Replace A Log In A Log Cabin

You can replace a log in your log cabin without taking down the entire structure.

Log cabins and homes have a certain rustic appearance that many people appreciate but often have poor construction that can leave the log walls vulnerable to the elements. Moisture can cause a log in your wall to rot and reduce the strength of that wall. If you are knowledgeable about the construction of log buildings, you can replace logs with fresh logs to stabilize the wall and secure your log cabin. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Hire a contractor with experience with log cabins if you are not knowledgeable about the construction of log cabins. This ensures the job is done correctly and you do not decrease the stability of the cabin.

2. Purchase a replacement for the log you will be replacing. Log home supply companies can help you locate a supplier to buy a log that matches your cabin. Make sure to know the length the replacement needs to be when ordering. Depending on the reason you need to replace the log, it may be the full length of the wall or only a segment of the wall.

3. Cut out the log which you are replacing with a saber saw. The saw blade should be able to cut through metal such as spikes or screws in the log wall.

4. Remove the log by cutting and pulling with a chain saw and wrecking bar. You will be able to remove rotting wood more easily than solid wood.

5. Insert the new log into the space you just cut out by lifting it and sliding it into place. This may require several people to accomplish. If your walls are tongue and groove style, cut off the top tongue from the new log so the end is flat.

6. Attach the new log to the remaining wall with plated deck screws, using a drill. This specific type of screw resists corrosion and easily drives into the wood.

7. Use a tube of log chinking and a sealant gun/applicator to seal the joints between the old and new logs with log chinking. You can buy log chinking from a log supply store. Many hardware stores sell different styles of sealant guns. Follow the instructions on the applicator/gun to insert the chinking tube and apply the sealant.

This sealant creates a tight seal to prevent dust, moisture or other particles from passing through your wall.

8. Stain the log to match the existing wall (if it does not already) and apply a wood preservative to the area. You can apply the preservative to the entire wall or structure, if you desire.

Tags: your cabin, about construction, knowledgeable about, knowledgeable about construction, logs with

Fix A Tear In A Trampoline

Fix a Tear in a Trampoline

Because trampolines are kept outside and often are not covered by owners, exposure to the elements can result in a damaged mat. A mat that has been weakened by natural elements can become weak and susceptible to tears. These tears can be caused other ways as well, including dog bites, cuts and small holes that have been enlarged. But as long as the tear or hole is less than 1 inch wide, it can be repaired.

Instructions

1. Inspect the surface of the jumping mat to find all areas that might need to be repaired. If the tears are more than 1 inch wide or there are many tears, it may be cheaper to replace the entire mat. Before taking the jumping mat off the frame, mark the tears with a piece of duct tape.

2. Remove the trampoline jumping mat from the frame by removing the springs from their frame holes. Be careful doing this, as the springs are tight and may not come out easily. To make this process go faster, get some friends or family members to help.

3. Lay the mat flat on the ground and make sure the tape marking the tear(s) is still in place. Measure the tear so the proper size of the mat repair fabric can be cut. The repair material should be cut two times the size of the tear.

4. Cut two pieces of the same size, as you will "sandwich" the tear with repair material, with one piece on each side of the torn mat.

5. Sew the repair material to the torn mat with a commercial-grade sewing machine or other sewing machine that can handle thick nylon thread. Fold the mat to make it easier to carry it to where it will be repaired.

6. Load the nylon thread on the sewing machine as you would regular thread. Pin the repair material to each side of the jumping mat around the tear to hold the repair material in place while sewing. Sew around the edges of the repair material; to ensure a firm hold, sew around the edges twice and across the middle of the tear.

7. Place the mat back on the springs and frame. Test the stability by jumping on the trampoline a few times before allowing children or adults to jump on it.

Tags: repair material, sewing machine, around edges, each side, inch wide, nylon thread, Tear Trampoline

Fix Chips In Red Masonry Brick

Few people panic when faced with the prospect of patching a pair of jeans or throwing some joint compound on a dry-wall dent. Chipped bricks, however, seem more worrisome. How will you match the color? Do you need to replace the bricks? How much will it cost? How in the world can you do this yourself? The truth is, with little more time and effort than patching jeans or fixing a dry-wall dent, a chipped brick can be restored to its former glory. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Repairing a Small Chip

1. Spread newspaper over a small working area. Grind the faces of the bricks against each other so that a fine brick dust falls on the newspaper.

2. Place a small amount of mortar (enough to fill the chip) in a bowl.

3. Add brick dust to the mortar. Mix until the mixture has a stiff consistency and is the same color as the brick.

4. Use a small, stiff brush to make sure the chipped area is free of dust or debris.

5. Apply mortar to the chipped area with a spoon, butter knife or brick trowel. Work the mixture in firmly until the chipped area is filled with the mortar mixture.

6. Allow mortar to begin to set. Before it hardens, rub the area with one of the bricks you used for making the dust. Use a circular motion if you are working on the flat part of a wall. If the chipped brick is on a corner, work away from the corner (on each side) in a straight line creating a new corner in the brick.

7. After the repair looks like the rest of the brick, allow it to set overnight.

Replacing a Large Chip

8. Brush both the brick and the chip with a stiff brush to ensure they are free of dust or debris.

9. Apply clear construction adhesive to the chip.

10. Press the chip firmly into the gap on the brick and hold it in place for a few minutes. Hold it place with a clamp or brace with a piece of wood if necessary.

Tags: chipped area, area with, brick dust, chipped brick, debris Apply

Take Care Of Elderly Parents Without The Help Of Siblings

Elderly parents

As the population ages, more people are finding themselves as caretakers for their parents. Aging parents need help with their housekeeping, medicines, food preparation, bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, transferring and toileting. When your siblings live out of state or if you are an only child, all the responsibility of caring for elderly parents falls on your shoulders. Make a decision on how much time you can devote to taking care of your parents. Enlist the help of others whenever possible and join a support group to share your feelings and concerns.

Instructions

1. Investigate senior living options. Select a senior living facility for your parents close to where you live. Look for a facility that offers plenty of activities, meals, transportation and health care if needed. Strive to keep your parents independent and in a social environment.

2. Hire services if your parents decide to stay in their own home, such as lawn mowing, snow shoveling, a repair person, house cleaning and grocery delivery. Volunteer to do the laundry, dishes, take out the garbage, vacuum or other chores as needed. Hire medical help for treatments, bathing or other cares your parents may need.

3. Provide a safe environment by removing things that causes falls such as area rugs, floor clutter and furniture. Install handrails in the bathroom. Ask neighbors to keep an eye out for any changes that they see and provide them with your phone number.

4. Set up an emergency medical alert system. This system will give you peace of mind that help for your parents is just a push of a button away. Include a medicine reminder call if your parents are forgetful about their medications.

5. Establish a routine for taking care of your parents. Stop and visit them daily or weekly. Routine is a key factor in maintaining their care. Invite them to dinner and take them on outings.

6. Visit the doctor with your parents to understand their medical conditions and treatments. Take notes and develop a plan for their care. Ask questions about their medicine and be clear on how they should be taken. Set up a medication system that will be safe. Some elderly people may be able to take their own medication, while others you will have to monitor closely.

7. Prepare the paperwork needed for their care. This includes Power of Attorney for financial and medical care. Set up automatic bill paying for utility and recurring bills. Have a plan in place if you become unable to care for your parents.

8. Take care of yourself. Get proper nutrition, exercise and rest. Enlist the help of others to care for your parents. Use the services that are available for seniors in your community: respite programs, adult day care, visiting nurses and interfaith volunteer help.

Tags: your parents, care your, care your parents, their care, about their, Enlist help, Enlist help others

Repair A Roof On A Manufactured Home

Traditional manufactured homes often are constructed with metal roofs for added strength and protection. Metal roofs are designed to seal out water, shed snow and withstand high winds. While metal roofs are durable and resistant, they occasionally become damaged due to harsh weather, deterioration and rust. Leaks on manufactured home roofs typically occur at the seams, flashing, J-rails and rumble buttons. Damaged and worn areas of metal roofs can develop holes. You should make repairs to your manufactured home's metal roof promptly to prevent permanently damaging your walls, woodwork, flooring and other interior components. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrape the damaged area of the metal roof with a putty knife to remove all loose dirt, roof coating and caulk. Sweep the debris off the roof with a broom.

