Advice On Log Home Restoration

Log home

If you are the owner of a log home, then you know that the elements can really take a toll on the appearance of your logs. Sun, rain, wind and snow can all wreak havoc on the surface of your logs, even if you've sealed them. To keep your home looking its best, you should restore your log home every five years, or as needed depending on the harshness of the conditions of your area. Making sure you carefully strip, stain, inspect the logs for rot and use a protective stain will keep your log home looking like new. Does this Spark an idea?

Stripping Stain

The stain on your log home takes a beating so that the logs don't have to. After time, it will start to darken and look dull, and you'll need to strip that stain to put new stain on. Stripping stain can be a messy process. The best and most thorough way to strip stain is to corn blast or sandblast the old stain away. In corn blasting, you'll use a rented machine to shoot broken corn kernels at the logs, stripping the stain away. Many homeowners prefer this as a biodegradable option. Sandblasting basically does the same, only with fine grains of sand. You can rent the machine from a tool rental shop, or hire a restoration specialist to do it. Make sure you have proper body and eye protection before taking on this project.

Inspection

Before you reapply stain to restore your log home to its former beauty, you must take the time to inspect the logs. Through the process of the logs contracting and expanding, getting water logged and even being exposed to insects, you may find that you have rot in some of your logs. Check in the cracks or V-grooves of your logs for any dark or moist areas. If you find rot, you'll need to call in professional restoration experts to help remove the rotting would and replace it with new wood. If some of the checks on the exterior are larger than three quarters of an inch, fill them with a bead of caulking or chinking, but leave the interior checks open so that the logs can continue to expand and breathe. Inspecting your logs and correcting small problems can help your restoration go much smoother.

Reapplying Stain

Once the stain has been stripped and you've carefully inspected the logs for possible problems, you can re-stain the logs to protect them from the elements. Choose your stain carefully. Many have additives that protect from damaging UV rays, rain and even insects. Consider your location carefully. If you are living in a damp or humid area, choose a stain specifically made to resist moisture. If you've had problems with termites, choose one with an insect repellent. Log home restoration is not a one-size-fits-all job. Consider your home and situation, and choose the materials that best suit it. Apply at least two coats of stain for maximum protection, and take note of the year and write it on the leftover stain. That way, you'll remember when it is time to restore again five years down the road.

Tags: your home, your logs, Consider your, five years, home looking

Sell A Home With A Leaking Basement

Leaky basements can lead to a whole range of other problems.

Leaky basements can spell big trouble, especially if you want to sell your home. Lying about the problem on disclosure forms or cosmetically covering it up can lead to potentially bigger problems if the new owner discovers that you intentionally deceived her on a home disclosure form. You could face a lawsuit that will make the cost of fixing the problem correctly in the first place seem like a trivial expense. To solve the problem, first discover what is causing the water leakage, then either fix it or sell the house as is, offering an allowance for the problem.

Instructions

1. Remove any standing water in the basement, thoroughly dry out the area with fans and then identify the source of the problem. A backed-up sewer drain or water backing into a basement window sill will be easy to spot. Look, too, for obvious things such as clogged gutters on the roof, which leads to improper drainage that can seep into the basement. Gutter downspouts that are not extended far enough can also cause water to pool around the foundation.

2. Step up your search for the source of the problem if a simple solution cannot be identified. If this is a recurring issue, then think back to the circumstances under which the basement has leaked in the past. Drainage issues can often be fixed by contouring the yard around the foundation or installing a French drain to allow water to flow away from the house. If the issue is something more serious, such as water penetrating the basement walls through an a crack, even though the source of the water is unknown, you still may be able to take care of the problem yourself.

3. Call in an expert for an evaluation and estimate for repairs if the problem is more serious than you thought. If water is leaking into the basement where the wall meets the floor, the problem may not be surface water from rain or melting snow. Chances are, the problem is caused by hydrostatic pressure pushing groundwater in through weak points in joints. A professional should be able to identify this problem. Check your insurance policy, but there is a good chance the problem may not be covered.

4. Search for any hidden damage caused from water leaking into your basement. Once the leakage problem is solved, you should inspect the basement for additional damage. Much of the damage can go unseen, especially if your basement is finished. Mold growing in carpet padding or in walls, structural damage caused by water to drywall and studs, flooring, electrical outlets and damage to cement and foundations from standing water are just a few of the ways that basement flooding can create serious problems.

5. Decide what your best option is for marketing your home, whether to pay for expensive repairs, if insurance will not cover the costs, or to offer the home as is with an allowance from your proceeds of the sale to give the buyer money to fix the basement, based on a contractor's bid. If you do not have the money to make the repairs, you may have no alternative but to offer an allowance. Be forewarned that buyers may be reluctant to purchase a home with a potentially serious basement problem. Unless your property boasts unique features or a location that overrides the flooding problem, you could be in for a long time on the market.

6. Prepare your seller disclosure forms with total honesty. If the problem has been fixed, say so. Keep receipts, engineering reports or any other documentation, including a warranty for the work, so that you can anticipate any buyer's concerns. Make the documentation readily available for inspection along with other information on the house and neighborhood in a "buyer's book" on the kitchen counter. Yes, the burden is on the buyer to prove that you had prior knowledge of the leakage problem, should you chose to hide the problem, but losing a lawsuit and having to pay damages can be an expensive proposition.

Tags: into basement, around foundation, damage caused, disclosure forms, home with, leakage problem, leaking into

Raise Cattle For A Tax Break

Cattle are a good option if you are looking for a legal tax break. Everything from the feed they eat, to equipment necessary to handle them, to vehicle mileage to tend to them can be successfully deducted from your taxes. Animal health and welfare also is a necessity to consider before entering into the business. Also, losses from a ranch or farm can be deducted for seven years before you have to show a profit or the IRS will consider your cattle operation a hobby.

Instructions

Meeting Animal Requirements for Health

1. Find a place for the cattle to live. Cattle take up a lot of room and need good fences. A feed lot is more labor intensive, as all the animals are penned up in corrals and their entire diet is provided by the owner. A pasture, where cattle can move about and graze on grass, is less labor intensive as the animals tend to themselves on a day-to-day basis. You will need to monitor them as to whether there is plenty of forage or if they need to be supplemented.

2. Furnish fresh water and salt for the cattle. Cattle drink approximately 20 gallons of water a day. Water must be accessible at all times. Salt also is a necessary component for raising cattle. Fifty-pound blocks can be found at most feed supply stores.

