Illinois Landlord Tenant Act

Landlords and tenants have specific rights and reponsibilities under the Illinois Landlord Tenant Act.

The Illinois Landlord Tenant Act (ILTA) governs the responsibilities of rental property owners and the tenants who live in their units. Both parties should familiarize themselves with the ILTA, as well as with local tenant/landlord ordinances for the municipality where the property sits, to gain a complete understanding of their rights and obligations in the relationship.

Landlord Obligations

If a landlord doesn't provide heat, gas or water and has the responsibilities for these items in the lease agreement, these infractions constitute lease violations. The landlord has a duty to provide such utilities, referred to as the "Implied Warranty of Habitability," which comes with every Illinois lease by law. For example, failure of the property owner to provide adequate heat or fix a dangerous porch results in a violation of this covenant.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants violate the lease when they do something prohibited in the lease or fail to do something as outlined in the lease. For example, if the tenant allows an adult not on the lease to move into the unit, or if he damages the dwelling, these constitute lease violations. Failure to pay rent or failing to move out at the end of the lease period also results in a lease violation.

Security Deposit

Under Illinois law, the landlord has to return the tenant's security deposit if damage beyond "normal "wear and tear has occurred in the unit. Owners with 10 or more rental units must provide the tenant with a written notice of repairs and costs within 30 days after the tenant vacates the premises. If the property owner doesn't issue the notice within 30 days, the landlord has to return the deposit in full within 45 days after the tenant leaves. Owners with 25 or more units have to pay 5 percent interest on the deposit from the date of the payment if he holds the deposit for more than six months.

Remedies

Tenants and landlords can file suits in small-claims court for money that they each believe the other party owes. A landlord who wants to evict a tenant and receive money damages must file an action referred to as a Forcible Entry and Detainer complaint.

Eviction Process

Property owners have to serve tenants the proper notice to initiate the eviction process. The type of notice depends on the reason for the eviction; it's usually a five-day notice for nonpayment of rent or a ten-day notice for lease violations. Typically, the owner may serve the notice by certified mail (return receipt requested) or give it to the tenant or someone else (over the age of 13) who lives in the unit. The owner can post the notice on the door if the tenant has moved. After the notice has expired, the property owner can file suit in the appropriate court and send a copy of the complaint to the tenant.

The tenant can file an "answer" to the complaint or simply show up in court on the date of the hearing. If the tenant doesn't appear, the judge will likely rule in the property owner's favor. Failure of the property owner to appear may result in the case's dismissal. The property owner and the tenant should bring document photographs, witnesses and anything else that will support each side of the case to court.

Warning

The Illinois Landlord Tenant Act doesn't give the tenant the right to make repairs to units, withhold rent or deduct money from the rent to make repairs, but some city ordinances may permit exceptions if the property owner receives the proper notice. Landlords may not lock a tenant out of the unit, shut off utilities or remove the tenant's personal property from the dwelling. If the landlord doesn't serve the proper notice in the appropriate manner when going through an eviction, the court may drop the case.

Tags: property owner, Illinois Landlord, Illinois Landlord Tenant, Landlord Tenant, lease violations

Prevent A Home Kitchen Fire

Kitchen fires can be as simple as a scorched potholder or can be the catalyst for a major house fire. There are many potential areas for a home kitchen fire to start, in the oven or on the stove, and in the many small appliances typically plugged in and operating in a home kitchen. This article looks at a number of ways to prevent a fire from starting in a home kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Inspect appliance wiring for wear. Make sure potholders and towels are not worn thin, which makes it easier for them to burn through. Unplug appliances that are not being used.

2. Clean up spills, especially grease, immediately. Clean crumbs out of the toaster regularly. Clean the oven at least once a week to remove spills.

3. Remove empty pots from hot burners and empty coffee carafes from hot coffee makers. Place them on a thick potholder or towel to cool. Keep plastic containers away from the stove.

4. Monitor cooking food on the stove and in the oven. Watch for liquids that might boil over the top of the pan and spill onto the stovetop or into the burner eye.

5. Install a smoke alarm and check the batteries every twelve months. The smoke alarm should be positioned in the kitchen between the stove and the door. Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach.

Tags: home kitchen, smoke alarm

Estimate House Repairs

Doing the work yourself can be challenging but rewarding.

An estimate is a valuable tool in determining the cost of house repairs and prevents getting any surprises at the end of the project. Use estimates based on materials cost, factoring in your time and the costs of hiring experts for jobs in which you are not skilled. You can also download a computerized estimating home repair system from the Internet to assist with the estimate. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Creating a List of Needed Repairs

1. Make a complete list of all repairs needed.

Walk through the house and make a list of the all repairs needed for each room in the house. Then check the outside of the house for repairs as well.

2. Get several estimates from different contractors for the same job.

Consult electrical, plumbing, heating, chimney roofing contractors and all other contractors needed. Be specific about what repairs are required for each room. Define things such as how many coats of paint, brand and quality because this will make a difference with their estimates. Try to negotiate a fixed price from certain contractors such as plumbers who usually charge "on a foot" basis.

3. Visit a few local stores and compare costs of all materials needed for the work you will be doing yourself. Purchasing certain articles off season can result in drastically reduced items. Costs will also vary with the quality of the material to be used. Visit stores such as Re-Store that sell used housing supplies for a fraction of the cost.

4. Read first, decide later.

Read over the contractors' estimates carefully ensuring it is a detailed and clearly written contract and choose the most reputable and reasonably priced contractor.

5. Make sure all the costs are included in the estimate for the repairs.

Check with your local area to see if a building permit is required for house repairs and add this cost to the estimates received from the various contractors, your estimate for the portion of the work you will be doing yourself and an extra 20 percent to cover incidentals and inflation to get a total cost of repairs.

Tags: doing yourself, each room, house repairs, list repairs, list repairs needed, repairs needed

Canton Jade Bedroom Ideas

Canton jade is a muted shade of green. It is darker than seafoam, but lighter than forest or emerald green. It is more subdued than the varieties of green you may typically associate with jade. Canton jade lends itself to bedroom decor; the color is mild and will not overwhelm a small space. Incorporate Canton jade into a themed bedroom, or simply accentuate it with complementary colors. Does this Spark an idea?

Seaside

Canton jade lends itself to a seaside bedroom theme. Paint one or more walls with Canton jade paint. Offset this on the remaining walls with ivory, white or a light seafoam. Fill a large, clear bowl with green sea glass - as much as possible, match the hue to the Canton jade. This will emphasize the color. Hang paintings of the ocean on the contrast walls; seek out paintings in which the ocean is a shade similar to canton jade.

Far East

As the name implies, use canton jade in a Far East-inspired bedroom. Gold and a rich mahogany brown match well with the muted green. Select mahogany furniture, picture frames and accents. Either paint the walls Canton jade and use deep gold curtains, or use a mixture of a bold red, gold and jade. Vases and small figures of jade will complete the effect.

Tapestry

The muted tone of Canton jade is evocative of many medieval tapestries, in which similar colors were often used. Many of these tapestries depicted pastoral scenes, and Canton jade is similar to the colors of those countryside images. Reproductions of famous tapestries, such as those of Francois Boucher, are commercially available. Select an appealing tapestry as the center of your room; the Canton jade walls will bring out the similar greens in the image.

Color Combinations

Canton jade contains elements of blue and gray, as well as green. If you wish to paint all of the bedroom's walls Canton jade, do not overwhelm the space with other bright colors. Use a light gray carpet and bedspread and dusk blue accents throughout the room. Alternatively, use a grayish-white paint for two or three walls and paint the remaining walls Canton jade. This allows you to use bolder colors for the rest of the room. Light colored woods, such as pine or oak, do well with this color combination.

Tags: Canton jade, walls Canton, walls Canton jade, Canton jade, Canton jade lends, Canton jade This

Get The Bank To Lower The Price On Your Foreclosure Purchase

A foreclosure is also known as an REO property.

A foreclosure, or REO (real estate owned) property, is a property that has been repossessed by the bank; effectively, the bank owns the property. Because banks are not in the real estate business, they must sell these properties. Although they must sell them, they are looking to recoup losses they have incurred and are not quick to give the properties away. With careful and strategic negotiations, however, you can get the bank to lower the price on your foreclosure.