2. Adhere 1-inch-wide strips of butyl tape around the perimeter of the hole. Cut the tape to length with a utility knife. Form a square with the tape strips.

3. Place a galvanized metal patch over the butyl tape strips. Make sure the patch covers the hole by 3 inches on all sides. Cut the patch with tin snips if necessary to get the right size.

4. Drill holes every 2 inches along the perimeter of the metal patch and into the roof. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your metal screws. Place the screws in the holes and screw them in with the drill outfitted with a driver bit.

5. Place a tube of roofing tar into a caulk gun. Cut off the end of the tube at an angle with your utility knife. Squeeze the gun's trigger to apply roofing tar around the edges of the metal patch. Release the trigger to stop the flow. Coat the screw heads with roofing tar. Allow the tar to dry according to the label directions.

6. Cover the entire patch with rubber roof coating, applied with a roller brush. Allow the roof coating to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

7. Clean all of the seams, J-rails and flashing on the roof with the putty knife. Cover the seams, J-rails and flashing edges with a coat of urethane roof cement, using a stiff-bristle paintbrush. Allow the roof cement to dry according to the label instructions.

Tags: metal patch, roof coating, roof with, according label, Allow roof, butyl tape

Service A Treadmill

A treadmill is a popular piece of equipment for many health-conscious people. For those who use treadmills every day, service and repair will be needed, especially on the motor, belt, desk and display screen. It is a good idea to learn the basics of servicing your treadmill.

Instructions

1. Clean the treadmill belt and motor often with canned air and a wet rag. Use the canned air to blow debris from the space beneath the belt and around the motor. The wet rag can be used to wipe loose particles from the machine. This will help keep dust or tiny rocks from hindering the performance of your treadmill. If the belt is worn, you may need to replace it.

2. Apply grease to the chain that supports the belt. Perform this precautionary measure often as it will significantly increase the life of your treadmill chain. If the belt is dry, there will be more friction and the belt will wear more quickly. Along with the belt, lubricating the deck will also help to improve the life of your treadmill.

3. Wipe the belt after each use as perspiration can be corrosive. Also, inspect it for wear, cuts and nicks, and repair as needed. After you have used the treadmill for an extended period, the belt may become unbalanced and move off center. This movement to the left or right can be repaired easily with a screwdriver or similar tool. Making sure the belt is in the center is important for proper use of the treadmill.

4. Contact the manufacturer to make sure the part you are replacing is compatible with the treadmill, if the repair involves an actual replacement. Many companies offer replacement parts for their models, including the belt and motor.

5. Contact a professional repair service or the manufacturer if the problem continues, even after you have repaired or replaced the part. It is better to get professional advice than run the risk of damaging the treadmill.

Tags: your treadmill, belt motor, life your, life your treadmill, treadmill belt

Finance Furniture With Bad Credit

It can be difficult to buy furniture with a bad credit history.

Everybody needs furniture, but when you have bad credit, it can be a challenge to buy what you need. Furniture is a big-ticket item, so most people can't afford to pay the entire cost up front. Instead, they finance the balance. If you have bad credit, it's difficult to find a finance company that will extend credit. There are some steps that will help you find a way to finance furniture even if your credit history has some problems.

Instructions

1. Save enough money to put down a substantial down payment. Even though this will delay your purchase, it will help you to get credit more easily. When you have bad credit, being able to put down a large amount of money shows that you are serious about the purchase and allows you to borrow a small amount. That means a smaller risk for potential lenders.

2. Deal with a small, local furniture store rather than a large chain. Many smaller stores specialize in dealing with customers who have bad credit. They often have several options available through several finance companies. If you are turned down by the first company, a smaller store may be willing to run your application through the other lenders to finalize the sale. A larger store, which has higher volume, may not want to take the time and may prefer to deal with only one or two finance companies.

3. Be prepared to pay a higher interest rate. Finance companies who extend loans to people with bad credit expect to be compensated for their risk. If you are turned down by the first company, expect that subsequent companies will charge increasingly higher interest rates.

4. Be prepared to sign a wage assignment. Many lenders who finance furniture purchases for people with bad credit expect you to sign a wage assignment. This will allow them to garnishee your wages if you default on the loan. You will have to agree to this stipulation to secure the loan.

Tags: have credit, credit expect, credit history, down first, down first company

How Much Do Roofers Make Per Hour

Roofing has a high turnover rate due to tough working conditions.

The employment outlook for roofers is fair. The occupation is only expected to grow by 4 percent between 2008 and 2018 (slower than many other jobs), and a high turnover rate is expected to open up some jobs. Roofing contractors are doing less new construction work as other construction workers take over putting in new roofs on buildings. However, the roofing business is less dependent on the economy, unlike many other construction sectors, as much of its business comes from repairs instead of new construction.

National

The hourly wage for a roofer on average is $17.98, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2009. The median hourly wage is $16.33. Those in the 90th percentile earn $28.35 per hour. The annual average salary for a roofer is $37,390, and the median annual salary is $33,970.

Industries

The building equipment industry pays the highest wage to roofers: $25.34 per hour on average, or $52,710 per year. Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors employ the most roofers, however. Roofers working for the federal executive branch can earn $25.28 per hour, or $52,570 each year. Roofers who work on elementary and secondary school roofs can earn $23.15 per hour or $48,140 annually. Local government pays $21.97 per hour on average or $45,700 per year. Finally, roofers who work on colleges, universities and professional schools can earn $20.99 per hour or $43,650 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

States

Florida has the highest concentration of roofers in the U.S., but Minnesota pays them the most at $24.86 per hour. Hawaii comes next, paying roofers $24.71 per hour. Massachusetts pays about a dollar and a half less at $23.26 per hour on average. Connecticut roofers earn, on average, $22.38 per hour, and Missouri roofers earn just less than their counterparts further north at $22.09 per hour.

Cities

Morristown, Tennessee, is home to the highest concentration of roofers in U.S. cities. Rockford, Illinois, pays them the best, though, at $31.17 per hour, making their annual salary $64,830. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota-Wisconsin roofers earn about a dollar less per hour at $29.21, and Worcester, Massachusetts-Connecticut roofers earn an average hourly wage of $27.11. Out in California in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area, roofers earn $26.55 per hour. Honolulu pays roofers an average hourly wage of $26.12.

Tags: earn hour, roofers earn, hourly wage, hour average, about dollar, according Bureau, according Bureau Labor

Set Up A Mobile Auto Repair Business In Virginia

Build your mobile auto repair business one vehicle at a time.

A mobile business is more convenient for your customers, as you give them the services they want rather than forcing them to wait in a waiting room at a traditional auto repair shop. Your customers don't have to miss any time off from their jobs or leave their car on the interstate waiting for a tow truck. You can open a mobile auto repair business in Virginia with a strong business plan.

Instructions

1. Make a list of services that you can perform from a mobile repair vehicle. Oil changes, diagnostic checks, and tire changes can be easily performed anywhere. Hire a research firm. Commission a survey to determine what services are high in demand from your local area.

2. Write a business plan. Outline your daily operations, how you will handle service calls and the rates for those services. Draw out a service map of the part of the city you will serve.

3. Create a username and password to sign into the Virginia Department of Business Assistance's (DBA) Business One Stop website. As of November 2010, the fee for a One Stop account is $20. Follow the instructions on choosing a business entity. Register your entity on the online program .

4. Apply for your mobile vendor's license. The Virginia DBA advises you to contact your city/county Commissioner of Revenue or Department of Finance for business licensing and your city/county Zoning Office for zoning permits.

5. Get a Federal Tax Employer Identification number from the IRS. To do so, download and complete form SS-4 from the IRS website. Register to pay business taxes in Virginia with the Department of Taxation.

6. Secure funding. The Virginia Business Magazine advises, "Virginia Active Angel Network: (Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Richmond) Invests in seed and early-stage companies in a variety of business sectors that are located within a four-hour drive of Charlottesville and Blacksburg."

7. Buy a vehicle to store your auto repair equipment. Look for a vehicle that you can customize per your business needs. Load the vehicle with your tools for the trade such as portable diagnostic machine, car jacks, crowbar, and other tools.