3. Brand and vaccinate your cattle promptly. A livestock brand is a sign of ownership. If your cow escapes, your brand will assure she is returned to you. It also is illegal to sell a cow if she is not branded. Vaccinations ensure good health and help to prevent life-threatening diseases.

4. Decide which type of operation you wish to run. There are several types of cattle raising such as cow/calf, yearling and registered. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. A cow/calf operation is the most labor-intensive as you have to feed and maintain the health of the mother cow year around. A typical yearling operation is usually seasonal. This operation works best for the feedlot style. Registered takes the highest capital to start as these animals are typically much more valuable.

Tags: intensive animals, labor intensive, labor intensive animals, your cattle

Remove Tree Roots From A Septic Tank

If you live in the country, there's a good chance you have a septic tank. This necessary part of rural living is a small sewage treatment center. Made of concrete and designed to last for years, the tank and lines can get clogged by the roots of nearby trees. You may love your shady oaks, but your septic tank will devour the roots and clog the system. There's only one solution for this problem, and that's to find a way to remove the tree roots. You can do this mechanically or chemically. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Getting Rid of the Roots

1. Flush copper sulfate crystals down a toilet to kill tree roots that haven't gotten too large and twisted. The copper sulfate should start to destroy the roots right away, but it will take some time before you see results. Use about 2 lbs. of copper sulfate for every 300 gallons of water the septic tank holds. Don't do this more than twice each year. If you use the recommended amount, the copper sulfate will not harm the septic tank, and it's an inexpensive measure to try. Properly maintained, a septic tank should last about 25 years.

2. Pump the water out of the tank. This should only be done by a professional, and you can usually get reputable names of certified pumping contractors from the health department. Once the tank is empty, use a plumber's snake to pull out the roots that have invaded the sewage and drain field lines.

3. Cut down any trees 5 feet or closer to the septic tank. You'll have to dig up the roots, too, or the problems will continue.

4. Plant new trees farther away from the septic tank. Trees grow incredibly fast right next to a septic tank because of all the moisture, but the roots cause serious problems. So plant new trees at least 20 feet away from your system.

Tags: septic tank, copper sulfate, away from, roots that, tank This, tree roots

Sell A Car For Junk With No Papers

Learn sell a car for junk without a title or papers. There is a process of calling different city offices and junkyards to see who will allow this. Additionally, there are different ways to claim abandoned cars and sell them for cash.

Instructions

Sell a Car for Junk With no Papers

1. When selling a car for junk, one needs to identify why the car is in his possession but has no title. Perhaps the car was abandoned on his property, or someone gave it to him to scrap and didn't provide papers. At this point, many people think that they cannot sell cars for junk because they don't have proof of ownership. This is not true. Once a person has determined why she does not have papers for the car, she can begin searching for a place to sell it.

2. Begin by calling local junkyards and scrap metal companies. Few will accept cars without titles. A person who calls enough places or lives in a large enough area might be able to find one or two junkyards that will purchase the vehicle from him. If he cannot find a buyer, he needs to try something else.

3. If one cannot find a junkyard to buy his car, he has a few different options. The first option will take a day or two but will be more lucrative than other options. Gain access to a shop with heavy machinery tools and disassemble the car. Once all the nonmetal items have been removed, cut up the body of the car into small pieces that will not be recognized as a car when taken to the junk yard for scrap metal. Once the cutting is done, he can take the parts to a junkyard and sell them as scrap metal. If he owns the car either by purchase or eminent domain, this is not illegal. If the car is abandoned, it is recommended that he first take pictures of the car and date how long it was left on his property before commencing with cutting the car up.

4. If someone decides that this is either too much work, or sounds risky, she can find other ways to be rid of the junk car. She can begin by calling city officials, because most cities will haul away abandoned cars for free. She can also consult with local towing companies who might tow an abandoned car without a title for no charge.

5. One final option is to search the Internet for "sell a junk car." A few companies will come up that buy cars across the country, both with and without titles. She can see if she can work out an arrangement to sell the car to one of these companies.

Tags: scrap metal, abandoned cars, cannot find, companies will, Junk With

Take A Class In Basic Tv Repair

Want to save money by repairing your TV yourself? Perhaps you want to know if a career in television repair is for you. If you're interested in electronics and have a little extra time, you could look into TV repair classes. Follow these steps to take a class in basic TV repair.

Instructions

1. Search online for "TV repair courses." A listing of online universities and schools that offer TV repair courses will appear. Click on each one to examine them. Some of the available online TV repair schools are offered through Penn Foster, Cleveland Institute's Bookstore and Thomson Education Direct.

2. Look at each school's information online. Request an information packet from each school that you like. Compare tuition rates, class flexibility, the amount of professor contact, the program outline and the testing procedures.

3. Choose the program that suits you best. Read about enroll. Each school will have different payment options, log-in procedures and start dates.

4. Enroll by following the procedures. Enrollment will cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, depending on the school.

5. Take the lessons in sequence. Depending on the school, you can take your tests online, by mail or both. Talk to your admissions counselor about how lessons can be completed.

6. Pass each test in the program to earn your diploma. Once you've received your diploma, you've completed the program.

Tags: each school, online repair, repair courses, your diploma

Troubleshoot A Samsung Cell Phone

Almost everyone has uttered the phrase "I hate my cell phone" at one time or another. The fact is, that even for high-profile cell phone makers like Samsung, problems sometimes occur with the phones. However, this does not mean that you simply have to put up with inconsistencies in your cell phone functionality. In fact, a person who is having problems with a Samsung cell phone can do a number of things to troubleshoot and remedy the problem.

Instructions

1. If you tend to have a weak signal at home or in the office, compare the service given by different providers in the area. For example, if your home or office is close to mountains that block access to a cell tower, the signal could be partially blocked. Check the phone of a friend who has a different provider to see what kind of access he gets. Unless you want to move or change jobs, it may be best to switch your Samsung phone to a provider that has a more accessible cell tower.

2. If the Samsung phone fairly often turns off unexpectedly, check to see how much energy the battery has. If the battery is depleted, recharge it and pay attention to how long the phone works before it needs to be charged again. If the battery is depleted before more than an hour of talk time is used, you may need to purchase a new battery.

3. Check the SIM card. If the phone's power supply seems to be working properly but you are unable to make a phone call or send a text message, there is a chance that the SIM card inside of the phone is loose. Open the chamber where the SIM card resides and make sure it is straight and tight. Then attempt to call or text again.

4. If the phone freezes and will not scroll from one menu to the next, make calls or even turn off, remove the battery from the phone and wait about a minute until you replace the battery. This is called a hard shock, and it allows the phone the opportunity to reset itself and take care of its problems internally.