Instructions

1. Choose a real estate agent experienced with REO properties and negotiating with REO agents. An experienced agent knows the requirements of different REO sellers and can guide you through the process more efficiently.

2. REO properties require substantial work.

Locate foreclosures in your area. The local multiple listing service (MLS) has a designation for foreclosures and your agent will provide a list of REO properties that are available. Provide your agent with property requirements such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms desired, price range, location, and acceptable condition. Some foreclosures may require extensive work.

3. Taking good notes helps you remember each property.

Choose properties to preview and note issues including missing appliances, repairs or upgrades, any mold or water damage, flooring or paint issues, and overall condition. Take pictures for possible use when submitting your offer.

4. Compare your target property to others that have sold recently.

Select a property. Ask your agent to do a comparative market analysis (CMA). A CMA estimates the value of the property based on the sales price of other like properties in the area. For an accurate CMA, your agent should ideally compare your target property to other foreclosures that have sold in the past 90 days within the neighborhood or vicinity.

5. Calculate the offer price with consideration for repairs.

Get estimates for repairs. If the property needs repairs, get estimates from licensed contractors. Since foreclosures are sold 'as-is' the seller (the bank) will not do repairs, but can reduce the selling price to compensate for the repairs. Reduce the CMA by the estimate of the repairs plus an additional 10 to 20 percent for unseen repairs that might be required. Also consider further reductions for missing appliances and desired updates.

6. Obtain the proper forms to submit an offer. Bank-owned properties often require specific offer documents. Ask your agent to acquire the correct forms.

7. Prepare your offer. Some banks will offer additional benefits, such as special rates on a new mortgage, lower down payment requirements, and appliance allowances. Negotiate these terms as well.

8. Submit your offer. Include a reasonable security deposit (10% or more), a pre-approval letter for your mortgage, or proof of funds letter (if purchasing with cash). If allowed, include your contractor's bids for repairs and photographs to justify the lower offer price and your agent's CMA. Remember, the bank has not seen the property and may not be aware of the extent of the damage to the property. If you submit your offer toward the second half of the month, you stand a better chance of your lower offer being accepted due to end-of-month evaluations. Likewise, offers closer to the end of the fiscal year (usually October) have a better chance of a lower offer being accepted in order to 'clean' the books for the new year.

9. Wait for acceptance or a counter offer. Banks tend to negotiate less on listings within the first 30 to 60 days. Banks tend to be more inclined to negotiate on listings over 60-days-old. Be patient, banks can be slow to respond. If the bank returns a counter offer, increase your offer and counter back. If the bank does not accept your counter offer, they can counter or reject. Remember, banks are not in the real estate business; they have to sell this property eventually. Be persistent.

Tags: your agent, your offer, real estate, counter offer, lower offer, your target property, banks real

Start A Small Auto Repair Business

While you may be a talented and skilled mechanic, that doesn't mean that you can automatically start a successful auto repair business. It will take more than a few wrenches and a garage to make a profit. A good business plan, sufficient financing, and proper tools and supplies partnered with good organization make for the proper recipe for a successful auto repair business.

Instructions

1. Decide the type of auto repair work you want to do. Take a quick assessment of your talents, knowledge and skills, as well as what you prefer to work on before deciding if you should have have a specialty or if you want to do general repair work.

2. Work on and complete a business plan. Contact your local Small Business Administration representative to help you with this. The SBA is there to help you through the beginning stages of your business, including the identification of your mission, making goals and fine-tuning your methods. The SBA will also help you find financing options (see Resources).

3. Pick a location for your garage. You may already have a perfectly good shop at your residence, and it may make sense to continue to work from it. Check with your city or county for any zoning or code restrictions if you're locating your shop within a residential area. If you find a location somewhere else, you will still need to check on the zoning issues. Also, the new location will need electricity, restroom facilities, heat and water, and a parking area as part of its offerings for a year-round shop.

4. Take inventory of all tools, supplies and equipment you currently own. Organize them. If you think you may need more to open up an auto repair business, purchase the minimum of what you need. Additional tools and equipment may always be purchased in the future. Always keep your tools, equipment and supplies (oil, filters and belts) organized so you can find them in a timely fashion.

5. Establish an office area for your shop. Keep careful track of all paperwork that details your jobs, costs and important documents, such as insurance and property paperwork. Display your business licenses prominently. Stay up to date on accounts receivable and payable, as well as with sales taxes.

6. Use various forms of marketing for your business. As a mechanic, you may already have plenty of word-of-mouth marketing, which is the best kind. Another way to market is to join your local chamber of commerce to let other business owners know of your services. Using radio advertising increases the chances of reaching people when they are thinking about their vehicles and the funny noises they may be making. Direct mail is good, as well as fliers to leave at gas stations and on community bulletin boards.

Tags: repair business, your business, already have, auto repair, auto repair

Phrase New Year'S Eve Invitations

Having a New Year's Eve party is one way to ring in the New Year with friends and family. The New Year's party invitation is a preview for the guests to the type of event you are hosting. Here are a few tips on phrase the New Year's Eve invitation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Finalize party details such as the location, time, date, attire and party theme. Although people traditionally hold New Year's Eve parties on December 31, you can host your party on another date close to New Year's Eve.

2. Choose invitations that fit the party theme. Use formal wording such as "Cordially invited," or, "Request your presence" to convey a formal event. Use a more friendly tone such as "Please join," or, "Come party" for casual parties.

3. Start the invitation with an introductory greeting that introduces the New Year's party theme then list the party details, location, time and date. Most New Year's parties begin a few hours before midnight and last a few hours after midnight.

4. Include specific information such as attire and whether you are serving food and alcohol. Potluck and jeans represent casual parties but a Black Tie Affair is a formal party.

5. Indicate on the bottom of the New Year's Eve party invitation if children are invited and if a babysitter is available. Many times it is difficult for parents to find childcare on New Year's Eve, so letting them know "Children are welcome" helps parents resolve the childcare dilemma.

Tags: Year party, party theme, casual parties, location time, location time date, party details

Repair A Blackberry Curve With Water Damage

Don't toss a water damaged phone.

Repairing a water damaged BlackBerry Curve is easier than you think. The BlackBerry Curve is a very resilient cellular phone. It can withstand a few bumps here and there and it can even withstand water if you act quickly. Accidents happen, but if you want to continue checking your email and messaging your contacts, without having to purchase equipment or make a claim to your insurance carrier, you will need to complete these tasks before the water damages the major components of your phone.

Instructions

1. Power down the cellular phone and remove the battery, SIM card and media card. Set them to the side and allow them to air-dry.

2. Fill a plastic bag or container with silicon gel packages or uncooked rice. Insert your BlackBerry Curve into the bag or container and tightly secure it. The silicone gel packets will absorb the water from the phone. The rice will do the same thing, so use whatever you have available.

3. Allow the BlackBerry to remain in the container or bag for approximately 24 hours. Periodically check on the phone to see if the insides have changed colors. The phone is not salvageable if the inside begins to rust. If the phone still looks normal, re-insert the battery, SIM card and media card.

4. Power on the phone and see if your icons appear. If they do, make a test call and try to access a few of your features such as email, text messaging or picture mail. If your features are working properly, then you have successfully repaired your water-damaged BlackBerry Curve. However, if your features are not working properly you may have to replace the phone or get a new motherboard.

Tags: BlackBerry Curve, your features, battery card, battery card media, card media

Slogans To Put On Tombstones For Halloween

Halloween tombstone epitaphs can be funny, spooky or replicated from real life.

Tombstones are used to mark the head of a grave and were initially inscribed with simple signs or initials. Over time, they have developed into repositories of information about the deceased such as dates of birth and death. "Slogans," better known as "epitaphs," are sometimes added as reminders of the deeds or philosophies of the deceased. For Halloween, you can create a cemetery full of tombstones bearing funny, famous, spooky or "real life" epitaphs. Does this Spark an idea?

Funny Epitaphs

Create a Halloween graveyard that causes a giggle rather than a gasp by decorating your tombstones with funny epitaphs. Some to consider, collected from Quote Mountain are: "I was somebody. Who, is no business of yours!;" "I told you I was sick!;" "Gone away, owin' more than he could pay;" "Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake; stepped on the gas instead of the brake." The All About Halloween website offers funny names to put on your tombstones, including: "Otta B. Alive," "M. T. Tomb,""Izzy Gone," "I. M. Gone," "Roland Stone: Gathering No Moss" and "Dracula: Fangs for the Memories."