8. Apply for an unemployment insurance account with the Virginia Employment Commission. Even if you are going to be the only mechanic, you still need to register in the event you can't perform the duties for an extended period of time.

9. Order business cards. Print a one to two line slogan that tells prospects succinctly what you do, such as "We repair your car wherever your car is!" Make it a habit to leave business cards with every customer you come in contact with.

Tags: auto repair, business cards, business plan, city county, mobile auto, mobile auto repair, Virginia with

Apply For A Housing Grant In Michigan

Home sweet home.

Are you are looking to pursue the dream of owning your own home in Michigan but have struggled to find the funds to do so? Well, getting some help from the government and the state of Michigan by means of a housing grant may get you on your way to owning your own home. The application process is a lengthy one and the waiting period in Michigan can take months, even years before funds are available. By having the right resources on hand, you can begin the application process immediately. Read more to learn be on your way to owning your own home.

Instructions

Apply for a Housing Grant in Michigan using Egrants.

1. Go to your computer and log on to the internet. Go the the Egrants website to view the available State of Michigan housing grants.

2. Perform your search query for a housing grant in Michigan by clicking on the basic search button and enter Michigan.

3. Next, select the funding category and then do another search query by typing in the word housing. This will give you active results of available funds.

4. Look over the search results carefully and choose a company that is offering funding. On a piece of paper record the phone number and contact name of the person who will be handling your grant.

5. Fill out the online application and enter all of your personal information such as income, education and how many people you have in your family. Submit the completed application.

6. Look for a pop up screen that will show you when you will need to come in to complete the grant application process, as part of a face to face interview.

7. Attend the interview and receive your Michigan Housing Grant.

8. Take your approved Michigan Housing Grant to the landlord or apartment complex. You are to move into your new home.

Apply for a Housing Grant in Michigan through your Local Housing Development Authority.

9. Contact your Local Housing Authority and request to go in and fill out an application for a Michigan Housing grant.

10. Fill out the application throughly, sign and date. Next, return the completed application promptly to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

11. Attend an interview with a grant specialist.

12. Be honest during the interview process and state why it is important that you receive a Michigan housing grant.

13. Take your approved grant paperwork to your apartment complex or landlord. You are ready to move into your new home.

Tags: your home, application process, Apply Housing, Apply Housing Grant, Grant Michigan, Housing Grant, owning your

Plan Mechanical Maintenance

Mechanical maintenance can prevent costly machinery repairs and replacements.

Mechanical maintenance planning is the process of scheduling preventative maintenance on company equipment and machinery. Good maintenance is necessary to extend the life of the items and to prevent costly and time-consuming repairs. It will keep work in progress, preventing production from slowing or halting. It also will extend the life of equipment. Maintenance should be proactive instead of reactive. Just as an airplane has a flight check before takeoff, companies should have their own regular, routine methods of checking and maintaining their assets.

Instructions

Planning Mechanical Maintenance

1. Post a large 12-month calendar where all who are involved with regular maintenance can see and refer to it often. Have a schedule that does not vary, so it becomes a habit to perform needed repairs and maintenance on a regular basis. For example, the first of the month a company can schedule all air conditioning filters to be replaced; oil can be changed in all company vehicles; or belts and lubricants on factory machinery can be checked at specific times.

2. Regularly schedule maintenance will extend the life of company assets.

Keep a log book of all repairs and maintenance. This provides accountability to the staff and back up information on the who, what, when, and where of the maintenance in question. Potential problems and concerns can be notated for other shifts. This log book is also a great resource for providing information to insurance companies and for warranty conflicts.

3. Train employees on the importance of regular, scheduled maintenance, and make sure they have the essential tools and time to do their jobs correctly and efficiently. Some employees do not understand the impact that failure to maintain expensive equipment has on the bottom line. The main issues to concentrate on in dealing with staff and mechanical maintenance are discipline, proper job skills, safety and attention to detail.

4. Schedule outside preventative maintenance vendors at specific times every month to provide consistency in the maintenance process. Staff and security will also be aware of who is supposed to be on the property at a given time. Supervision of outside vendors and inspections of completed job duties are essential to cost-effective maintenance.

5. Make safety a number one priority when establishing maintenance procedures. Managers should ensure that employees always have proper equipment, ventilation and lighting, and that all equipment is code compliant. Having an effective mechanical maintenance program in place will assist in making your workplace safe and assure staff of steady, uninterrupted employment.

Tags: extend life, Mechanical maintenance, prevent costly, preventative maintenance, repairs maintenance, specific times

Replace A Broken Window Pane With Plexiglass

Plexiglas costs more to buy than glass. One of the biggest advantages of this thermoplastic is that, unlike glass, it doesn't shatter. It can crack, break and be scratched. But when a Plexiglas window pane is hit, it won't shatter. Working with Plexiglas is easy, especially when you replace a window with it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Put on the safety goggles and the heavy gloves. If you can easily remove the window sash, carefully do so. Windows can be difficult to remove. Removing the sash isn't mandatory. You can replace a broken window pane while it's in the frame.

2. Remove the broken glass carefully. Move the shards back and forth to free them from the glazing compound.

3. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove the glazing compound and the glazing points. Don't gouge or otherwise damage the sash frame. You may need to use the screwdriver like a chisel to remove rock-hard compound.

4. Paint any bare wood on the sash with a waterproof sealer. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions to achieve the best results. Allow the sealer to dry thoroughly before you proceed to the next step.

5. Measure the pane to determine how large the Plexiglas needs to be. Measure from the edges of the grooves. Then, deduct 1/8th inch from the length and the width. Order the piece from a local hardware or home improvement store.

6. Use a putty knife to apply a thin coat of glazing compound in the grooves, all the way around the window pane. Then, remove the protective plastic from both sides of the Plexiglas. Lay the piece in the grooves and carefully press it down into the compound to make a good seal.

7. Install glazing points into place on all four sides of the pane. The points help hold the Plexiglas in place. Lay a glazing point flat on the Plexiglas near where you want to install it. With the point facing the wood, push it into place with a putty knife. Repeat this process until all four corners have points in them. Then, install more glazing points about 8-inches apart around the diameter.

8. Apply more glazing compound into the grooves all the way around the pane. Use the putty knife to smooth the compound out.

Tags: glazing compound, glazing points, putty knife, window pane, grooves around, into place, more glazing

Replace A Broken Glass Window Pane

Panes of glass in a door to a deck can get bumped and broken easily.

Window panes are individual pieces of glass placed into a grid with a weather-resistant putty called glazing. On one side of the glass panel is a frame, while the other side has the glazing. The glazing must be removed to get rid of all the pieces of broken glass and to position the new glass window pane in the frame. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Soften the glazing around the perimeter of the broken glass with a heat gun.

2. Remove remaining glass and glazing points, which are small metal pieces that hold the glass in place while glazing, with needle-nose pliers. Set the glazing points aside. Replace if they are damaged.

3. Scrape off remaining putty with a 1½-inch putty knife. Keep the blade at an angle and go slowly to prevent damaging the frame.

4. Measure opening with a tape measure.

5. Cut glass with a glass cutter. Mark the measurements for each direction, vertical and horizontal, on each side of the glass. Position a straight edge across the shortest side and run a glass cutter down and back with evenly applied pressure. Position the score 1/8-inch past the edge of a table and apply firm and steady pressure to press down on the area to be cut off. If the pressure was consistent in both directions, the glass will break exactly on the score line. Repeat for the other side.

6. Warm glazing in your hands. Press a 1/8-inch layer of glazing on the back of the window opening.

7. Position the glass in the frame. Press into the glazing in the frame. Use needle-nose pliers to replace glazing points; one on each end and two on each side.

8. Warm glazing in your hands and apply a ¼-inch thread of glazing around the perimeter of the window. Press into the corner with a 1½-inch putty knife held on a 45-degree angle. Maintain a ½-inch border of glazing around the glass. Allow to dry until firm, about an hour.

9. Trim lumps in glazing with a utility knife.

Tags: glazing around, glazing points, side glass, around perimeter, broken glass

Prebuilt Cabins In North Carolina

A North Carolina cabin can be a restful retreat.