5. If you are attempting to hook up a new Bluetooth device to your Samsung phone but have found that the phone will not recognize the device, you should update your phone to have the latest firmware. Visit the Samsung download center to determine if you have the most recent firmware on your phone (see Resources).

Tags: cell phone, Samsung phone, your Samsung phone, battery depleted, cell tower, home office

Waterproof A Brick Basement

The techniques for repairing brick basements are much the same as those for cement block basements.

Older homes may have brick basement walls. Over time, brick walls can start to leak or develop moisture seepage, requiring repair. Before you begin to waterproof brick basement walls, you must seal all cracks. Waterproofing your brick basement walls is much more inexpensive when done by you, the homeowner, rather than hiring a professional who may charge an arm and a leg to get the same job done. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the brick basement walls for any small or large cracks. Use a stiff brush to clean and brush away any dirt, dust and small particles from around the cracks.

2. Vacuum the area with a shop vacuum. Place the floor attachment onto the shop vacuum, and vacuum the entire surface of the brick walls.

3. Mix epoxy-waterproofing mix in a bucket according to the package instructions. Dip a paintbrush into the epoxy-waterproofing mixture and brush it over any small, hairline cracks in the brick basement walls. Allow the mix to dry.

4. Set a chisel in the freezer for one hour. Remove it and tap a hammer on the chisel head to turn any cracks where water is seeping in into larger dovetail cracks, 1/8 inch or bigger.

5. Place hydraulic cement---refer to the back of the package for the amount---into a bucket and stir in enough water to make a sludgy mix with a long wooden spoon.

6. Use a trowel to push the cement into the dovetailed larger cracks. Use the flat side of the trowel to smooth the cement over the bricks. For extra moisture protection, pour the hydraulic cement mixture in a line along the brick basement floor, where the wall joins to the floor. Allow the hydraulic cement to thoroughly dry.

7. Brush a waterproofing sealer over the entire surface of the brick basement with a long-handled paintbrush roller. Different waterproofing sealers require different methods of application, so refer to the included instructions for complete details. Depending on which sealer you use, you may have to use a fine-mist sprayer to dampen the brick walls before application.

Tags: basement walls, brick basement walls, brick basement, brick basement, brick walls, entire surface

Qualify For A Grant For A Roof On A Hud House

FHA loans make repairs on fixer uppers possible.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sells homes at below market value which were acquired as the result of owner foreclosures on FHA-insured mortgages. HUD home buyers are expected to be financially solvent and ready for purchase with either cash or an approved loan. Likewise, HUD expects home buyers to be able to afford home repairs and does not give grants for repairs or renovations. HUD home buyers may, however, apply for an FHA-203(k) rehabilitation loan. This loan consolidates borrowed money for home purchase and repair into one mortgage. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Contact an FHA-approved lender or 203(k) mortgage consultant. Explain to the consultant that you would like to secure rehabilitation funding in addition to the purchase loan to replace or repair the roof on your HUD home. The lender/consultant will have the knowledge to begin the necessary steps.

2. Allow the consultant to conduct a feasibility study. Similar to a house appraisal, during a feasibility study consultants evaluate properties for repair and write estimates of repair costs. The written estimates will then be explained and presented for your approval.

3. Authorize the lender/consultant to create a work write-up. A work write-up is a repair expense itemization which can financed into the loan. Once an agreed-upon loan amount is reached, an actual appraisal will be ordered based on the write-up. Appraisals are ordered to establish an "after improvements" value on the property.

4. Allow the lender to submit the loan to FHA for underwriting. While the loan is being approved, home builders compete to complete the work on your home. When the loan is finally approved, a payment is made toward the property's purchase price while the remaining funds remain in escrow until the roof repair or replacement is completed. Builders may be paid during the rehabilitation process as work is completed or get paid all at once when all of the work is done. All repairs must be completed within six months of the purchase date.

Tags: home buyers, feasibility study, lender consultant, work write-up, your home

Become A Contractor For Insurance Companies

Insurance companies have a constant need for skilled, reliable contractors.

Becoming a contractor is a huge undertaking no matter how much skill you have in the industry. One of the biggest challenges the new contractor faces is finding new clients. But if your specialty is remodeling and repair, then there are unlimited jobs just waiting to be had if you know where to look. Once you become a licensed contractor and get a few years of experience under your belt, you can talk to various insurance companies. Every time a claim for damage is made against an insurance policy, someone has to perform that work. You could be that someone.

Instructions

1. Go to your local licensing authority. Fill out the necessary paperwork and obtain a business license. Purchase a liability policy from your insurance agent covering you and your business for at least $1 million.

2. Contact your state's contractor's licensing board. Fill out the necessary applications. Study the recommended materials. Show up early at the testing facility on the day of your exam. Take and pass the exam to become a licensed contractor.

3. Work at various job sites. Focus on doing every job within the time limit allotted and under budget if at all possible. Keep track of the specifics of every project to build a portfolio. Gain at least five years of experience, doing each job to the best of your ability every time.

4. Visit several local insurance companies. Take your portfolio with you to show the office manager. Give each company your contact information and ask to be placed on their list of available contractors. Avoid applying with your personal insurance company to eliminate the possibility of the appearance of a conflict of interest.

5. Have an authorized representative from each client company sign a general service contract that was drafted by your attorney. Be sure to obtain a signature on this document before starting your first job for each client.

6. Maintain your tools at all times. Clean them at the end of each day during every project. Organize and store your tools in a secure van behind locked doors with the alarm set.

7. Keep your driving, professional contractor and criminal records clean at all times. Any change in any of these records may end your association with any insurance company.

8. Approach each and every project in a professional manner. Be early for all appointments. Perform each job to the best of your abilities using the proper tools and superior supplies.

9. Keep a dedicated cell phone for business only. Answer this phone every time it rings if possible. Return all messages in a timely fashion. Respond to each call as soon as possible.

10. Provide each insurance company with detailed invoices at the end of every project. Include the work hours, type of labor done and the supplies used. Submit receipts and give them a total price for your services.

Tags: every project, insurance company, become licensed, become licensed contractor, best your, each best

Repair Sling Patio Chairs

The fabric on sling patio chairs generally needs to be replaced every three to eight years.

Outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to abuse from the elements. As a result, your furniture can become brittle, faded and frayed. The fabric on sling patio chairs generally needs to be replaced every three to eight years, depending on level of use and sun exposure. You can order replacement fabric online or at a local patio store. Some retailers will try to match your existing fabric. However, it is usually best to replace the fabric on all of your chairs at the same time because of fading. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pop the caps off of both ends of each rail. Use a flat-head screwdriver or a pair of pliers to slide the caps out of the rail. Use caution when removing the caps--they may be brittle and cracked. Handle them carefully when removing. Set the caps aside.