Famous Epitaphs

Create a celebrity graveyard full of tombstones that offer some famous names with epitaphs. Famous Quotes website provides epitaph quotes for Jesse James -- "Murdered by a traitor and a coward whose name is not worthy to appear here," Dean Martin -- "Everybody loves somebody sometime," Virginia Woolf -- "Against you I will fling myself, unvanquished and unyielding, O death!" Bette Davis -- "She did it the hard way," George Washington -- "Looking into the portals of eternity teaches that the brotherhood of man is inspired by God's word; then all prejudice of race vanishes away," Frank Sinatra -- "The best is yet to come" and Oscar Wilde -- "Alien tears will fill for him pity's long broken ern, for his mourners will be outcast men, and outcasts always mourn."

Spooky Epitaphs

You can suggest that the graveyard is full by ghosts by adding spooky tombstone epitaphs from All About Halloween like "I'll be back," "C.U. Sune," "Stella Live," "Bach Agenn" or "Will B. Back." Use epitaphs that give the gruesome sense of bodily decay such as "Rott N. Flesh," "Rick Amortis," "Good N. Rotten" and "Dee Cayed." Create a graveyard of spooky characters with epitaphs for Jeffrey Dahmer -- "Mmm...mmm...good" and Count Dracula -- "1236, 1458, 1525, 1703, 1823, 1955, (add the year of your Halloween graveyard)." Add to these the names of Halloween party guests or neighbors, with epitaphs such as "Connection terminated" or "I've done this a million times!"

Epitaphs From Real Graveyards

Recreate real tombstone epitaphs to give your display and authentic feel. The Innocent English website offers these examples: "Goembel, John E./1867-1946/The defense rests," "Jedidiah Goodwin/Auctioneer/Born 1828/Going!/Going!!Gone!!!/1876," "Here lies Lester Moore/Four slugs/From a forty-four/No Les/No More," "Rebecca Freeland/1741/She drank good ale/good punch and wine/And lived to the age of 99," and "Here lies Johnny Yeast/Pardon me for not rising/Ruidoso, New Mexico." You can give your Halloween tombstones a local flavor by visiting a nearby graveyard for real-life epitaph ideas.

Tags: Here lies, tombstone epitaphs, with epitaphs, About Halloween, Epitaphs Create

Repair A Bfs Window

Repairing a BFS window is a snap to do yourself.

Installing new BFS replacement windows is a snap. You will need an assistant to help you level and install the new BFS window sash, but for the most part this project can be done solo. Replacing windows in your home is a great way to save a lot of money on energy bills, and doing it yourself will save you the cost of hiring a professional to install them. This job takes one to two hours to do per window.

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of your window opening and record the figures. Use these measurements to order your window from a local window specialist center or your favorite DIY center.

2. Use a putty knife to scrape the window buck area (opening) free of any debris and/or old caulking. Use a utility knife to cut away any caulking material that you can't remove with just the putty knife.

3. Lay the new window sash down on a workbench. Bend the metal flange that is around the window sash's outer edges by hand or lightly tap it with a hammer. This will allow for the new window sash to be nailed into the window's framing.

4. Lay a bead of caulking around the metal flange you just bent in. This will help seal the new BFS window into place against the frame.

5. Mount the window into the buck area. Use wood shims to level the window; make sure that the window is in place and plumb. Tap the wooden shims into place gently with a hammer to avoid splitting the wood shims.

6. Verify that you have installed the new BFS window sash evenly with a level as well as the window itself.

7. Hammer the metal flange to the window frame with nails spaced every 4 to 6 inches evenly.

8. Seal the edges of the new BFS window with a smooth, un-broken line or several beads of caulking. Use a stir stick to smooth the caulking out and a damp rag to clean up around the window's outer edges. Allow the caulk to dry 48 hours before using the window.

Tags: window sash, metal flange, around window, buck area, into place, outer edges, putty knife

Care For A Fig Tree In Winter

Grow potted figs in northern climates and take them indoors in winter.

The best winter care you can offer your fig tree is to help it enter dormancy before the first freeze. Although fig trees come from the tropics, they are hardy to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit as long as they're not actively growing when the temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Suspend irrigation and fertilization at the right time to prevent the plant from producing new growth into frosty weather. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Water the fig tree through the end of the growing season in the fall, and then, stop irrigation until winter to induce dormancy. In winter, water the tree to the root zone every two weeks.

2. Feed fig trees a 10-10-10 fertilizer up to five times in the growing season. Apply the last serving by the last day in July so the plants have time to stop developing before the first frost.

3. Cut fig trees at least 2 years old close to soil level in the fall to protect them from the winter weather. Allow them to develop as multi-stemmed plants, like shrubs, in spring. Repeat this step at the end of every season.

4. Make a temporary shield for young fig trees, as mature plants are too tall for this option. Staple carpet or burlap to three or four two-by-fours hammered into the soil around the fig tree to block cold and wind.

Tags: before first, degrees Fahrenheit, growing season

Troubleshoot A Home Theater Dvd Player That Won'T Load Discs

Troubleshoot your problem DVD player.

So you're having some problems with your DVD player. There's a number of reasons why a DVD won't load; some having to do with the disc itself and others having to do with the player. DVDs are run by shooting a laser at the bottom of a disc, and anything that comes in between this process will disrupt your disc play and, many times, cause it to stop loading. The good news is that there are a lot of easy fixes.

Instructions

1. Unplug your DVD player and keep it powered down for about 60 seconds. Allowing the player to reset will often make things right again without any additional work.

2. Wipe off the disc. Take a static-free rag and place it on the center of the back of the disc. Pull the wipe straight out, past the outer edge. Shake the rag free of dust and repeat until the entire disc has been wiped.

3. Open your DVD tray and insert the nozzle of the spray can into the player itself. Give the inside a good long spray, five to seven seconds. Then spray around the outer edge of the player. Finally wipe down all the surfaces you can reach, inside and out, with the static-free wipes.

4. Insert a DVD cleaner into the player and run it through the full cycle. Repeat if necessary; players should be cleaned once for every 10 or so hours of use.

Tags: having with, into player, outer edge, your player

Electronic Repair Tools

Repairing electronic circuit boards requires special tools.

Modern homes call for modern electronic components. These may range from a toaster to complex television sets. Before you decide to work on any of the components you own, be certain you have the proper electronic repair tools. Repairing them without the proper tools can result in shorting out the component. Comprise a list of tools specifically designed for electronic repair, especially uncommon tools, such as a low-, medium- or high-wattage soldering iron. Does this Spark an idea?

Ohmmeter

A capacitor in an electronic device hold a specific amount of power within it. In the event the electronic device stops working, there is a good chance that a capacitor is at fault. An ohmmeter works well to test capacitors. Place the leads from the ohmmeter on the posts of the capacitor. If the needle moves all the way across the device window, you need to replace it.

Hand Tools

Having the right hand tools is crucial to repair your device properly. Hand tools consist of the normal screwdrivers and pliers most people own. Another hand tool that works well for repairing electronic devices is a dental pick, which works in small areas where common tools won't go.

Voltmeter

A voltmeter is sometimes included as a part of an ohmmeter. The reason to use a voltmeter in electronic repair is to determine if the correct amount of current is flowing through all the necessary components of your electronic device. It has a dial on the front so you can set it according to the amount of voltage needed for the test.

Soldering Equipment

Soldering wires to is the best way to make solid connections. Soldering irons come in three different categories. Use a low-wattage soldering iron (25 watts) around delicate components. A 40- to 50-watt soldering iron works best for heavy-duty circuit boards. The 100- to 140-watt irons make chassis connections.

Tags: electronic device, electronic repair, soldering iron, circuit boards, works well

Grants For Housing For The Disabled

Many disabled people can get grants for home repairs or modifications.

Disabled people face a variety of challenges. Not only must they adapt everyday routines to accommodate their abilities, they must also try to repair or modify housing to meet their unique needs. Fortunately, grants are available to help disabled individuals with the expenses associated with home modifications, repairs or adaptations.