Cabins in North Carolina have become a tremendously popular housing option for people from across the country. The cool mountain streams and beautiful vistas provide a peaceful backdrop and help acclimate newcomers to the pace of mountain life. Whether it's a trailer, a modular, or a pre-fab home, there are a variety of options for North Carolinians looking for a cabin-style dwelling. Does this Spark an idea?

Trailer

Trailer designs have come a long way over the years.

One option is to simply purchase a trailer which has an exterior facade that mimics that of a log cabin. The construction methods of trailers has dramatically changed over the years and many models are difficult to differentiate from traditional stick-built homes. Additionally, there are time and cost-savings benefits with purchasing a trailer over other construction options.

Modular

Modular homes can be designed with log cabin exteriors.

The next step up from a trailer would be a modular home. These homes are built to higher standards than trailers and often under more rigorous regulations than traditional home construction. Modular homes have thicker walls, steeper roof pitches, and more customization options than their trailer counterparts. Additionally, off-frame modulars can often be appraised as stick-built homes in many areas which can lead to higher appreciation rates.

Pre-fab

Pre-fab homes are designed and built in warehouses before being setup on your property.

The last pre-built cabin option in North Carolina is to purchase a pre-fab home. These houses are designed, cut, and assembled in warehouses before being shipped in parts to your location. The parts are then assembled on site providing for reduced construction times. These homes are also the most like traditional stick-built homes and are the most customizable. Some pre-fab home manufacturers simply apply an exterior facade which mimics that of a log cabin, while others are completely pre-fab log homes.

Tags: North Carolina, pre-fab home, stick-built homes, before being, Cabins North, Cabins North Carolina, exterior facade

Michigan Grants For Lowincome People

Take advantage of Michigan grants for low-income populations.

Low-income individuals tend to feel the effects of a declining economy most severely. The state of Michigan has been especially hard-hit by the 2008 economic downturn. According to "USA Today," Michigan's unemployment rate has consistently been among the highest in the nation. Luckily, several government and foundation grant opportunities benefit low-income individuals in Michigan.

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Based in Flint, Michigan, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation funds 501(c)3 organizations that work to bring low-income residents out of poverty. The Pathways out of Poverty program focuses on improving community education, expanding economic opportunities and encouraging community organizing. Grants range from $15,000 to $250,000; an average grant is $100,000. There are no application deadlines, but grant requests are reviewed on an annual basis.

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

503 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 1200

Flint, Michigan 48502

810-238-5651

mott.org

Michigan Women's Foundation

The Michigan Women's Foundation provides grants to 501(c)3 organizations that serve low-income women and girls. To qualify, grantees must work to promote social change by "eliminating the conditions or dismantling the structures that limit equality for women and girls," according to the foundation's website. Organizations can provide direct service or advocate for changes in systems, institutions and policies that affect women's lives and status. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 over a one-year period. The Michigan Women's Foundation only funds organizations that are located in and serve the women and girls of Michigan.

Michigan Women's Foundation

18530 Mack Avenue, Suite 562

Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

313-640-0128

miwf.org

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Those Michigan winters get cold, and it can be expense to heat your home. Available through a federal grant program, Michigan's Department of Human Services' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides help with home heating costs, weatherization and emergency energy bills. The program is available to low-income Michigan residents who meet eligibility standards. To qualify, applicants must provide information about their income, tax exemptions and household heating bills. Applications are available from mid-January through the end of September each year.

Michigan Department of Human Services

235 S. Grand Avenue

Lansing, Michigan 48909

800-292-5650

michigan.gov/dhs

Michigan Tuition Grant Program

The state of Michigan offers the Michigan Tuition Grant Program for low-income residents. To qualify, applicants must plan to attend or be attending a degree-granting, post-secondary school in Michigan. Grants pay a maximum of $2,100 per year. Undergraduate students can receive the grant for up to 10 semesters and graduate students can receive up to six semesters of support. Eligible students must be enrolled at least half-time, not be incarcerated and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

State of Michigan

P.O. Box 30462

Lansing MI 48909

888-447-2687

michigan.gov

Tags: Michigan Women, Michigan Women Foundation, Women Foundation, Charles Stewart, Charles Stewart Mott, Mott Foundation

Replace A Bathtub In A Mobile Home

Replace a Bathtub in a Mobile Home

If the bathtub in your mobile home has developed cracks, or just won't clean up to your standards, it's time to change it. Budget yourself some time to do this job, and you'll be pleased with the results. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Shut off all water to the tub, then unscrew the pipes leading to the drain and water faucets. Remove the faucets and shower heads. Once this is done, remove the tub and surround. To do this most efficiently, remove the surround first, which will expose the screws holding the tub in place.

2. Prepare the area for the new tub. Make any subfloor repairs that are necessary, then install rimboards to hold the new tub in position. Follow the new tub's installation instructions and measure carefully to ensure accurate placement of the boards.

3. Secure a new drain to the tub, then set the tub into place and secure it according to the tub's installation instructions. Once the tub is secured into place, install the new surround, following the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

4. Drill holes in the surround for placement of the faucet and shower head. Be sure to measure carefully in this step before doing any drilling into the new surround.

5. Attach the new faucets to the plumbing and test your connections.

6. Apply a proper caulk or sealant around the tub and surround edge and allow time for curing before you let the area get wet.

Tags: installation instructions, Bathtub Mobile, Bathtub Mobile Home, into place, measure carefully, Mobile Home

Historic Preservation Grants For Homeowners

Historic homes in the D.C. area can apply for rehabilitation grant money.

Preserving and restoring historic sites is vital if we are to maintain a connection with our history and learn from it. Several different grant programs are available, through different states and communities, to help homeowners renovate and restore historic properties. This allows the homeowner to maintain the historical significance of the location without incurring significant expense in the process. Does this Spark an idea?

Historic Preservation Grant Program

New York City offers the Historic Preservation Grant Program. This is a federally funded program that provides funds for homeowners to restore damaged or dilapidated facades. It offers $5,000 to $25,000 to pay for repairs on the outside, specifically to the facade. Eligible repairs may include: rebuilding or repointing masonry; the repair or replacement of doors or windows and cornice restoration. Other repairs may also qualify, depending on circumstance. To qualify for the grant, a building must be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and the homeowner must meet the federal limits for household income. Preference in the approval process is given to owners who can utilize their own funds to supplement the grant.

Historic Homeowners Grant Program

The District of Columbia (D.C) offers the Historic Homeowners Grant Program. It is designed to help low- and moderate-income homeowners in the commission of certified rehabilitation work. These grants are available for exterior repairs and structural work in the following districts: Anacostia, Blagden Alley/Naylor Court, Capitol Hill, Fourteenth Street, LeDroit Park, Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon Square, Mount Vernon Triangle, Shaw, Strivers' Section, U Street and Takoma Park. The renovation is captured through before-and-after pictures taken and posted by the HPO Gallery of Homes.

Stabilization Projects

South Carolina offers grants for so-called "stabilization projects." These funds are used to pay for repairs to buildings that are listed on the National Register. This does not include churches or church-owned property. These grants are reimbursable matching grants, which means that the owner must be able to pay for the project up-front and would then be reimbursed once the project has been approved. The grant typically ranges from $2,500 to $25,000 dollars. The maximum award is $30,000 and a total of $100,000 is available for all of the grants.

Tags: Grant Program, Historic Preservation, Historic Homeowners, Historic Homeowners Grant, Historic Preservation Grant

House Remodeling Checklist

Before you start swinging a hammer, take a moment to look over a house remodeling checklist.

Before you start tearing out cabinets or walls, it's important to review your plans using a house remodeling checklist. Home remodels can be pricey, and a bit of organization can go a long way towards making sure that you don't break the bank on a single home-improvement project. Does this Spark an idea?

Remodel or Move

If home improvements are in your future, take a moment to review all of the work you need to or want to do on your house. If you can afford it and the projects you are planning will improve the value of your house, it might be worth the work. It is also logical to remodel if your home needs the improvements in order to sell it. However, if you find that you want to improve a lot or want to make a lot of structural changes, such as adding a whole other floor, stop and ask yourself whether it's better to remodel or move.

Create a Plan

The first step to any short- or long-term home-improvement project is to create a plan. Start your plan by creating a couple of lists. First, make a list of all the places that you would like to improve in your home, such as the kitchen or the bathroom. Then, create a separate list for each of the projects. For example, if one of your remodeling projects is the bathroom, your list for that room might include items such as adding tile, replacing the tub or changing out a faucet.