2. Cut the sling in half down the middle of the chair. Use a straightedge razor or sharp scissors to cut the sling in half from the top to the bottom.

3. Pull each half of the sling out of the sling rails. Where the sling is stuck, use a flat-head screwdriver to pull the sling out of the rail. Work the tip of the screwdriver under the sling inside the rail and work the sling out. Slide the sling out of the rail.

4. Find the bolts that hold the sling rails in place. Unscrew the bolts. If the bolts are difficult to move, squirt some WD40 or NAPA 6300. Use the appropriate-sized tool to remove the bolts. Set the bolts aside.

5. Remove the sling rails from the chair frame. Make a mental note, or place a piece of tape to mark which is the top of the sling rail as well as which one goes on the left and right portions of the chair.

6. Insert the sling spines along the edge of the new sling. Slide the spine through the holes on each side of the sling. If you are having trouble feeding the spine through the hole on the edge of the sling, use a knife to sharpen the tip of the spine.

7. Slide the slings into the sling rails. Be sure that you are returning the sling rails to their original position.

8. Screw the bolts into their original places to hold the sling rails in place. Finger-tighten the bolts, leaving some slack in the sling for adjustments.

9. Adjust the sling so that it is even at the bottom and free of wrinkles. Use pliers to move the sling into place at both the top and the bottom. Once the sling is properly adjusted, tighten the bolts to hold the sling tightly in place.

10. Trim any excess fabric from the end of the rails. Insert the end caps.

Tags: sling rails, hold sling, sling rail, bolts bolts, chairs generally, chairs generally needs

Repair A Home Boiler

Repair a Home Boiler

If you own an older home, then chances are that you have a boiler that uses radiators to heat your home. While this is no longer a very popular way to heat your home or apartment, if you have one, you may notice that it occasionally needs repair. Most boiler repairs aren't difficult for the experienced do-it-yourselfer, and some tips exist on fix your home boiler. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Re-light the pilot light if you notice that you are not getting any heat from your home boiler. Most often, it is simply a case of the pilot light getting blown out. Allow adequate time for the boiler to heat up again after a pilot light has been re-lit.

2. Notice the amount of heat that you are getting from your radiators. If you realize that you are getting some heat, but not as much as you used to, you probably have a problem with low pressure. Check the boiler's pressure gauge for a reading of above 12psi. If it is below that, you'll need to add water to the boiler.

3. Look at the floor around your home boiler. If you notice that your boiler is leaking water, then check the pressure gauge for a pressure that is too high, or above 15psi. If this is the case, you need to empty some of the water out to get it to the proper pressure reading of 12-15psi.

4. Test the radiators around your home for the state of their repair. If some are emitting heat, but some are not, then you boiler is most likely leaking air into the pipes. Release the valve found at the top of the radiator to relieve the pressure. Close it immediately if water comes out.

5. Make sure that the bolts on your piping and connection are secured tightly. Schedule maintentance for your boiler yearly, so that you can make sure it stays in good repair.

Tags: your home, notice that, pilot light, that getting, your home boiler, around your

Secure A Roof On A Mobile Home

Mobile homes have flat roofs.

A mobile home, like any other type of home, has a roof protecting it from rain and other outside elements. Roofs on mobile homes are flat, making them much easier to install. Roll roofing is the most common type of roof found on mobile homes. It is easy to install compared to metal or shingle roofs. Although it may not last as long, it is very cost efficient. Securing a roof to a mobile home is a job any homeowner can handle. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Run a tape measure along the length and width of the roof and record each measurement. Multiply the two together to get the total square footage of the roof. Inspect the sheathing on the roof to make sure it is not damaged. Check for loose boards and make sure no nails are sticking up.

2. Roll out the felt underlayment directly on top of the sheathing on the roof, beginning at the bottom left corner. Staple it in place with a staple gun. Insert a staple every 12 inches throughout the felt. Continue rolling across the roof until you reach the end. Cut the felt with a utility knife. Install a second row of felt above the first. Butt it together and continue in this manner until the entire roof has been covered.

3. Cut a strip that is 17 inches wide from the roll roofing. Make sure it is long enough to lay across the entire bottom of the roof. Apply roofing cement with a trowel and lay the strip down along the eave of the roof so it is even with the edge. Push down firmly so it can adhere to the felt.

4. Roll out the roofing on top of the 17 inch strip beginning in the bottom left corner of the roof. The roll roofing is 36 inches wide. Insert nails every 12 inches across the roofing, 4 1/2 inches and 13 inches up from the bottom. Cut the roofing with a utility knife when you reach the edge of the roof.

5. Set the second 36 inch layer above the first and install it as described above. Continue until the entire roof is covered with the roll roofing. Inspect the roof to make sure there are no nails sticking up and to verify that the roof is secured to the mobile home.

Tags: make sure, mobile home, roll roofing, with utility knife, above first

Repair A Popcorn Ceiling

Though its appeal varies, the popcorn ceiling treatment has several advantages. It is cost-effective, is relatively easy to apply and has some acoustical advantages. One of the several disadvantages, however, is that repairs can be tricky. If you don't match the texture of the existing ceiling well, your repair can be noticeable. In addition, if you don't resolve the underlying reason for the original damage, your repair won't last. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the reason for the damage and fix accordingly. If it's a hole from a ceiling hook or other similar damage, you only need to fill the hole or dent before you apply the texture. If the damage is from water or other leaks, fix the leak and take care of any underlying damage before you repair the textured area of the ceiling.

2. Prepare the damaged area by sanding it smooth and removing all old texture from it. If any of the damaged texture remains, your new texture may not stick. Prime the damaged area.

3. Match your texture. For a more personalized match, use a paint additive as opposed to a premixed spray-on texture. This allows you to have more control over the size and concentration of the aggregate used to get the popcorn effect. You can buy fine-, medium- or coarse-grade aggregate. Mix a small batch and paint it on a spare piece of plywood or drywall. Gradually add aggregate until you've matched the existing ceiling.

4. Protect your nontarget areas by covering them well, because this texture technique is quite messy. Have water and rags or sponges available for quickly cleaning any messes that may spread beyond your protected area.

5. Apply the texture. You can use a roller for most areas. If the repair is close to a wall, you can use a brush or edger to get into the areas the roller can't reach. Apply the first pass until it overlaps the existing texture.