Specially Adapted Housing

The Department of Veterans Affairs have made grants available for veterans with disabilities that are related to an inservice injury. The money can be used by the veteran to construct a home that contains modifications to meet his needs. The funds can also be used to remodel an existing home to enable the disabled veteran to continue living there. In some cases, the funds provided by Department of Veterans Affairs can be used to modify a home that is outside of the U.S. According the the SAH, the purpose of these grants is to provide a veteran service member with a barrier-free quality of life.

Housing Adaptations

Home adaptation grants are designed to help a disabled individual with work to repair a house that he is unable to complete himself. The work included in this grant can range from routine maintenance such as painting to adaptations that make the home more livable. To qualify for a grant, an individual must have a disablity that requires the home to be altered to make it physically capable for the individual to live in, according to Citizens Information. The applicant must own the home to be renovated. Applications are prioritized, with the individuals with the greatest and most immediate need getting funded first.

Section 8

Section 8 is a part of the HUD program that makes funds available for housing expenses of low-income families who have at least one disabled person. The grant money may be provided to the household in the form of rental vouchers or offered directly to the owners of the rental property to be used toward the disabled person's rental expenses. You can apply for the Section 8 HUD program by contacting the local social service office.

Tags: Department Veterans, Department Veterans Affairs, disabled person, grants available, help disabled

Diy Window Replacement In Mobile Homes

Many old mobile homes have poorly installed windows that leak both air and water into your home. In order to fix the problem, new windows should be installed. The new windows should be energy efficient and double-paned to keep out as much air and water as possible. Installing the windows can be a do it yourself project, and you can save money as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the J-rail from the top of the mobile home above the siding with the drill set in reverse and snap the pieces of siding off from around the window. Remove the siding carefully and be sure not to bend it.

2. Set the drill in reverse and remove the screws holding the window frame in place. Remove the old window from the mobile home.

3. Scrape off the old putty tape from around the window opening and replace it with a double layer of new putty tape.

4. Insert the new window into the opening. Use the drill to tighten the screws into the mobile home around the window frame. Be sure to use screws that are ¼-inch longer than the original screws.

5. Apply a line of silicon sealant where the window frame meets the side of the mobile home.

6. Snap the siding back in place around the window and tighten the screws in the J-rail at the top of the mobile home.

Tags: mobile home, around window, window frame, drill reverse, from around

Make Your Home Energy Efficient In Houston

A Houston home needs to be cooler more often than warmer.

A more energy-efficient home is not that difficult to create. With just a few simple changes, no matter what climate your home is located in, you can greatly increase the efficiency level and reduce your home energy costs at the same time. In Houston, the weather tends to be hotter, rather than cooler, during more months of the year. This means that improving energy efficiency means keeping your house cool and comfortable without increasing energy costs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the R-value of the insulation in your attic. In Houston, the R-value should be about a 30 to 60 rating. This will help keep the cool air in better.

2. Replace the insulation throughout the rest of your home if it was built before 1980. The R-value for this insulation should be between 25 and 38.

3. Upgrade your roof. Because of Houston's hot, sunny climate, your home will be more energy efficient with a reflective roof that includes radiant roof barriers.

4. Replace the windows in your home. More energy-efficient windows, such as those with an Energy Star label, will help block hot rays from the sun from entering your home. If you can't afford to replace the windows, put on some window coverings that help deflect heat from the sun.

5. Fix any air leaks in your home. Air leaks will decrease efficiency in Houston as cool air is allowed to escape and warm air enters. Areas that can have air leaks include window frames, doors, chimneys and exterior walls.

Tags: your home, your home, climate your, climate your home, energy costs, will help

Repair Auto Body Rust

Rust is often an automobile's worst enemy. Rust can appear less then 24 hours after a scratch or ding cuts through the painted finish to reveal the bare metal surface of the car. The rust the spreads under the paint so you can't even see the extent of the damage until you notice paint bubbling and flaking off. Learn repair auto body rust before it spreads and eats away at your car's body panels.

Instructions

1. Locate all of the rust on your car's surface. Use a grinder to grind away all of the visible rust. Continue grinding the paint around the area of rust so that there is an area of bare metal about 3 inches away from the outer edges of where the rust was removed.

2. Apply a thick coat of body filler directly to the area where the rust was removed. The body filler will fill small holes where the rust may have gone through the metal. Allow the filler to dry completely.

3. Sand the body filler with a long sanding block and 36-grit sand paper until the filler is smooth with the surface of the car. Apply a thin coat of putty over the filler and allow it to dry. Sand the putty with 80-grit sand paper on the sanding block. Cover surrounding areas not intended to be painted with masking tape and paper.

4. Spray the entire area, including the bare metal area, with three coats of automotive primer. Allow each coat to dry. Sand the top layer of primer with 120-grit sand paper and a long sanding block to smooth the surface.

5. Apply four thin coats of automotive paint to cover the primer. Allow each coat to dry completely and then spray four coats of clear coat on top of the paint.

Tags: bare metal, body filler, sand paper, sanding block, where rust, Allow each

Repair A Leaking Refrigerator (Whirlpool Imperial Series)

If you have water leaking from the top of your Whirlpool Imperial Series refrigerator, chances are good that it is the result of an ice dam in your freezer. Ice has clogged a small drain hose that is designed to move condensation out of your freezer and into a tray at the bottom of the refrigerator, where it can evaporate. When this drain is clogged with ice, the water formed by condensation is not able to go down the tube. Instead, the water leaks through openings in the bottom of the freezer into the refrigerator. If you suspect this is an issue with your Whirlpool Imperial refrigerator, you should attempt to remove the ice dam and repair the fridge. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall and unplug it. If you cannot do this, turn off the power at the circuit breaker box. Never work on a refrigerator that is connected to a live electrical supply.

2. Remove all food from the freezer and the refrigerator and put it into a cooler. To help preserve the food, cover with blankets and sleeping bags. Move the cooler away from the refrigerator so that you have room to work.

3. Observe the freezer compartment of your Whirlpool refrigerator. If you have an ice maker, it is on the ceiling on the left-hand side of the freezer compartment. In the center of the back wall of the freezer compartment, you will see a vertical column. At the bottom of this column you may be able to observe some ice. Note the two screws on either side of the column, several inches from the top of the freezer compartment. You may find it helpful to step up on a small stool or ladder to work on your freezer.

4. Remove your ice maker, if you have one. Make sure the valve to the ice maker is turned off. With your 1/4 CV-R socket, remove the screw holding the ice maker to the top of the freezer. You can see it on the ceiling of the freezer. You will also observe two screws on the left-hand wall. It is not necessary to remove these screws. The icemaker is attached to these screws by slots that enable you to simply lift the icemaker up to remove it. Disconnect the water hose in the back. Disconnect the wiring harness and the grounding wire. The wiring harness just pops apart in the center. The grounding wire easily disengages from the back wall of the freezer.

5. Remove the freezer shelf by lifting one side while sliding slightly to the other side. One side will pop out and then you can pull the shelf to the opposite direction to remove the prongs from the slots in the other side.

6. Remove the two screws on the back wall of the freezer compartment with the socket.

7. Lift off the back wall of the freezer compartment.

8. Observe the inner workings of your Whirlpool freezer. You will notice the freezer coils that cool your freezer. At the bottom of these coils is a narrow tray. Chances are it is covered with ice. Under this ice is a small hole, slightly to the right of the center of the back wall.

9. Remove the visible ice. Avoid using any sharp tools on the ice, because you may damage your freezer.

10. Use a hair dryer on high setting to melt any remaining visible ice. Use towels, rags or sponges to soak up water as the ice melts.

11. Find the drain hole. It should appear as a small, black circle in the bottom of the little silver tray.

12. Melt the ice from the drain tube by blowing hot air from the dryer combined with dropping hot water into the drain, using the turkey baster. When the water runs through to the bottom of the refrigerator, your drain hose is clear. If you listen carefully, you will be able to hear the water flowing down to the bottom of the refrigerator. Run a turkey baster full of hot water to be sure all of the ice has been removed from the hose. Do not put too much water down the tube or you will flood the tray under the refrigerator.

13. Wipe up any water that remains in the bottom of the freezer and around the drain hole.

14. Screw the back wall of the freezer back on, being careful to provide access to the icemaker wiring harness and water supply. Ground the icemaker to the back wall of the freezer by attaching the little clamp onto the wall.