Make a Budget

Once you know what you want to do, make a realistic total project budget and individual project budgets. Before you begin making your budget, be sure to get a few estimates from contractors, or look over the products and pieces that you will need at a home-improvement store to gain realistic cost knowledge. Then, sit down with that knowledge in mind and decide how much you can spend on each project and on each piece. Add together everything that you want. If the total exceeds your budget, revisit your remodeling list and figure out which items you can do without in your home-improvement project.

Get to the Project

Decide whether to hire a contractor to complete your project or to do it yourself. Once you have decided, start your project. If you are planning to complete the project yourself, go over your list before you begin to make sure that you have all the items you need to complete your remodeling project. Once your home improvement is complete, be sure to review your work or the contractor's work to ensure that nothing has been left out.

Tags: home-improvement project, your home, your remodeling, Before start, complete your, house remodeling, look over

Help For Refinancing Home Repairs

If your home needs repairs, you can tap the equity in your home to pay for the needed work. You have two options available to you: a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a home equity loan (HEL). Both offer distinct advantages for the homeowner who has built up equity in his home.

Equity

Simply defined, equity is the current value of your home minus the amount you owe on your mortgage. For example, if you have your home appraised and the appraiser determines that it is worth $240,000 and the outstanding balance on your home loan is $140,000, then you have $100,000 in equity. According to Smart Money, lenders allow homeowners to tap between 75 and 90 percent of that equity amount. The collateral for both a HELOC and HEL is your home; compare both options to find a plan that is right for you.

HELOC

A home equity line of credit or HELOC is a type of revolving credit that can be tapped by the homeowner as needed. According to the Federal Reserve Board, you can borrow from your credit line whenever you need the funds during a fixed period of time, such as 10 years. During that "draw period" you may be able to renew your HELOC or take out another loan. You'll be making payments to your lender once you draw on those funds, with a payback schedule outlined. Most lines of credit are variable (adjustable) interest and payments amounts can vary. Talk to a lender about your HELOC options.

HEL

A home equity loan allows you to take out equity in your home in one lump sum. According to MSN Money, interest accrues immediately and you'll have a set schedule to pay back that loan. Most home equity loans offer fixed interest rates and fixed payment amounts. Compare HEL offers with your lender.

Tips and Warnings

Your HEL or HELOC is treated as a second mortgage on your home. If you default, the holder of your first mortgage gets paid first in foreclosure, with your equity lender paid second. For this reason, your HEL or HELOC will likely carry a higher interest rate than your primary mortgage. Only borrow as much money as you need to pay for home repairs.

To boost your credit score, clean up your credit reports before applying for your loan or line of credit. The higher your credit score, the more favorable your HEL or HELOC terms. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain your free copies.

Tags: your home, home equity, your credit, line credit, your HELOC, credit HELOC, credit score

Replace An Outdoor Water Faucet

There are several reasons you might need to replace an outdoor water faucet. Maybe the faucet valve has worn out and will not stop leaking, or it might be that you just want to upgrade the faucet for aesthetic reasons. Whatever the case, you can replace the outdoor faucet without having to call a plumber and pay high rates for labor and materials. It will take you a couple of hours to replace the outdoor water faucet and improve the appearance and usage of the spigot. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the main water shutoff valve and turn the water completely off. The shutoff valve is normally located in front of your property in an underground utility box next to the street.

2. Open the valve of the faucet that you want to replace and allow any remaining water to drain out until the water pipe is completely empty.

3. Place a crescent wrench on the water pipe below the faucet so that you can hold the water pipe in place while removing the faucet. Tighten the crescent wrench around the pipe so that it does not turn.

4. Attach a pipe wrench to the water faucet next to the water pipe and turn the pipe wrench counterclockwise while holding the crescent wrench attached to the water pipe to loosen the water faucet. When the water faucet is loose, remove it the rest of the way, turning it by hand.

5. Clean the threads and end of the water pipe with a stiff-bristled brush to remove any rust or corrosion that could hinder the new water faucet from being threaded on the pipe. Place some plumbers tape around the threads of the water pipe.

6. Thread the new outdoor water faucet onto the water pipe, turning it clockwise by hand until it is tight. Place the pipe wrench on the end of the new water faucet near the water pipe and continue to tighten the faucet until you can no longer tighten it.

7. Confirm that the outdoor water faucet valve is closed and turn the main water shutoff valve back on. Open the new water faucet valve enough to prime the water pipes and allow the water to run through the faucet.

8. Turn the faucet off and confirm that there are no leaks around the pipe connection.

Tags: water pipe, water faucet, crescent wrench, faucet valve, outdoor water faucet, pipe wrench, replace outdoor

Get A Government Grant To Improve A Business Storefront

Government grants can help pay for storefront business improvements.

Local governments are increasingly recognizing that quality of life on city streets is reflected in the quality of storefronts and street-level businesses. Beyond just recognition, governments are providing grant money to small and medium-sized businesses for storefront improvements. Grants are typically around $10,000 to $15,000, although each community allocates its resources differently. The money can be used for a variety of improvement projects, such as better lighting, new facades, windows or doors, painting and better security. Here's explore the grant opportunities in your area.

Instructions

1. Search for grants. Try a search on Google or another search engine for the phrase "storefront improvement grant" along with the name of your community. Start with a search on your city name. If nothing comes up, try a new search on your county name, and then your state name.

2. Storefront grants can pay for windows, paint, doors, security and other features.

Explore grant requirements. Typically, storefront improvement grants, known as SIPs, have a number of requirements. Grant recipients must have appropriate business licenses and registrations for their area, and either own the property in question, or have a reasonably long-term lease. There may be geographic restrictions on who can apply and program deadlines. Most grants are geared to small and medium-sized businesses.

Make sure your business is eligible before committing to the grant process. Most cities have a help desk that can provide more information about the grant process itself.

3. Government grants can help fund small business improvements.

Look for other opportunities. Even if you missed the deadline on a storefront improvement grant, don't despair. The organization that hosted the grant, usually a government-run business development program, may have other grants available. Be sure to actively explore their website and give them a call.

Also visit, online or in person, your Chamber of Commerce, as they frequently highlight grants and other funding opportunities as well. See the links in the Resources section of this article for examples of storefront grants and Chamber of Commerce funding opportunities.

Tags: storefront improvement, business improvements, Chamber Commerce, funding opportunities, Government grants, Government grants help

Replace An Exhaust Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter happens to be one of the most expensive parts of a car to fix, which leads many people to try to repair it at home. You have to know your way around cars and exhaust systems, or you're honestly better off taking it to a mechanic. If you're comfortable working on it yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Instructions

1. Lift your car. Unfortunately, the catalytic converter sits about midway down the length of your car, so lifting one end or the other will not do. Ramps are your best bet to get you within reach of the parts when working from home. Luckily, this is usually the hardest part of this repair.

2. Be patient with the bolts, as they are often hard to remove due to size and awkward placement. You may have to drill or saw bolts to remove them. With this in mind, you should pick up new bolts, nuts and seals for your replacement project.

3. Buy a catalytic converter specific to your car to avoid extra work. A generic part must be welded into the car, while a vehicle-specific model comes pre-welded to the proper pipes for easy bolt-on installation.

4. Remove the 02 sensor (with an O2 wrench) before unbolting the catalytic converter. Then, you should remove the pipe connecting the sensor to the converter. Depending on your exhaust system, you may have to remove more pipes before you unbolt the converter from the muffler.

5. Replace the old catalytic converter with a new one. This should be the easy part, as you simply bolt the new part in place.

6. Reattach the exhaust pipes and 02 sensor, and the basic job is done. Make sure you replace any cracked or rusty pipes while you have the exhaust system apart.

Tags: catalytic converter, catalytic converter, exhaust system

Repair Options For Floor Joists

Broken or damaged floor joists represent a safety hazard.

Floor joists may become the victims of a number of misfortunes that require them to be repaired. Most commonly, floor joists are subjected to water or moisture and begin to rot. They can also be subjected to dry rot, a different kind of damage that doesn't require wetness. Joists can also be damaged by fire, earthquakes and insects. Does this Spark an idea?