6. Randomize the effect. Without dipping your roller or brush back into the paint, go back over the area in several directions, applying from the wet areas to the dry areas. This minimizes any pattern that may develop from the first application. Don't overwork the area. You should stop after a minute or two of working.

7. Allow the area to dry. If the repaired area has less texture than the existing ceiling, you can add a second coat of texture. If it's acceptable, paint the repair using the same paint used on the rest of the ceiling.

Tags: existing ceiling, damaged area, your repair, your texture

Repair A Glass Figure

Broken figures can be repaired with two-part epoxy glue for glass.

A glass figure has multiple elements that make it susceptible to breakage. Glass tree sculptures, as an example, typically have protrusions that can easily get broken if you bump into them. Fortunately, you have the ability to put the object back together using a strong epoxy glue and a few household items. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Put on gloves and place the pieces of the broken glass figure in soapy water. Gently scrub the broken areas with a washcloth, rinse off the soap, and allow the parts to air dry. This step ensures that accumulated debris does not keep the glue from bonding.

2. Squeeze epoxy glue out onto a piece of newspaper until the glue circle reaches the diameter of a quarter. Epoxy contains two separate solutions, distinguishable by the different colors, that do not come in contact with each other until you squeeze the bottle. Use a toothpick to thoroughly mix these two parts.

3. Stick your toothpick in the mixed glue and spread it completely over just one of the surface areas of the broken piece. If you put glue on both parts, excess glue will cause an unsightly overflow.

4. Bring the detached piece to the epoxy surface and lightly press the parts together. Hold this position as long as the epoxy container indicates.

5. Place your glass figure in a safe area where it is least likely to be bumped, and allow the glass to dry for the amount of time specified on your glue container. Typical drying times range from 12 to 24 hours.

Tags: epoxy glue, glass figure

The Central Airconditioner Is Not Cooling Down The House

Central air-conditioning should keep your house cool.

Central air-conditioning makes the summer months bearable, especially in hot and humid climates, so if your unit is not working correctly, getting the problem fixed will probably be a top priority. There are a number of reasons that your air-conditioner is not cooling down your house, including everything from a clogged filter to a flipped breaker switch, so it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact problem. The best course of action is to make the easy repairs and fixes first, before calling in a professional. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the windows and doors around your house for cracks or openings. Gaps that are wide enough can flood the area with warm air on hot days, causing your air-conditioner to have issues keeping up. This issue will also normally cause isolated rooms to feel extra cold, as the extra air-conditioning is being pumped everywhere to try and make up for the heat in the main living space.

2. Feel the air that is coming out of your vents. If it is warm, your system may have frozen over after running continuously. Turn the unit off for an hour, and then turn it back on, to see if that fixed the issue.

3. Check the outdoor unit to make sure it is running. Often the indoor air handler and the outdoor compressor are on different switches, making you think the whole unit is working when it really isn't. If the unit is off, check the breaker box to correct the issue.

4. Remove and clean the air filter on the indoor air handler. The location of the filter will vary depending on your exact unit, but it will be located somewhere on the side of the unit. You may have to loosen a few screws that hold the filter in place to get it out, then just wipe the collected dust away.

5. Check the air handler for a switch labeled "Summer/Winter" and flip it to the "Summer" position. Not all units will have this, but if yours is set to the wrong season, it can cause the cool air not to make it to the vents.

6. Turn the power off to the outdoor air-conditioning unit. Clean the area around the unit, then unscrew and remove the top cover. Clean out dirt or debris inside the unit. Cover the motor with a garbage bag and spray the fins with a water hose to clear out any debris. Reassemble the unit, turn it back on and see if the air is any cooler.

7. Check all the duct work that you can reach, which will normally be in the attic. Run your hand along the ducts and see of your can feel cool air leaking out anywhere. You can attempt to patch holes with duct tape, although you will eventually need a professional to come and fix your ducts.

Tags: your house, Central air-conditioning, indoor handler, turn back, unit working, your air-conditioner

Ssi Mortgage & Energy Help

Govenment programs can provide mortgage and utility assistance for SSI recipients.

The majority of mortgage and energy assistance programs do not offer help specifically for people who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. However, SSI recipients may automatically qualify for certain assistance programs due to their SSI eligibility. If you need mortgage help, you may qualify for foreclosure-prevention programs offered by the federal government. Programs administered by governments, utility companies, and nonprofit organizations may also offer short- or long-term assistance to help pay your energy bills.

Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program in 32 states and Puerto Rico. The EHLP offers no-interest loans to help you repay delinquent mortgage payments and may provide ongoing financial assistance to help with mortgage payments for a maximum of two years. To qualify for the EHLP, you must have lost income due to a medical condition, underemployment or unemployment, and be delinquent on your mortgage payments by three or more months. You must also meet income limits and have the ability to resume regular mortgage payments after assistance ends. The EHLP offers loans on single-family residences and caps assistance at $50,000, as of June 2011.

Making Home Affordable

HUD, in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, offers foreclosure assistance to homeowners throughout the country through the Making Home Affordable program. If you qualify for MHA's Home Affordable Modification Program, you can reduce your mortgage payments to 31 percent of your income, according to MHA. The HAMP uses a three-step loan-modification approach, which includes interest rate reductions, loan term extensions and deferment of principal payments. The Second Lien Modification Program can help you reduce payments for a second mortgage by reducing your interest rate, deferring principal payments or extending your loan term up to 40 years.

LIHEAP

If you face financial hardship paying your utility bill, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may provide the help you need. HHS offers LIHEAP funding to states, tribal organizations and territories that provide assistance to low-income, elderly and disabled citizens. Each grantee designs its own energy-assistance program, which may include utility bill payment assistance or free energy-efficiency home repairs. If you receive SSI benefits, you may qualify for automatic or expedited eligibility for LIHEAP assistance.

Utility Companies

Utility providers across the U.S. offer energy assistance programs for customers struggling to pay their energy bills. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., for instance, offers monthly discounts to qualified customers through the Care program. PGE extends eligibility to customers who receive public benefits, such as SSI, Medicaid and food stamps. You must recertify for the program every two to four years to continue receiving benefits.

Nonprofit Organizations

Certain nonprofit organizations offer utility assistance, mortgage assistance or both for households facing financial emergencies. The Salvation Army, for example, provides temporary assistance to help households pay their utility bills in times of hardship. Catholic Charities USA offers assistance with basic needs, which can include mortgage and utility bill payment assistance. Established in 1910, Catholic Charities offers assistance through local chapters throughout the United States.