15. Reverse the disassembly steps to reassemble the icemaker in your Whirlpool Imperial refrigerator.

16. Wipe up any remaining water in the refrigerator and any that might have spilled onto the floor.

17.Reconnect the power supply to the refrigerator by plugging the unit in or at the circuit breaker box. Return your food to your freezer and refrigerator.

Tags: back wall, back wall freezer, freezer compartment, wall freezer, your freezer, your Whirlpool

Repair Audio Pro Subwoofers

The Audio Pro subwoofer brings crisp bass sounds to complete your surround sound home theater. But every now and then, loose or damaged satellite speaker connections, extremely high volume settings, and overheated units may occur. Audio Pro subwoofer issues can often be solved with a strategy that addresses how the subwoofer is set up. How it is used from day to day should also be taken into account. Once you determine the exact cause of the problem, you can take measures to counter its recurrence.

Instructions

1. Check for damaged cables and replace any that are found.

2. Check the polarity. Match positive inputs and with correct outputs; and match negative inputs with proper negative outputs.

3. Check for loose cable connections and tighten any that are found.

4. Connect the speakers to the "Speaker Output" of the main amplifier to get full frequency range of 100 Hertz (Hz), if desired.

5. Check your setup. Plug the cord that came with your Audio Pro subwoofer to the "LINE IN" input on the subwoofer.

6. Utilize the "Y" adapter that came with your Audio Pro subwoofer for both left (L) and right (R) inputs.

7. Turn off the "mains" switch if the circuit overloads due to a too high volume setting. Wait 15 seconds and then turn the "mains" switch back on to reset the subwoofer.

Tags: Audio subwoofer, came with, came with your, high volume, inputs with

Repair A Burnt Out Light Bulb

a light bulb

A bulb just went out and you don't feel like going to the store and getting a replacement. No problem! Believe it or not, some can be fixed REALLY easily and keep going for another year even! It only takes a minute too and anyone can do it without any tools or anything. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. First you should know that this stands almost no chance of working with a frosted bulb. It has to be 100% clear so you can see what you're doing. Start by taking the bulb out of the socket with the light switch or lamp turned off.

2. Next, examine the tiny, springy filament that's held between the two metal poles. It should be noticeably broken. If the filament broke and curled over itself, sorry but you're out of luck. It's extremely unlikely to unhook from the position and you need it to. If the break is pretty much anywhere else, you should be able to fix it.

3. The whole fix is basically to get the filament re-connected. Some part of it melted and broke but if you reconnect it in another spot, you've got a complete circuit again. If the filament is broken near the middle and there's two springy pieces sticking off of each metal pole, it's really simple to fix it. Hold the base between your hands and move them forward and backward to spin the bulb rapidly. The filament pieces will stretch and wave around wildly and after a short time, they should catch on each other and tada, it's fixed.

4. If the filament is mostly broken on one side or another, you should first try the technique in part 3. If that fails though, try holding it by the base with the broken filament facing forward towards the metal pole it needs to connect to. After that, pitch it like a baseball except DON'T LET GO! Just stop abruptly at the end of the pitch so the springy filament stretches out and hopefully latches onto the metal pole or any tiny filament remnant on that end.

5. If all else fails, try some other logical movement to hook the filament back up. Just be very careful not to hook the filament up to itself because it's unlikely to unhook.

Tags: metal pole, broken filament, hook filament, springy filament, unlikely unhook

Medicare Guidelines For Home Health Aides

Home health aides provide many important services for the elderly and disabled. Medicare does pay for home health aides--under certain conditions. Here are some guidelines to follow.

Home Health Aide Definition

A home health aide helps patients with activities of daily living (ADLs). These activities include bathing, dressing, toileting, oral care and other day to day necessities. Home health aides are not usually licensed (although they may be state-certified nursing assistants) and cannot give medical care. Aides follow a plan of care created by a doctor or nurse. By using the services of a home health aide, many elderly and disabled people are able to live independently and have an improved quality of life over those in nursing homes.

Medicare Gidelines

Medicare will cover the cost of a home health aide if:

* A doctor decides the patient needs medical care at home and has written a plan of care.

* The home health aide is employed by a Medicare-certified agency.

* The patient is homebound and unable to leave without help. This doesn't mean the patient can never leave home: He or she can go on short outings (i.e., doctor appointments, church) but must have help to do so.

* The patient is getting some other care, such as nursing services, physical or occupational therapy.

Considerations

* The patient and the patient's family may choose which agency to use. However, individual insurance plans may specify which agency to use.

* Medicare will cover home health care if given for less than 8 hours per day or less than 28 hours per week. This amount may be increased to up to 35 hours per week on a case-by-case basis. Nurse, therapist and other caregiver hours are included in these hours. That is, if a nurse visits 1 hour each weekday (5 hours total) and a therapist visits 2 hours each weekday (10 hours total), home health aides can only provide up to 13 hours of Medicare-covered service.

Limitations

*Medicare will not cover full-time or live-in home health aides, only part-time or intermittent aides.

* Medicare will not cover "Meals on Wheels", housekeeping, laundry or other services.

* Medicare will not cover home health aides if no other home medical services are used.

If Service Is Cancelled

If the home health agency cancels or reduces home health aide services, the patient will receive a Home Health Advance Beneficiary Notice (HHBN), which will explain why the agency believes Medicare won't pay for the service. The HHBN will provide instructions on filing an appeal. Home health aide service can continue during the appeal and Medicare will reimburse payments made during the interim if the appeal is granted.

Warning

During the appeal process, a patient will be required to pay for home health aide services as an out-of-pocket expense.

Tags: health aide, home health, Medicare will, health aides, Medicare will cover

Canadian Home Grants

You may apply for a home grant for a variety of reasons, including a home more accessible for the disabled.

The Canadian government offers a variety of grants meant to help homeowners live in a more environmentally friendly home or assist homeowners with making their home more accessible. The grant amounts vary depending on what the money is being used for. Some grants vary depending on where you live. Make certain that your house project will be covered by the grant, or you may need to get additional assistance.

Home Grants for the Disabled

Government grants are available in Canada for those who are disabled and low income. The grants can also be obtained by the landlord who owns property in which such individuals live. The grants are meant to make the property safer and easier to maneuver for those with a disability. Eligible installations include handrails in chair lifts and bath lifts, among others.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

700 Montreal Road

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7

613-668-2642

cmha.ca

Grants for Seniors

Grant money is available in the form of a forgiveable loan, for senior citizens who need some alterations done to their home. As long as the senior lives in the home for six months, the $3,500 loan given for the upgrade is forgiven. Eligible upgrades include handrails placed in the hallways. Walkers or appliances are not eligible for funding.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

700 Montreal Road

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7

800-668-2642

cmha.ca

(see ref 2)

Emergency Repair Fund

The Emergency Repair Fund is meant to help low-income individuals who live in rural areas make needed repairs to their home. Eligible projects include repairs to the chimney, electrical systems and heating systems, among other projects. Assistance is available for the southern parts of the country with the grant totaling $6,000 per unit. For the northern areas of the country the grant totals $9,000 per unit. For the far northern part of the country, the grant totals $11,000 per unit.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

700 Montreal Road

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7

800-668-2642

cmha.ca

Energy Star Canada

The EnergyStar for New Homes Initiative is a program which is only in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Ontario as of August 2010. The program provides rebates to homeowners for building an EnergyStar home. Such homes have to comply with the rebate program's specifications. Components of an energy efficient home include efficient heating and air conditioning systems, better performing windows and insulation upgrades, among others. Houses with an Energy Star Qualified Home designation have windows, patio doors, and skylights which meet the nation's Energy Star requirements, among other qualities. A decrease in 10 percent of energy costs is the goal. Energy Star appliances like washers, dryers and ovens may be purchased as well to make the home more energy efficient and reduce the cost of utilities.

Natural Resources Canada

580 Booth

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E4

613-995-0947

Oee.nrcan.gc.ca

Residential Rehabititation Assistance Program-RRAP On-Reserve

The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program-RRAP On-Reserve is meant to help those individuals who are members of First Nations and First Nations councils who need to repair on-reserve housing. To be eligible for the grant, the housing needs to be at a minimum 5 years old, the household income should be at or below the established limit based on location and size of household, lack essential facilities, need structural repairs or need repairs to plumbing, electrical, heating and fire safety systems. Other stipulations may apply as well. The funding may also be used to aid those with disabilities or to reduce overcrowding. If you are a member of a First Nation (Native Canadian), you should apply for the grant through your council.