Scabbing

Scabbing is an unattractively named but effective technique that can fix minor problems that are affecting floor joists. Scabbing involves taking a piece of wood and permanently affixing it on the side of the joist over the problem area. Scabs can be attached on one or both sides of the joist, the latter option being preferable for greater strength and durability. Scabs can be attached with glue and screws to create a very strong bond. This method may be suitable when a joist has a small rotted area but has not yet deteriorated to the point where it must be replaced.

Sistering

Sistering is a more extensive version of scabbing. Instead of attaching an extra piece to the side of one part of the joist, in this method you add another entire joist beside the joist that is having problems. The effect is the same as replacing the original joist, but you are spared the hassle of removing the original. Sistering can be used when the floor above the joist is sagging because the house was built with inadequate specs, or when the joist has deteriorated due to insect damage or rot.

Jack Posts

Jack posts are heavy-duty metal pipes with a threaded platform at the top that can be raised by turning it with a wrench. You can use a jack post to raise and stabilize the center of a sagging joist by placing the jack post underneath the joist's center and rotating the upper platform so that it is forced up underneath the joist. Jack posts are designed to be left permanently in place, although a permanent post can also be put in their place so the jack posts can be used again.

Replacement

A joist can be replaced when its problems are severe. Replacement is preferable to sistering when the joist is in a location that doesn't offer enough room for a sistered joist, or when leaving the original joist would not solve the problem, for example, if the joist is infested with carpenter ants. The most difficult part of replacing a joist is often getting the ends of the new joist into the space where the original joist was. Be sure to fully support the surrounding floor with jack posts before removing the damaged joist.

Tags: original joist, when joist, floor joists, jack post, jack posts, Jack posts, platform that

Small Electric Motor Repair

Small Electric Motor Repair

Troubleshooting a small electric motor that fails is most effective when you follow a step-by-step procedure that rules out potential causes and helps isolate defective circuits or components. As with all modifications on electric or electronic equipment, make sure that you unplug the motor before making any modifications or repairs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Ensure Motor Has a Power Supply

1. Check outlet into which motor is plugged to be certain power is available. Check by plugging working lamp into outlet and turning on.

2. Check circuit breaker if outlet has no power. If circuit breaker is tripped "off," reset to "on" and plug motor back in.

3. Try to start motor. If motor fails to start, check circuit breaker.

If breaker returned to "off' position, the problem is in the motor.

4. Check motor power cord by removing the two wires that connect to the motor and connecting these temporarily either by splicing together or connecting with a jumper wire. Connect the leads from the voltmeter individually to the two wall plug connectors.

With the voltmeter set to RX 1, scale the meter bend and twist the power cord. A reading of 0 ohms indicates the cord is good. A higher reading indicates a short in the cord, and the cord must be replaced.

5. Check the motor power switch functioning. Disconnect the two wires leading from the switch to the motor and connect these to the leads of the voltmeter and with the meter set to the RX 1 scale, turn the switch "on" and then "off." The meter should jump from 0 ohms in the "off" position to high ohms in the "on" position. If there is no change in reading, the switch is bad and must be replaced.

Check Commutator and Brushes

6. Remove motor housing by loosening and removing housing screws, exposing field coil and commutator.

7. Inspect commutator surface for dirt, oil, metal dust and indications of pitting or burning.

8. Clean and polish commutator using a fine grade of sandpaper held against the surface of the commutator as the commutator is rotated.

9. Inspect commutator for a single pitted or discolored (when compared with the others) bar, since this is an indication of an open circuit in the field coil.

10. Conduct commutator bar check by setting the voltmeter to the RX 1 scale and then touching the probes of the meter to adjacent bars on the commutator, gradually moving around the entire perimeter of commutator. The readings should be the same on all bar-to-bar checks. A high ohm reading indicates an open circuit; 0 ohms indicates a short circuit and the commutator is defective.

11. Check commutator brushes to ensure solid and even contact with the commutator.

12. Check brush springs to ensure that pressure applied to brushes is uniform and sufficient to hold brushes firmly against commutator.

13. Replace any worn brushes and weak brush springs.

Conduct a Field Coil Check

14. Set voltmeter to RX 100 scale and clip meter probes to each of the two field coil leads (wires).

15. Replace coil if you get a high reading, indicating an open circuit and that the coil is defective.

16. Replace coil if there is a low reading between commutator checks, indicating a short circuit within the field coils.

Tags: circuit breaker, field coil, open circuit, voltmeter scale, brush springs, Check motor

Repair/Fix For Nicad Tool Batteries

Repair/Fix for NiCad Tool Batteries

Most cordless tools are powered by rechargeable nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries. The storage capacity of any battery technology will degrade over time, though NiCad batteries can be repaired at home. There are methods to extend the lifespan of NiCad batteries, but it's better to rebuild a damaged battery with upgraded power cells. Does this Spark an idea?

Refurbishing Batteries

NiCad batteries have an estimated lifespan of around 250 recharge cycles. If a NiCad battery is frequently recharged before it is completely drained, it can succumb to a "memory effect": the battery can no longer hold a full charge. In some cases, these batteries can be rejuvenated. Charge the battery fully and then completely discharge it several times. Crystal growth within a NiCad battery can also cause an internal short. These crystals can be shattered by placing the batteries in a freezer overnight or by a sharp rap with a hammer. It's also possible to break these crystals by "zapping" a charged battery with a source of electricity, such as a 12-volt automotive battery. Identify the positive and negative terminals of your cordless tool's battery with a multimeter and put on protective gloves, glasses and a facial shield. Use jumper cables to run current through the battery for a 10th of a second. If the battery remains dead, it will need to be rebuilt.

Rebuilding Batteries

Although brands of tools have differently shaped batteries, common industrial power cells known as "sub-C" type batteries power the tool. Open the battery pack. Inside you'll see a number of smaller batteries wired together. A single dead cell will prevent the entire pack from functioning, so check each cell with a multimeter. You may replace a single cell, but it's wiser to upgrade the entire pack to cells with a higher milliamp-hour (mAh) rating for longer battery life.

Don't replace NiCad cells with more modern Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells: the tool won't charge properly. Scratch any oxidation from the terminals of the cells and apply a thin coat of solder to maximize electrical conduction. Solder the cells together with their attached tabs or commercially-available battery bars. Reuse wiring and fuses and maintain the same sequence as the original pack to maintain the proper voltage.

Test your rebuilt pack with a multimeter to ensure it's providing proper current for your tool before reassembling the battery pack. Because the spent cells contain heavy metals, recycle them rather than throwing them away.

Tags: NiCad batteries, battery with, with multimeter, battery pack, cells with, entire pack

Repair The Ipod Touch Back Button

When your iPod Touch back button isn't working, a few simple steps can help correct the problem.

If you own an Apple device such as the iPhone or iPod Touch, you may be aware that taking it apart will void your warranty, which could be a costly mistake. However, like any device, the iPod Touch is susceptible to bugs and other issues. The home button below your touch screen is important, as it is used to navigate back from applications into the main menu. If your back button isn't working, Apple has a few tips on how you can repair it.

Instructions

1. Open an application and navigate back to the main menu by pressing the home button, noting how long it takes for the button to respond. Do this with several applications. If some apps are fine while others are sluggish, delete those apps and reinstall them.

2. Press down the back button and the sleep button at the top of the Touch until you see the Apple logo appear. This will reset your device.

3. Connect the Touch to your computer and open iTunes. Click on your iPod Touch under "Devices" and then click "Restore." If the button is still having problems after you restore the Touch, call an Apple store to set up an appointment.

Tags: back button, back button working, button working, home button, iPod Touch

Proper Mobile Home Bathtub Installation

If your mobile home bathtub has extensive cracks that you cannot repair with an epoxy repair kit because the cracks are too deep or the bathtub has actual holes in it, consider installing a new bathtub. Installing a new bathtub requires understanding the different bottoms of a mobile home bathtub, properly removing the old bathtub, and installing the new bathtub.

Mobile Home Bathtub Bottoms

How the bathtub adheres to the mobile home floor affects the installation process. There are two types of bathtub bottoms: bathtubs that secure to the mobile home floor with plastic pegs, and those that adhere to the mobile home floor with a Styrofoam insert. The plastic pegs require more care because you need to delicately and accurately slide the plastic pegs into the adjoining holes in the mobile home floor. The Styrofoam bottoms are easier to install, and tend to be more stable than the plastic pegs.