Tags: mortgage payments, assistance help, assistance programs, Home Affordable, utility bill

Find Housing For Disabled People

Housing for persons with disabilities continues to be a major challenge. The demand is growing as America’s population ages since about half of all people will acquire an impairment at some point in their lives. Fortunately there are a wide variety of resources available to help find housing for disabled people. This article describes the steps you can take to find housing for disabled people.

Instructions

1. Determine what accommodations are needed. Because impairments are diverse, so are the needs of the individual with a disability. In some cases the need may be for financial assistance only. In others, specific modifications to a residence such as a wheelchair ramp are necessary. For persons with intellectual or psychiatric disabilities a group home might be appropriate. Finally, for persons with severe disabilities, assistance must be provided for doing daily tasks. Consult the person’s doctor or rehabilitation agency beforehand to find out what is required.

2. Contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD provides a number of programs and maintains a list of approved counseling agencies in local areas. In some cases they can provide financial assistance as well. You can reach HUD by calling toll-free at (800) 569-4287 or visiting their website.

3. Look for financial assistance from government agencies. In addition to HUD there are a variety of financial assistance and grant programs. Go to GovBenefits.gov to research federal grant opportunities. If you or someone you know is facing financial difficulties due to a disability, act promptly to avoid eviction or foreclosure.

4. Contact an Independent Living Center (ILC) in your area. ILCs are nonprofit community organizations inspired by the founding of the ILC movement in San Francisco in 1968 and have grown to a national network. Independent living is an approach that allows persons with disabilities to live on their own and provides necessary accommodations, assistive devices and personal care as required. Use the link below to find a Center in your area and to learn more.

5. Get in touch with state and local agencies. Every state has a Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and most administer housing assistance programs. Other resources include the United Way and local service organizations working with disabled people, such as centers for the visually impaired.

Tags: financial assistance, persons with, Center your, Center your area, disabled people, housing disabled, persons with disabilities

Handicapped Bathroom Grants For Veterans

Grants give veterans the money to make sure their bathrooms are safe and accessible.

It is an unfortunate reality that those who enter military service often gain injuries that leave them permanently disabled. These disabilities may make it very difficult for veterans to use a bathroom safely and independently. This problem may be solved by adapting the veteran's bathroom to meet the veteran's physical limitations and needs. Because of the cost of such adaption, the government and private institutions allocate grant monies to disabled veterans who meet specific criteria.

Specially Adapted Housing Grants

The United States Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) offers the Specially Adapted Housing Grant. Monies from this grant may be given to veterans with service-connected disabilities that have resulted in blindness, loss of or loss of use of a limb and hindered mobility that results in the use of crutches, wheelchairs or other equipment.

A typical bathroom modification under this grant might be the installation of a walk-in bathtub or the widening of the bathroom door for wheelchair access. Grant allocations per individual cannot exceed $50,000. More information and application instructions are available from the VA website (homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm) or by calling the local VA office in your area.

Special Home Adaptations Grants

The Special Home Adaptations Grants is the second specially adapted housing grant offered by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs. Grantees must have a permanent, service-related disability. The disability may be either blindness in both eyes or the loss or loss of use of one or both hands. Bathroom renovations under this grant might include installation of automatic or voice-activated sinks and plumbing fixtures, since blindness and/or the loss of a hand or hands makes operating traditional faucets and switches more problematic. The maximum award through this program is $10,000. Less money is allocated to this program because the Specially Adapted Housing Grant already covers modifications for more severe disabilities.

Temporary Residence Adaptation Grants

Both the Specially Adapted Housing Grant and Special Home Adaptations Grant are aimed toward veterans who own homes. However, not all veterans own a residence. Some choose to live with a family member. The VA now recognizes that these individuals could not receive assistance under previous programs. Thus, it offers the Temporary Residence Adaptation Grants.

The veteran must qualify for a SAH or SHA grant to apply, but may use $14,000 of an SAH or $2,000 of an SHA grant toward modifications of a family member's home rather than to a property he owns. Funding for this program past June 2011 is dependent on program extension votes by congress.

Tags: Adapted Housing, Specially Adapted, Home Adaptations, Special Home, Special Home Adaptations, this grant, this program

Tv Repair Questions & Answers

Television repairmen can help you avoid the cost of a new television.

While many people buy new television when their old one has problems, others still go to the television repairman. The electronic home service technician field has a projected growth rate of 11 percent in the years between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those currently working in the field stay abreast of current technology. It doesn't matter if you have a cathode ray tube television or a liquid crystal display TV--your local repairman will know what to do.

What Does the Cost Entail?

The cost of repairing a television isn't just the sum of parts and labor. It includes a number of other factors such as the transportation to and from your home whether the the television is being repaired in your home or being picked up by the repair shop. Repairmen must also research problems you are reporting to them and may need to order literature to find solutions. Delivery costs for parts will also be included in your bill, explicitly or otherwise.

Should the Television be Repaired?

You'll generally need to pay an initial diagnostic fee, but the technician will advise if it is worth repairing your television or if you'd be better off buying a new one. In older televisions, if cathode ray tubes are defective or broken the television is not worth fixing, however, this is a rare problem. Even if the cost of repairing a television is close to that of buying a new one, it is important to remember that your current television may be of superior quality to a new television bought on the cheap.

What Do I Do If a Recently Repaired TV Breaks Again?

Few things are more frustrating than having a television break shortly after shelling out hard earned money for a repair. Check and see if the television is still under the repair warranty offered by the repair shop. If it is, you should have little trouble getting the shop to perform another set of repairs. However, even if the repair warranty has expired, you should still contact the repairman to see if he is willing to repair the television again. Many shops are will work with you on repairs, particularly if you are asking them to repair a problem they have previously worked on.

What are Common Television Problems?

Common television problems include defective power buttons, horizontal circuits, power supplies and vertical detection circuits. The first three problems make it impossible for you to turn your television on and off. Faulty vertical detection circuits create a colored line in the middle of the television screen.

Tags: cost repairing, cost repairing television, detection circuits, repair shop, repair warranty, repairing television

Care For The Female Reproductive System

Care for the Female Reproductive System

Infertility can be heartbreaking and treating it can be expensive. While no one can guarantee you won't have fertility problems, you can help prevent them by taking a few precautions before you begin thinking about conceiving a child. Caring for your reproductive system is important for a woman's overall health as well.

Instructions

1. Quit smoking. Smoking damages your ovaries, interferes with the production of estrogen and makes your eggs prone to genetic abnormalities.