The grants differ depending on where in Canada the housing is located. If you live in the Yukon, Northwest Territory, Northern Quebec and Labrador, the grant totals $24,000. If you live in the southern part of the country, the grant totals $16,000, and in northern parts of the country, the grant is $19,000. In more distant parts in the northern areas, Northwest Territory and like far northern areas may be increased by another 25 percent. You can get more information at different Aboriginal Housing Centers.

Atlantic Aboriginal Housing Centre

Barrington Tower, 9th Floor

1894 Barrington St.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

B3K 5W9

902-426-4941

Tags: country grant, Energy Star, grant totals, Ottawa Ontario, Canada Mortgage

Split Round Rock Cobblestones

Cobblestone has been used for street and floor construction for hundreds of years.

Cobblestone has been used in the construction of walls, floors and streets for hundreds of years. Installing cobblestone does not normally involve cutting the stones, but you may want to split some for aesthetic purposes around the edges. Knowing split cobblestone with your brick hammer is a convenient skill on the job site when you are not near the saw. Practicing splitting cobblestones will improve your technique. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Grasp the stone firmly in one gloved hand while gripping your brick hammer with the other. Strike the stone with the chisel end of the hammer just hard enough to make a mark on the stone.

2. Turn the cobblestone in your hand and strike it again, making a second mark next to the first. Continue tapping the stone to make a mark around the circumference of the stone with the chisel side of your brick hammer.

3. Turn and strike the stone on the marked line progressively harder until the cobblestone splits. Chip off jagged edges of the stone by tapping on the protrusions with the chisel side of your hammer until the protrusions snap off of the rock.

Tags: brick hammer, with chisel, your brick, your brick hammer, been used, chisel side, chisel side your

List Of Energy Star Front Load Washing Machines

More than a dozen brands of washing machine await shoppers. Your choices include many front-loading models, which are known for their energy- and water-saving abilities. Almost 200 of these machines earn the Energy Star label, which shows they exceed federal efficiency standards. To find the cream of the crop, consider models that reach Energy Star "Tier 3," a designation that means they achieve the highest efficiency levels. Does this Spark an idea?

Whirlpool

Several Whirlpool models in Tier 3 hold 4.33 cubic feet of laundry. The Whirlpool WFW97HEXL, WFW97HEXR, WFW97HEXW, WFW95HEXL, WFW95HEXW and WFW95HEXR use 114 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The Whirlpool WFW94HEXL, WFW94HEXW and WFW94HEXR need 123 kilowatt hours.

Electrolux

The Electrolux EIFLS60JMB, EIFLS60JRR and EIFLS60JIW provide 4.3 cubic feet of space and use 102 kilowatt hours annually. With 4.42 cubic feet of capacity, the Electrolux EWFLS70JTS, EWFLS70JRR, EWFLS70JSS and EWFLS70JMB require 118 kilowatt hours each year.

Maytag

Other models with 4.3 cubic feet of room are the Maytag MHW6000XR, MHW6000XG and MHW6000XW. These units use 127 kilowatt hours every 12 months. The Maytag MHW7000XW, MHW7000XG and MHW7000XR hold the same amount of laundry and use 114 kilowatt hours.

Frigidaire

Energy Star Tier 3 offerings from Frigidaire include the FAFS4474LA, FAFS4474LR and FAFS4474LN. These 3.81-cubic-foot models consume 104 kilowatt hours annually. Other models with the same capacity include the FAFS4272LR, FAFS4272LN, FAFS4272LA and FAFS4272LW. These washers use 96 kilowatt hours a year.

LG

Consumers will use 100 kilowatt hours to power three LG models with 3.87 cubic feet of space: the WM3360HRCA, WM3360HWCA and WM3360HVCA. The larger WM3885HCCA and WM3885HWCA hold 4.17 cubic feet of laundry and require 108 kilowatt hours. The LG WM2140CW has 3.47 cubic feet of room and uses 97 kilowatt hours.

Crosley

The Crosley CFW7700LR, CFW7700LW and CFW7700LB use 83 kilowatt hours per year and provide 3.65 cubic feet of space. You get 3.81 cubic feet of capacity in the Crosley CFW4700LB and CFW4700LW. These models use 96 kilowatt hours per year.

Samsung

Buyers will find 3.86 cubic feet of capacity in the Samsung WF461ABP, a model which uses 97 kilowatt hours of power every 12 months. The Samsung WF431ABW/XAA has the same capacity but uses 105 kilowatt hours. The Samsung WF511ABW/XAA delivers 4.29 cubic feet of space with 100 kilowatt hours of annual electricity consumption.

Tags: kilowatt hours, cubic feet, cubic feet space, Energy Star, feet space

Repair Appliance Paint

Repair Appliance Paint

Because we use our appliances so much, they often get scratched or dented. Repaint these areas with appliance touch-up paint to keep your appliances looking like new. Sometimes a new appliance will come with a repair kit that includes touch-up paint, but you may need to buy it separately. Also, appliance touch-up paint may not be suitable for surfaces that get exceedingly hot, like stovetops. Use it on range hoods, refrigerators, trash compactors, and other appliances that do not generate intense heat. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the factory label inside or behind your appliance; the name of the appliance color may be printed on this label. If not, your appliance paint color choices are usually white, almond, black or bisque. If your appliance is a unique color and you cannot locate the factory label (or the color name is not printed on the label), contact the appliance manufacturer directly to determine where to buy touch-up paint.

2. Buy the correct appliance touch-up paint at a local appliance store (find one near you in the Yellow Pages listed under "Appliance, Major, Parts") or order it online.

3. Clean the surface of the appliance on and around the area you'll paint (for example, a scratch and the surrounding area). Use soapy water and a rag.

4. Allow the cleaned area to dry.

5. Apply a thin layer of paint directly to the scratch. Use the brush connected to the cap of the touch-up paint.

6. Allow the touch-up paint to dry completely before reapplying if necessary.

Tags: touch-up paint, appliance touch-up, appliance touch-up paint, your appliance, factory label, Repair Appliance, Repair Appliance Paint

Mobile Home Parks For 55 And Older In San Antonio Texas

The Alamo is one reason people migrate to San Antonio.

San Antonio is a vibrant riverfront town in central Texas steeped in history and culture. On the edge of Texas' famed Hill Country, the area offers rolling hillsides and magnificent views. Coupled with San Antonio's warm weather and affordable living, it is a growing choice for senior citizens seeking a quality retirement. However, options for living in a community that caters to senior citizens are slim as of 2010.

North Breeze Mobile Home Park

North Breeze Mobile Home Park

8369 Eckhart Road

San Antonio, TX 78240

210-694-0662

Built in 1984, this mobile home community has 42 sites with paved streets, off-street parking and a nearby lake. Pets are allowed in this park.

Crestview Mobile Home Park

Crestview Mobile Home Park

5803 Joiner

San Antonio, TX 78238

210-684-2291

Established in 1958, this community offers a clubhouse with a swimming pool. There are sidewalks for morning strolls in addition to off-street parking.

Del Webb's Hill Country Retreat

Hill Country Retreat

4803 Sunrise Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78253

210-679-0303

Launched in 2006, this single-family home development will contain 2,000 homes upon completion. This site emphasizes top-quality amenities including an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness center, walking and biking trails and an activities director.

Tags: Home Park, Mobile Home Park, Hill Country, Mobile Home, Breeze Mobile

Repair An Unreadable Dvd

Repair an unreadable DVD.

You may repair an unreadable DVD using common products such as rubbing alcohol, furniture polish or toothpaste. However, for more severely damaged DVDs, you may need to product such as brass cleaner. Whatever product you choose to use to repair your DVD, the repair processes are quite similar.

Instructions

1. Use rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to remove smudges from the DVD. Making continuous strokes from the inside of the center to the outer edge. Allow the DVD to air dry when finished cleaning. If the DVD is lightly scratched, proceed to Step 2. If the DVD is moderately scratched, proceed to Step 3. If the DVD is severely scratched, proceed to Step 4.