Removing the Old Bathtub

The most important step of removing the old bathtub is to shut off the water. Afterward, simply unscrew the water pipes from the bathtub drain and remove the water lines from the faucet handles and shower head. Keep in mind that some older faucets have a more complicated construction and require disassembling the actual handle or shower head itself. Continue removing the old bathtub by pulling the surrounding plastic that is attached to the walls just above the bathtub. Cut around the edge of the tub with a utility knife and pull the plastic away from the wall. Some plastic surrounds (or wall kits) have screws attached to them, so you will need to unscrew these. Finally, unscrew the tub itself from the wall and discard it.

Installing the New Bathtub

Installing the new bathtub requires reversing the procedure of removing the old bathtub. Locate the same type of bathtub as the one you have removed, as making alterations to a mobile home to accommodate a different-sized bathtub is exceptionally difficult.

When installing the new bathtub there are three fixtures to consider: the support board for the rim of the bathtub, the drain, and the skirt track. The skirt track sits along the ground opposite the support board, which is attached to the wall of the mobile home. The skirt track helps stiffen the side of the bathtub that is not attached to the wall. Make sure these three fixtures are not overly worn and needing replacement.

Attach the drain to the new bathtub, and place the bathtub rim on top of the support board, sliding the bathtub onto the skirt track. Screw the bathtub into the wall and attach the new plastic surround to the wall, using water-resistant glue. Select a plastic surround that has minimal seams, which reduces the likelihood of leaking.

Tags: mobile home, home floor, mobile home floor, plastic pegs, skirt track, installing bathtub

Remove Mold & Algae From Brick Pavers

You can use brick pavers for driveways, walkways and patios. Brick pavers are a beautiful addition around any home, but they're not as attractive when mold and algae cover the surface. Mold and algae thrive in damp and shaded areas, and mold can grow on virtually any surface, including brick. Attack mold and algae in their earliest stages by disinfecting the pavers with chlorine bleach. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean off the brick pavers with a garden hose on its strongest setting. Wash as much mold and algae from the pavers as you can. Be careful not to remove the filler material between the pavers.

2. Scrape off any remaining mold with a plastic spatula.

3. Prepare a solution containing 1 cup of chlorine bleach for each gallon of water.

4. Test the solution on a small portion of a paver. Look to see if the solution changes the color of the brick. If the brick changes color, prepare a solution of 1 cup of dish detergent for each gallon of water.

5. Rinse the pavers with a hose to get them thoroughly wet again.

6. Spray the solution onto the pavers. A spray bottle works for small areas. Use your hose with a spray attachment to spray the pavers if you have widespread mold and algae.

7. Scrub the solution into the pavers with a soft-bristled brush. Don't use a wire brush. Scrub with force to make sure you remove the mold's roots. Make sure to scrub in between the cracks, as well, but no so hard that you remove the filler material.

8. Rinse off the pavers, and allow the area to dry thoroughly. Expose the area to as much sunlight as possible. Cut back (or prune) any tree limbs or shrubs that are shading the area.

9. Use a power washer or fungicide if the mold and algae remain. Be careful when using a power washer, because it can dislodge the pavers even more than a hose.

Tags: pavers with, mold algae, changes color, chlorine bleach, each gallon, each gallon water, filler material

Grants For Lead Paint Removal

Children exposed to lead-based paint can suffer serious health problems.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC) administer grant funding for programs that reduce lead poisoning in children by controlling their exposure to lead-based paint where they live. Common procedures include covering lead painted areas with safer paint or completely replacing surfaces covered in lead-based paint. Notices of funding availability containing specific application guidelines are made annually and are found on the HUD website:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th Street S.W.

Washington, DC 20410

202-708-1112

hud.gov

Lead-based Paint Hazard Control Program

The Lead-based Paint Hazard Control Program awards approximately 30 grants annually to state and local governments and Native American Tribes to develop projects that recognize and curb potential hazards caused by lead-based paint. Activities should include strategies to eliminate lead poisoning in children, promote cost effective ways to administer the projects and encourage participation from all members of the community. Maximum funding for each grant may be as high as $3 million with a required 10 percent match provided by other non-federal sources. To qualify for the program, a project must target lead-based paint control in housing that is privately owned by or rented to low income families.

Lead Elimination Action Program

The goal of the Lead Elimination Action grant is to pinpoint and eliminate lead-based paint dangers in privately owned housing with the added funding assistance of private businesses. The grant program requires no specific amount of matching funds; however, the numbers of grants available annually is limited and are awarded to applicants who show the largest number of private dollars committed to the project. All non-government, non-profit, for profit or private sector groups may apply for funding. Grant monies of up to $2 million per project are awarded under the Lead Elimination Action grant.

Lead Outreach Grant Program

Lead Outreach Grants provide funding for projects aimed at increasing public awareness of the dangers of lead-based paint on a child's health. Projects with emphasis on educating the public about childhood exposure to lead poisoning, prevention, safe lead paint removal procedures and training people in lead safety practices receive priority in the award process. Colleges and universities, non-profit organizations, local and state governments and eligible Native American Tribes qualify to apply for Lead Outreach Grant funds. Groups that are for-profit may apply for the program provided they do not profit from the project they are attempting to fund.

Tags: lead-based paint, Elimination Action, Hazard Control, Lead Elimination, Lead Elimination Action

What Is An Inexpensive Way To Repair A Mobile Home Roof

Similar to the roofing on a home or building, mobile home roofs are subjected to harsh elements, such as rain, snow and the heat and intensity of the sun rays. So, over time even a new roof will be in need of repairs, or even replacement. Ignoring this issue can lead to extensive interior damage or even a collapsed roof. The good thing is that mobile home roofs are relatively easy and inexpensive to repair.

Preparation

Conduct an inspection of the roof. If you are getting leaks inside your mobile home, you should have a pretty good indication of where to focus your roof inspection. Older mobile homes typically have a metal roof. The roof on newer models often consists of rubber. When you conduct your inspection, look for rust, holes, or cracks in the material.

Before you recoat or re-roof the surface, you'll need to thoroughly clean the surface of sap, dust, dirt, bird droppings and other debris. Also, you should remove any rust and refasten nails and screws if needed. To clean a metal roof you can use a mixture of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. For rubber roofing, the best approach is to avoid using chemicals or solvents. A mixture of water and mild laundry detergent is the safe choice. Allow the surface to thoroughly dry before proceeding with your repairs.

Repair

Caulk any cracks. Generally, it is recommended that you prepare joints, flashings, vents and parapet surfaces with a special tape that is used to provide strength and support before you recoat the surface of the roof. You will need to follow the manufacturer's instruction for recoating the roof. Some product may require you to prime the surface before you apply the coating.

Most application procedures require the use of a roller or brush. Some products can be applied with a paint sprayer, which speeds up the job. Let the first coat complete dry, which may take up to six to eight hours. After the first coat is completely dry, the surface is ready for a second coating.

Rubber roofing, also referred to as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), is very sensitive to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Over time, the seams may weaken and start to leak. Eventually, the leaks infiltrate the membrane system. The coating you choose for repair must be compatible with rubber roofs. Many products are acrylic-based and are designed for EPDM surfaces. Before applying the coating, you should use the same taping procedure for repairing seams and reinforcing cracks and around vents. You may have to prime the surface to ensure that the coating adheres properly to the old surface. Follow the instructions for applying the coating.

Tags: mobile home, applying coating, first coat, home roofs, metal roof, mobile home roofs, prime surface

Grants For Coop Mobile Home Parks

As of 2008, over 6 percent of the U.S. population lived in mobile homes.