2. Maintain a healthy body weight. If you weigh too little, you won't produce enough estrogen and your reproductive system will shut down. If you weigh too much, you'll have too much estrogen in your system, which acts like birth control medication, and in your later years, is a risk factor for cancer.

3. Practice safe sex. Some sexually transmitted diseases can render you infertile. Many of these diseases have no symptoms at first, so you can severely damage your fertility before you know you have them.

4. Get a regular gynecological examination. Your doctor will check the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries and screen you for cervical cancer.

5. Receive treatment recommendations from your doctor for conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.

6. Avoid vaginal infections, which can result in damage to your uterus if left untreated. Precautions include changing tampons regularly, cleaning yourself properly after using the toilet, taking care of genital piercings and staying out of contaminated water.

7. Take steps to be healthier. A healthy diet, regular exercise and stress management all help to keep your reproductive system, along with all your body's systems, in good shape.

Tags: your reproductive, your reproductive system, Care Female, Care Female Reproductive, damage your, estrogen your, Female Reproductive

Veteranowned Business Grants

Business grants for American veterans can help secure much-needed funds.

Many discharged and retired veterans find that business ownership provides fulfilling stability and joy after they've served in the military. Veteran-owned businesses are an important portion of the U.S. business world, with nearly three million entrepreneurs according, to 2002 U.S. Census statistics. However, veterans do not always receive the recognition and funding opportunities they are due. For those in search of grant funding for veteran-owned businesses, there are promising federal and private opportunities waiting to be utilized.

Veteran Entrepreneurship Support Grant

The Veteran Entrepreneurship Support Grant is sponsored by the Veterans Corporation and offers funding to help veterans who are starting a business, or who already own a business and need extra financial assistance. Grant amounts vary depending upon financial need and availability.

National Veterans Business Development Corporation

P.O. Box 220

Oxford, Maryland 21654

info@veteranscorp.org

202-349-0860

veteranscorp.org

The McCormick Foundation

The McCormick Foundation has grant opportunities for veterans who are trying to re-enter civilian life and experiencing various financial difficulties associated with re-assimilation into civilian society. The grant offers funds to veteran entrepreneurs who need startup funds, or those who are experiencing hardship within already established business endeavors.

McCormick Foundation

205 North Michigan Avenue

Suite 4300

Chicago, IL 60601

312-445-5000

Info@MccormickFoundation.org

mccormickfoundation.org

VetFran

VetFran supports veterans who wish to buy franchising businesses around the United States. Aside from helping with initial franchising costs, VetFran offers support to existing franchise owners through grants, loans and other scholarship programs in the hopes of increasing veteran owned franchises throughout the United States. The grant is sponsored by the International Franchise Association and is available to honorably discharged or retired U.S. veterans.

International Franchise Association

1501 K Street, N.W., Suite 350

Washington, D.C. 20005

202-628-8000

franchise.org

Center for Veteran Enterprise

The Center for Veteran Enterprise was created by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to help veterans entering the business world and to provide informational and fiscal support to veteran-owned businesses throughout the United States. In addition to low-interest loan programs for business owners, like the Patriot Express loan, the center also provides grant funding.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE)

810 Vermont Avenue, N. W.

Washington, D.C. 20420

vip@mail.va.gov

www.vetbiz.gov

Tags: McCormick Foundation, United States, business world, Center Veteran, Center Veteran Enterprise

Stimulus Package Problems

In February 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the "stimulus package." The law authorized $787 billion in new federal spending for the purpose of spurring a quick national recovery from a steep economic recession. The stimulus package has been subject to a sharp debate between supporters and opponents, and taking a look at some of the arguments on both sides should shed light on the controversy.

What's a Stimulus?

The purpose of an economic stimulus is to combat the effects of an economic slowdown by promoting and supporting economic activity, creating jobs, spurring consumer spending and expanding credit. The ARRA offered tax credits and one-time tax rebates as well as assistance to home and car buyers, expanded unemployment benefits, authorized money for road and bridge building and repair, made new investments in "clean energy" projects and offered federal money to public schools and health facilities.

Poor Timing

The stimulus package was passed early in the Obama administration and was promoted as a method of bringing about a quick economic recovery. However, much of the federal money granted by the new law took several months to work its way through bureaucratic channels before it could be spent. By the summer of 2009, the effects of the stimulus package were still minimal, and the economy was still in recession.

Federal Deficits

The new spending came at a time of rising federal budget deficits, largely caused by lower tax receipts at a time of economic recession. Those who opposed the stimulus package saw it as actually hindering the economy in the long run, as the borrowing necessary to finance the law might have the effect of spurring inflation, weakening the dollar's value, and raising interest rates in the private sector.

Politics

Critics of the stimulus package included nearly all Republican congressional representatives and governors, a few of whom resisted accepting stimulus money for their states. As a result, the benefits of the stimulus package did not reach all taxpayers in an equal manner. Rather than a boon to the economy, the stimulus package became a divisive political issue.

Pork Barrel Spending

Many lawmakers added stimulus projects based in their home districts to the final version of the bill. These projects were criticized by some as being of dubious value to the economy as a whole, and designed solely to curry favor with voters. In this view, rather than stimulate the economy, pork-barrel spending provides a limited number of jobs and economic benefits to the country as a whole.

Tags: stimulus package, economic recession, federal money

Understand What A Student Loan Can Be Used For

Yes, it's called a student loan and it's meant to pay for school, but what constitutes a school expense? Whether you're scrupulous or paranoid, you might want to find out what to do with that financial aid check. Here's understand what a student loan can be used for.

Instructions

1. Understand how the money is handled before you get it. Most grants and loans are automatically applied to your tuition first, so you don't have to worry about that. After that, most schools will write you a check for whatever is left over.

2. Be smart. Just because you can spend your money on whatever doesn't mean you should. As a general rule of thumb, you should stick to spending money on school expenses such as books, room and board, and transportation.

3. Visit a financial aid counselor. The quickest way to find out is to ask your school's financial aid office. They have the final say on all matters of financial aid.

4. Explain extra expenses (dental, car repairs, computer) to your financial aid office in full. Depending on the institution, your circumstance may demonstrate sufficient need to expand your loan.

5. Bring a copy of your rent contract and utility bills to be confirmed by the financial aid office of your school. If you are living off campus, you can get your school to include your bills in the cost of attendance.

6. Consider meeting with private lenders. Private lenders will usually have loan terms delineated on paper as well as explained to you in person. Alternative, non-government loans will vary widely in their terms.

Tags: financial office, your school, student loan

Scrap A Mobile Home

If you own a mobile home that you want to scrap, you need to find out your options.