2. Use furniture polish and a soft cloth to polish the light scratch marks on the surface of an unreadable DVD. Rub the cloth onto the scratched surface in a circular motion to polish the scratches. When finished polishing, clean the DVD with rubbing alcohol as in Step 1.

3. Use toothpaste and a soft cloth to buff out the moderate scratch marks on the surface of an unreadable DVD. Rub the cloth onto the scratched surface in a circular motion to buff out the scratches. The texture of the toothpaste (do not use gel) will wear away the scratches on the DVD. When finished buffing, clean the DVD with rubbing alcohol as in Step 1.

4. Use brass cleaner and a soft cloth to buff out the more severe scratch marks on the surface of an unreadable DVD. Rub the cloth onto the scratched surface in a circular motion to buff out the scratches. The texture of the brass cleaner will wear away the scratches on the DVD in a more accelerated manner than toothpaste. Add more brass cleaner if necessary until most of the scratches have disappeared. When finished buffing, clean the DVD with rubbing alcohol as in Step 1.

Tags: rubbing alcohol, brass cleaner, soft cloth, alcohol Step, circular motion, clean with

Repair A Thetfold Toilet

You will need a socket wrench for repairs to your Thetfold toilet.

Thetford manufactures toilets specifically designed to fit into most recreational vehicles (RVs), and has been doing so since the 1970s. You should perform some troubleshooting techniques to identify the issue if you haven't located the source of the problem. Repair the issue or replace broken parts as needed. When purchasing replacement parts, make sure you locate the product identification number to make sure you get the appropriate part for your toilet. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open the Thetfold toilet seat and cover. Push back the toilet seat hinges to release the seat.

2. Look in the toilet bowl and see if there is anything stuck in the toilet blade groove. If there is anything stuck in this area it will not hold water. Clean the blade groove with a toilet brush or Thetford toilet cleaning tool.

3. Check to see if the toilet will hold water. If it doesn't hold water, examine the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor to see if they are over-tightened. Loosen them, if necessary, in a counterclockwise manner with a socket wrench.

4. Examine the toilet blade seal. The blade seal is sits along the path of the blade, which slides open and closed when you flush the toilet. If there are any cracks or thinning, you will need to replace the seal. Pull the seal from its position with needle-nose pliers. Put a thin layer of Plumbers Grease or silicone-based lubricant on the seal and slide it into the groove that you removed the old seal from. Never use petroleum lubricants for this as it will damage the seal.

5. Watch to see if water drips or runs into the bowl. If the water runs more than 10 seconds after you flush, you may need to replace the water valve. The water valve connects the water supply to the back of the toilet. Turn the water supply off first. Disconnect the water supply hose from the valve, use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the valve in a counterclockwise manner and screw in the replacement valve in a clockwise direction.

6. Remove the Starlite and Aqua Magic Galaxy toilets by first turning off the water supply. Remove the mounting bolts and nuts where anchoring the toilet to the floor. Push down the foot pedal to access the bolt and nut behind it. The other is behind the toilet. Lift the toilet seat and cover up, then find and remove the hole cover on the upper side of the hopper. Pull the water supply line from its connector and pull the toilet from its position.

7. Remove the Aqua Magic IV toilet by finding and disconnecting the water supply line from the back side of the toilet. Look on both sides of the toilet and remove the nuts that hold it in place. Pull the toilet up to remove it.

8. Look behind the toilet to see if it is leaking there. If you have a Thetford Aqua Magic IV, you will need to replace the water valve (see step 5). Otherwise, this will indicate that the vacuum breaker needs to be replaced on the Thetford Galaxy, Starlite, or Aqua Magic Aurora toilet models. The vacuum breaker makes sure the water flows only one way into the toilet. Remove toilet completely from RV and pop the seat off. Detach the vacuum breaker from the back of the toilet by squeezing the locking tabs together that hold it in place. Pull it away from the toilet unit and replace it with a new vacuum breaker. Put it back together in the reverse order.

9. Look under the toilet seat rim of the Aqua Magic IV for the product identification number. Look above the back of the toilet seat on the Aurora, Starlite and Galaxy models. You will need this ID number to buy replacement parts.

Tags: water supply, Aqua Magic, toilet seat, back toilet, vacuum breaker, will need

Financial Help For Your Electric Bill

When your family faces financial challenges, the stress can affect every aspect of your life. Your worries could cause a decline in your health, distance in your relationships and a faltering job performance. When you cannot find a way to pay the next utility bill, you can find hope through programs designed to keep you afloat in your time of need.

LHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps those in need when utilities make up a high portion of the family budget. The federal government provides grants to each state to administer the LHEAP program. Depending on the rules of your state, you may be eligible for financial help to pay your bill, especially if your electricity is shut off. Some states also provide additional services through LHEAP, such as home weatherization, repairs that lower the cost of utilities in the home, and financial counseling. The rules depend on the funds available and the guidelines set by each state. To apply, you must have copies of recent electric bills, proof of income, a notice from the electric company threatening to shut off your service (if applicable), and a copy of your lease or other proof of residence. To find out apply in your local area, call the National Energy Assistance Referral office at 1-866-674-6327, email energyassistance@ncat.org, or call the LHEAP office in your state.

Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)

Households of three or more people may qualify for reduced utility rates under the Family Electric Rate Assistance program. Availability and qualifications depend on your electric company. Part of your usage gets billed at a lower rate if you qualify. To find out if you do, contact your utility provider.

State and Local Assistance

Many states have programs designed to help families struggling to pay utility costs. Some provide direct financial assistance, while others provide much-needed services like weatherization to help your family keep heating costs down. In Alaska, for example, the Power Cost Equalization Program (PCE) provides financial assistance to needy families who pay a much higher utility rate than in other parts of the state. California offers the Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) Program, which pays for improvements that make your home more efficient to lower your utility costs. The types and amounts of assistance available vary widely by state.

Your Utility Company

Call your utility company to ask about discounts for low-income families in your area. If any members of your family have special needs, ask about assistance your company may provide for disabled customers. If your bills skyrocket during months of extreme cold or heat, ask if your utility company offers a plan that averages your bill over the course of a year, allowing you to ease the financial burden of higher bills by paying the same amount each month.

Tags: your family, your utility, each state, electric company, Electric Rate

Chicago Illinois Minority Business Grants

There are a number of opportunities to start a business in Chicago.

Business owners in the state of Illinois may register as a minority or women-owned business by meeting specified criteria. In order to qualify, a business must be one that is 51 percent or more owned or controlled by women or minorities, which include African-American, Hispanic, Asian or Native American. Qualifying for specific loans or grants is among the benefits of registering as a minority-owned business in Illinois. However, grants are generally provided to non-profit organizations that support small businesses, while for-profit businesses must find capital on their own.

Minority, Veteran, Women and Disabled Participation Loan Program (MVWD/PLP)

Businesses that meet the criteria of being a minority-owned small business can apply for a loan through the MVWD/PLP program. The MVWD/PLP program is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and provides loans in amounts up to $50,000 to qualifying small businesses. Funds distributed through this program may be used for most aspects of running a business, including machine installation and land purchase, though may not be used to pay off existing debts. The DCEO establishes interest rates at the time of participation.

For more information contact:

Illinois Department of Commerce &

Economic Opportunity

Business Finance Division

500 East Monroe

Springfield IL, 62701

217-782-3891

ACCION Chicago

ACCION Chicago provides microfinance opportunities for small businesses in the Chicago area. ACCION provides opportunities for businesses who, otherwise, would not qualify for a small business loan because of limited credit or other factors. As a part of ACCION's mission, the organization provides training and resources, in addition to loans to ensure the success of its clients. ACCION Chicago lends up to $25,000 with terms ranging from 2-60 months and with interest rates starting at 12.5 percent. Applicants must pay a $25 application fee as well.

For more information contact:

ACCION Chicago

312-275-3000

info@accionchicago.org

The City of Chicago's Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)

While the SBIF does not provide start-up funding, this grant allocates funding to small businesses to improve their properties. As it is a grant, the SBIF funds provided do not have to be repaid. The SBIF provides up to $50,000 for improvement projects, such as new windows, floors or roof and sign removal and replacement. Interested applicants should note, however, that the SBIF is a re-payment program for work already completed.