Cooperative mobile home parks are housing communities owned by its tenants. Mobile home communities needing financial assistance for capital projects can apply for grants from federal and state government agencies. These grants cover the costs of constructing, renovating and repairing mobile homes and other structures in their communities. Recipients also use grants to cover equipment purchases.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Co-op members are eligible to apply for financial assistance to renovate and repair their mobile homes through the Housing Preservation Grants Program. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, this program awards grants covering projects done on mobile homes occupied by low-income tenants. Mobile home communities in areas of less than 20,000 residents are eligible to apply for these grants. Recipients must use the funds within a 24-month period.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, also sponsors grants to cover capital projects on co-op mobile home parks. The Community Development Block Grant program awards grants to counties with over 200,000 residents to improve economic development and living conditions. Grants finance property acquisitions, construction and renovation of residential structures, such as mobile homes and re-developing vacant areas. Grant amounts are determined by several factors including the areas' populations and poverty levels.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, also awards grants to co-op mobile home parks in areas where tornadoes occur to protect residents. The Residential Safe Room Initiatives program awards grants to communities of manufactured homes to build tornado safe shelters. These communities must have at least 20 housing units occupied by low-income residents and the areas must have been hit with tornadoes within the previous 36 months of application.

State Grants

State government agencies also sponsor grant programs to fund capital projects in cooperative mobile home parks. For example, Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development awards grants to cover projects ensuring the safety of mobile homes throughout the states. Co-op mobile home park managers should check with their state government offices for grant opportunities.

Tags: mobile homes, awards grants, grants cover, home parks, mobile home, capital projects, Department Housing

Keep My House Cool Without Ac Or Fans

Shade trees near your home help lower energy costs.

Running fans and an air conditioner can quickly drive up your cooling costs and take a bite out of your budget. Instead, try a few eco-friendly tricks to save your budget and cool your home without using electrical appliances. Strategically planting leafy trees, using window treatments and making a simple switch in your lighting fixtures can help keep you and your house cool during warm months. When it's hot outside, drink plenty of water to cool yourself down, and stay on the lower levels of your home because hot air rises. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place white blinds and drapes on every window of your house. The white material will reflect sunlight away from your home, keeping it cooler. Keep the blinds and drapes closed during the day to block heat.

2. Open your blinds, drapes and windows during the early morning and evening hours when it is cooler outside. Close them as soon as it warms up outside.

3. Avoid using heat-generating appliances as much as possible. Wash dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher. Hang clothes on a clothesline outside instead of using a clothes dryer. Prepare no-cook meals, or use a microwave oven instead of a traditional oven.

4. Grow vines, such as ivy, on trellises next to your home, preferably on the west side of the building. They will help block sunlight.

5. Plant deciduous trees on the west and south sides of your home to provide shade. Shading with trees can cool the air as much as 3 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, according to the website MSN Money.

6. Avoid using rock or asphalt for landscaping around your home. Both increase air temperature.

7. Apply a reflective film for sun-control on all windows that face south.

8. Remove all incandescent light bulbs and replace them with compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce energy and heat production.

Tags: your home, blinds drapes, Avoid using, instead using, light bulbs, your budget, your house

Charity Grants For Home Buying

Your dream home may become a reality with a charity grant.

Home ownership is a goal for many Americans, but often their personal financial situations prevent them from realizing that dream. There are, however, public and private grants available to help you bridge the gap between what you have and what you need to buy a house.

History

Grants to help citizens obtain a place to call home started with the federal Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead Act allowed any U.S. citizen -- male or female -- who was the head of a household or who was 21 and had never fought against the Union, to file an application for a land grant of 160 acres of government-owned land. The land wound not cost the homesteaders anything if they could meet specific qualifications, such as living on the land for five years and making certain improvements, for example, planting crops.

Types

Most grants offered today are down-payment grants that cover the required down payment and your closing costs. Depending upon where you live, there may also be grants for purchasing a specific type of housing or for buying within a certain geographic area.

Qualifications

Each entity that provides grant money has its own specific criteria to determine who is qualified to receive its funds. Many federal government programs, for instance, are only available to a first-time home buyer -- defined by the government as someone who has not owned a home or had a mortgage in the last three years. Carefully read the application of any grant you are interested in applying for to determine whether you meet the stated requirements.

Sources

You can find grant money for home buying offered by the federal government by contacting agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture's Division of Rural Development, or by searching the Catalog of Federal Assistance. You can also contact private charitable organizations such as AmeriDream, Nehemiah Corporation of America and American Family Funds.

Considerations

Be aware that there are many unsavory marketers that prey on the hopes of potential home buyers by guaranteeing to show them easily obtain "free money." They require a fee for the information or services they claim to provide and in return offer you very little of value. These types of advertisements are fraudulent; no one can guarantee you a grant.

Tags: federal government, grant money

Attach A Deck To A House With Vinyl Siding

Attach a Deck to a House With Vinyl Siding

If you plan on building a deck to complement your outdoor space, you can choose to build a freestanding deck, or attach a deck to your house. Most homeowners choose attached decks, because they are more stable than freestanding decks, and because they can access the deck directly from the house. Properly attaching your deck to your house with vinyl siding will help ensure that you can enjoy your new outdoor space for many years. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove a section of the vinyl siding with a reciprocating saw or hand saw, making sure not to cut through the subsurface of the wall. This section should be as wide as your deck, and should extend down about 12 inches from the intended surface of the deck.

2. Measure the thickness of your decking boards. This will determine how far below the vinyl you will place your ledger board. For example, if you are using 1-inch thick decking boards, the top of your ledger board will be 1 inch below the vinyl.

3. Cut a ledger board out of 1-inch-by-10-inch pressure-treated lumber using a circular saw. Make the ledger board as long as the width of your deck.

4. Position the ledger board on the side of the house. Use a carpenter's level to make sure the ledger board is level. Nail the board to the wall with a hammer on both ends to keep it in place. Drill pilot holes along the top and bottom into the subsurface, and secure the ledger board to the wall with lag bolts. Tighten the bolts with a wrench or socket.

5. Cut a section of copper flashing as long as the width of the deck. Slide one side up at least 3 inches behind the vinyl siding. Mold the flashing over the top and in front of the ledger board. Secure with copper nails.

6. Install joist hangers to the ledger board. Start with the side hangers, which will hold the rim joists. Most homeowners use a double thickness of 2-inch thick lumber for rim joists, so you will likely need 4-inch joist hangers for the sides. Continue installing 2-inch joist hangers between the rim joist hangers at 12- to 16-inch intervals. Connect the joists to the joist hangers.

Tags: ledger board, joist hangers, vinyl siding, your deck, your outdoor space

Repair Your Maytag Refrigerator

Repair Your Maytag Refrigerator

Given the number of years refrigerators last, most refrigerators stop operating or break down at some point and must be repaired. Maytag refrigerators are no exception. The problems that can occur with your Maytag refrigerator are diverse, but you only need a limited handyman knowledge to repair them on your own. You can find many of the answers to questions you have about repairing your Maytag refrigerator in your Maytag owner's manual. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check that the plug on the Maytag refrigerator is plugged into the socket all the way if the refrigerator is not running at all. Also make sure the temperature control is on inside the refrigerator above the lunch meat compartment.

2. Look at the display button inside the Maytag refrigerator, and make sure it is not set to "OF" which is "demo" mode. Press the "adjust freezer" and "energy saver" buttons together for three seconds to get out of "demo" mode. Adjust the refrigerator settings where you want them, and give them a full day before temperatures become stable.

3. Check that both the refrigerator and the freezer doors are closed and are sealed if your Maytag refrigerator is running but isn't cold enough. Make sure the refrigerator and the freezer have normal food loads. The food items will help to absorb the cold to keep the refrigerator at a regulated temperature. The less food in the refrigerator, the more cold air is needed to keep the food items cold. Look at the ice buildup on the back of the freezer wall, and make sure larger items like pizza boxes or trays aren't in the way of the door closing properly.

4. Unplug your Maytag refrigerator if frost has built up on the freezer floor and walls before you attempt to clean it or perform any maintenance. The frost may be due to high humidity levels, warm food, food resting on the back wall or larger food items keeping the door open, door gaskets not properly sealing or a freezer fan not running. Call Maytag for service to repair or replace the fan. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual to replace the seal or gasket.

5. Examine the fan speed if your Maytag refrigerator is running noisily. The fan will sometimes change speeds as the refrigerator reacts to the temperature changes when you open or close the door. The damper or the defrost timer switches also make noise when they switch on and off. Most noises are just annoying, not an indication that something is wrong with your Maytag refrigerator.

Tags: Maytag refrigerator, your Maytag, food items, make sure, refrigerator running, your Maytag refrigerator