storm shelter guidelines of the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). You can also construct an underground storm shelter mostly without the use of prefabricated materials. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Contact FEMA and ask for a copy of their 320 "Safe Room" document or download it online (see Resources). This document outlines the federal rules and regulations for tornado and storm shelters. It also provides tips for safe design and construction.
2. Design your underground tornado shelter. Most storm shelters require a flat, square or oval room of several feet and a sloping staircase area. Consider how many people will be staying in the shelter when determining the size, allowing for seating as well as storage of emergency safety kits. Allow for a thick, reinforced wall and ceiling.
3. Call your gas, electric and water companies to determine the location of sensitive wiring and piping. Choose an area to construct your tornado shelter away from these areas. The tornado shelter should be located in close proximity to your house and should be easily accessible for all members of your family.
4. Measure, mark and dig out your tornado shelter according to your designs. Dig the flooring as level as possible. Dig the adjacent slope leading into the shelter to fit the staircase.
5. Dig holes around the perimeter of the shelter to house the shelter's posts. Place posts every 3 to 3 1/2 feet. Insert the 4-by-4s into the holes, then fill the holes with cement. Allow the cement to harden and dry. Install your water-barrier kit at the tops and bottoms of the holes.
6. Construct the cinder-block walls of all sides of the shelter, using mortar to join the blocks together. Construct the walls of the staircase ramp as well. Lay outdoor flooring stones on the floor to securely fit into the walls and secure them with mortar. Allow the mortar to harden and dry.
7. Attach crossbeams to each of the outside posts of the shelter using wooden screws. Lay sheet metal across the beams to create a roof. Drill holes into the metal and beams, then secure both by attaching them with heavy-duty bolts. Do this for all beams and metal sheets.
8. Install the prefabricated portions of your storm shelter, including the metal door and any ventilation systems, according to the directions provided in the packaging.
Multiple public and private sources make grants to Kentucky homeowners or homebuyers. Primary funding categories include awards for payment and closing-cost assistance, wastewater treatment systems and home repair projects. Eligibility requirements vary based on location, income levels, homeowner status and special circumstances such as disability.
Kentucky Housing Corporation
The Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) is a public corporation created by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1972 as an agency of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. Among its many financing programs, KHC provides down-payment and closing-cost assistance grants for purchase of existing homes. Grants are made in the form of forgivable loans. Loans range from $4,500 to $10,000, requiring no monthly payment and forgiven over a period of five years. Applicant eligibility depends on income and purchase price, with special considerations based on disability, age or dependents.
Kentucky Housing Corporation
1231 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
800-633-8896
kyhousing.org
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc.
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc., founded in 1997, is a nonprofit organization serving 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE administers a Homeowner Septic System Grant Program for either septic system installation or connection to a public sewer line in place of damaged, unsanitary or nonexistent wastewater treatment systems. Eligible applicants include low-income homeowners in the PRIDE service region. Applicants must provide proof of income, copy of deed, and utility bill bearing the property's physical address. Grant amounts vary by project needs. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available.
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc.
The Center for Rural Development
2292 S. Highway 27
Somerset, KY 42501
606-677-6150
kypride.org
Kentucky Heartland Outreach
Kentucky Heartland Outreach (KHO), founded in 2000 in Campbellsville, is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving multiple counties in Kentucky as needed. Project capabilities are broad, but samples include roofing, handrails and wheelchair ramps. Supported through various funding sources and volunteer labor, KHO assists with home repair projects through grant, sponsor and self-help programs. The grant program provides project materials and labor at no cost to the homeowner. In the sponsor program, materials costs are covered by a project sponsor, and KHO donates the labor. The self-help program allows the homeowner to pay for materials, with KHO donating the labor. Eligibility is based on qualifying income levels, which vary by county of residence and number of home occupants. Applicants must provide proof of targeted income levels, proof of homeownership, and continued-residency agreements.