City of Chicago Community Development

121 North LaSalle St.

10th Floor

Chicago, IL 60602

cityofchicago.org

Tags: ACCION Chicago, small businesses, City Chicago, Commerce Economic, Commerce Economic Opportunity

Strip Electrical Wire

A Romex Ripper

If you aspire to do all of your own electrical work, you will have to learn properly strip Romex (NM cable). There are a number of ways this can be accomplished using a variety of tools. However, the best (and safest) way for a do-it-yourselfer to do the job is to use the tool that was designed for the job: a Romex ripper. Here's properly strip Romex wire. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. A Romex ripper only costs around $2 and can save you a ton of problems, as well as money from unusable nicked wires. A Romex ripper features a relatively dull blade that's perfectly positioned to allow you to avoid cutting the insulation on the hot or neutral wires.

2. If you look at the Romex ripper you will notice on the rounded end there is a hole. The Romex is slid through the long section of the ripper and through that hole.

3. Position the blade of the Romex ripper at the appropriate point on the wire where you will need it stripped from.

4. Make sure that the Romex wire is flat inside the ripper's handle. Squeeze the Romex ripper's handle with one hand and pull the Romex out of the ripper. As the Romex comes out of the ripper, the blade slides along the outer sheath slicing it open as it goes.

5. After the ripper clears the wire, peel back the outer sheath and remove the paper wrapping from between the wires. Inspect the wires for any nicks. Although the Romex ripper reduces the chance for nicks or cuts, there is always a possiblity that they can occur, so it's always imperative to check the wires after you slice open the Romex.

6. If all looks good, use a knife to cut away the sliced outer sheath of Romex. Now your Romex is stripped and ready for installation.

Tags: Romex ripper, outer sheath, properly strip, properly strip Romex, ripper handle

Repair An Offtrack Tilt Window

Tilt windows offer the convenience of complete cleaning from inside of the home.

Tilt windows make cleaning easier, especially on the upper floors of your home. Unfortunately these windows have mechanisms that occasionally pop loose (usually with a loud noise) throwing them off track and preventing the window from being opened. Putting your tilt window back on track takes only a few minutes, but, the procedure requires quite a bit of patience and practice. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unlock the safety latch(es) on the top of your window. Slide the bottom pane up 2 inches. Slide the retaining locks on the top edge of the frame of the bottom window and pull the top of the window towards you. Hold the window tightly as it swings in and down.

2. Twist the open bottom window slowly and remove it from the main frame. Listen for the two loud popping noises as the retaining pins come loose from the mechanisms on either side of the main frame.

3. Inspect the retaining pins. Locate the small metal pins on either side of the bottom outside edges of the frame. Inspect these pins for visible damage. Wiggle each pin with your fingers to check for stability. Neither pin should move. Replace this section of the window if there is either visible or stability damage.

4. Locate the mechanisms inside of the main frame. Find the small plastic retainers at the bottom of the springs. These retainers should be somewhere around the level of the bottom of the top window section. Inspect the mechanisms for visible damage. Replace this section of window if there is visible damage or the retainers are not near the middle of the outer frame.

5. Lower the top window until the bottom edge is 2 inches from the bottom of the main frame. Remove the top window in the same fashion as the bottom unit was removed. Inspect the retaining pins on the upper window and the mechanisms in the main frame. Replace any damaged sections of the window as necessary.

6. Replace the upper window. Hold the window horizontally and lift one side of the window and hook the retaining pin on the lower side into its receiver on the mechanism. Pull the window to lower the mechanism. Maneuver the window so that the opposite pin finds its receiver. Twist the window so that both mechanisms are even in their tracks and the window is flat. Raise the top of the window until the top retainers clip into place in the tracks. Raise the window to its proper position.

7. Replace the lower window into the frame using the same procedure as you did for the upper section. Push the lower window down to the bottom of the main window frame. Engage the window lock(s).

Tags: main frame, bottom window, retaining pins, visible damage, bottom main, either side

Settle Roof Claims With An Insurance Adjuster

Settle Roof Claims With an Insurance Adjuster

When your roof needs repairing or replacing, the last thing you want to do is deal with insurance adjusters. However, if you know what you need and have everything in place, then you will be able to settle your roof claim with very little trouble. The basic steps involved in replacing your roof are making a claim, having your adjuster assess the damage, and receiving a settlement check. This process is simplified by knowing the requirements of your insurance company. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Read your insurance policy. Know the deductible, and the limitations of your policy. Also know what types of roof damage are covered by your insurance and what that coverage includes.

2. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you need an emergency contractor, make sure that you choose one that is familiar with insurance company billing procedures and can bill your company directly. By reading your policy, you will know your insurance company's procedure for emergency service.

3. Schedule an appointment with your adjuster. He will take measurements and pictures of the damaged area. He may, in some cases, offer a check for full or partial payment of the claim. You can take the check, but do not sign anything until you are sure that the check will cover the cost of your roof repair.

4. Send in any paperwork that your adjuster requires. Your adjuster may ask you to send in estimates of your roof repair, or signed copies of contracts that you have already entered into. Make sure that any information that your contractor needs is done as quickly as possible to expedite your settlement. In some cases, your adjuster may only approve a percentage of your claim until the work is done. If this is the case, you will want to reschedule your adjuster to come out as soon as the work is completed so that they may inspect the roof and then issue the balance of the claim.

Tags: your adjuster, your insurance, your roof, insurance company, sure that

Do It Yourself Plumbing Repairs

When it comes to the plumbing in your home, knowing do simple repairs can save you a lot of time and money. For large problems you'll probably still want to call in a professional, but there's no reason you can't learn to do simple things on your own. These can include things like fixing a leaky pipe, unclogging a drain, repairing or replacing leaky faucets, and changing out a valve in a water line. The more comfortable you get with simple repairs like these, the easier it will be for you to take care of common household plumbing problems. Does this Spark an idea?

Significance

Plumbers command big money, but there's a reason for this. Most of them have worked hard to get to where they are now, and they take their jobs seriously. They also know that plumbing problems are often perceived to be difficult to fix and that most people wouldn't dream of trying to handle it on their own. It's assumed that homeowners know nothing about plumbing. You don't have to be one of those homeowners, though. You can do your own plumbing repairs if you're careful, methodical and take the time to do your research. Understanding what you're doing and what steps to take in what order is the key to successful plumbing repairs. Also important is taking your time and not rushing the job.

Materials

Every good plumber has all of the tools and materials that he needs to do the job right. He might have to go and purchase a part but he's already got the tools to install it. The homeowner who's interested in repairing plumbing on his own won't need as many tools as a plumber, but there are some basics that he should have. These include a basic home tool kit, a sharp knife (such as a utility knife), plumbers' tape or putty, a pipe wrench, a hacksaw, a small propane torch, a metal file, a plunger and a tubing cutter. Those items will be enough to let you handle the basic repairs, and if you have a larger repair you can decide whether you want to buy more tools and tackle it or whether you want to call a professional.

Benefits

The main reason that people learn to do their own plumbing repairs is to save money, but there are other reasons, too. They can impress the opposite sex with their skills, as well as impress friends and family members. It can also give them a much-needed boost of confidence to tackle larger and more complex projects. If they can fix a minor plumbing problem they can avoid the wait for a plumber to come to the house, as well.

Considerations

No matter how skilled you are at fixing minor plumbing issues, you're not going to be able to handle some plumbing problems unless you actually are a professional plumber. Knowing when to call a plumber--and preferably before something has been "over-repaired" by you--is the mark of a smart and conscientious homeowner. If you damage something trying to repair it and then have to call a plumber it might actually cost you more in the long run. When you're in over your head with a plumbing problem, it's better to recognize that before you start tearing things apart to fix them.

Warning

Even though you won't be working in high places or with something like electricity, you can still get injured working on your own plumbing. You could get burned using a propane torch, you could cut yourself on something, or you could get struck with a piece of pipe or other item that you're trying to remove or install. Be careful and move slowly. Make sure you turn the water off first, either at the nearest cutoff valve or for your entire house. Get your tools and materials ready and think about what you're doing. Get someone to help you. Like any do-it-yourself project, if you really don't feel comfortable don't be a hero--call a professional instead.

Tags: plumbing problems, plumbing repairs, call professional, minor plumbing, money there, plumbing problem, propane torch