If you have a mobile home that you really don't want anymore then there are a variety of things you can do with it to get it out of your possession and off to a more useful life. If you want to just scrap your mobile home then you need to find out where you can take it, and what parts of the mobile home will be accepted. Anything that you can't scrap after all will need to be disposed of somewhere else. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Evaluate your mobile home. If the home is road worthy then you might be able to just drive it to a scrap yard, or someone might accept it in one piece. If on the other hand your mobile home is damaged, then you might need to get someone to take it from your property, or you might have to dismantle it there and move it in pieces.

2. Call all of the scrap dealers in your local area. You should check your local Yellow Pages under Scap Yards and do an Internet search for scrap yards in your area. Ask if they accept whole mobile homes for scrap. If they do you can simply bring your mobile home to the yard and have it scrapped. If not then you'll need to dismantle your mobile home yourself and take out all of the valuable pieces.

3. Transport your mobile home to the scrap yard of choice. If you can bring it whole, bring it whole. If not, then strip it apart at home and separate the valuable materials like copper wiring, metal plates, aluminum and steel and then bring these items separately to the scrap dealer. Dispose of any left over parts in your garbage or recycle them if they can be recycled.

Tags: mobile home, your mobile, your mobile home, bring whole, home that, mobile home that

Fix Computer Freeze Or Lockup

Fix computer freeze or lockup.

Computer freeze is one of the most common computer problems experienced and is typically easy to fix, particularly if it's an isolated problem. But if the computer locks up on a regular basis, your computer may have a more serious issue. Most often, simply uninstalling the problematic program, updating hardware and software or cleaning your drives will do the trick. But in more persistent cases of computer freeze, there are a few things you can try before giving up or bringing in the professionals.

Instructions

1. Relax and wait 5 to 10 minutes when your computer freezes. Sometimes a process will terminate and your computer will return to a normal state. If the computer is still unresponsive after 10 minutes, then you can move on.

2. Press the "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" keys simultaneously to access the Windows Task Manager. The Task Manager dialog opens. From the "Applications" tab, view the list of running applications and look for the words "Not responding." From the "Processes" tab, highlight the process which is causing the computer to freeze. Click the "End Process" button. Wait a minute and see whether your computer returns to normal.

3. Turn off your computer manually by pressing the "Power" button. Perform this step as a last result if you've waited ten minutes and tried to access the Task Manager without success. Restart your computer and wait for it to boot-up completely. Do not open any programs. Instead, proceed to the next step to prevent the computer freezing again.

4. Perform a disc cleanup and defragment your hard drive. Select disc cleanup by navigating to the "Start" menu, selecting "Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools" and "Disk Cleanup."

Select the Disk Defragmenter by navigating to the "Start" menu, selecting "Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools" and Disk Defragmenter. If the computer freeze persists after running these applications, proceed to the next step.

5. Download the latest updates for your version of Windows, which can be found on the Microsoft website (windowsupdate.Microsoft.com) or through your Windows Updater. Perform a full virus-scan and make sure your virus software is up-to-date. Some nasty viruses and Trojans can cause computer freeze and other computer problems. If your machine still locks up, proceed to the next step.

6. Uninstall any programs that you no longer use or that you suspect might be causing the computer freeze, particularly if it often becomes unresponsive while running. Always remove programs by selecting the "Add/Remove programs" option from the Control Panel.

7. Upgrade your drivers for any hardware you have installed, such as video cards or sound cards. Visit the manufacturer's website or refer to your documentation to find out where to download driver upgrades. If the computer freeze still occurs, more drastic measures may have to be taken.

8. Take the side panel off of your computer using a screwdriver to remove the screws and spray the inside thoroughly with a can of compressed air. Dust often accumulates inside the hardware, causing freezing, crashing, overheating and even hardware failure. Clean your computer thoroughly, and then determine whether your computer runs more smoothly. If not, proceed to the next step.

9. Reinstall Windows. This is an absolute last ditch effort, and if it doesn't fix your computer-freezing problems. If the computer freeze still persists, you may have a faulty motherboard, processor or hard drive. Consult with a technician to replace the faulty part.

Tags: your computer, computer freeze, next step, proceed next, proceed next step, Task Manager, Accessories System

Schedule Building Maintenance

City Hall is here to help.

Proper building maintenance is imperative to keeping a business or apartment building suitable for occupation and keeping it a sound investment. A comprehensive building maintenance schedule to address any repair issues as well as preventative maintenance will ensure your tenants will stay as happy as your profit margins are high.

Instructions

1. Inspect the building. You should have a professional building inspector visit and do a complete assessment of the building from interior and exterior to plumbing and heating. He will give you a detailed list of the areas that need improvement as well as give you an idea of which projects should be prioritized. In some cases, he may be able to estimate repair costs.

2. List your repairs. Write each area of the building along the top of a piece of paper, such as plumbing, interior, exterior, electrical and appliances, then write down each repair under its appropriate category. This gives you an idea of which areas need the most improvement. You may be surprised at the sheer number of the items on the list, but remember that they do not all have to be done at once.

3. Prioritize the projects. Any projects that may affect the health and well-being of your tenants should be done immediately so as not to endanger your tenants or expose you to litigation. Outdated wiring and appliances should be made a priority after that, and any cosmetic changes can be done at your leisure.

4. Make a list of preventative maintenance requirements. Just because the heating and cooling system wasn't on the list, doesn't mean it shouldn't be cleaned or checked out. Scheduling in time to replace intake filters or refill water softener tablets can save you money in repairs later and show your tenants that you are looking out for them and their business.

5. Draft the schedule. Your list should now be prioritized by section of the house. Look at your finances and financial outlook to see how much you can do right away and what you can afford down the line. Create a plan for the year, if not two years, with goals and objectives for each month, that also incorporates preventative maintenance. (A listing of items to look for during inspection is provided as Reference 2).

Tags: your tenants, preventative maintenance, building maintenance, idea which, interior exterior

New Mexico State Construction Laws

New Mexico laws regulate the construction industry in the state.

In New Mexico, the construction industry is regulated by state law. Building contractors have to abide by the general building codes, and separate codes exist for specific industries working in construction, such as the electrical and plumbing codes. The general construction code includes regulations concerning the construction of garages, and repairs and alterations to historic buildings.

Garages For Residential Property..

Part three of Chapter seven of the New Mexico residential building code includes rules concerning the construction of garages. Rule 309.1 states that garage floors must be made of non-combustible material and that any floor area where cars or other vehicles are parked must have a slope of at least 1 percent, to allow any liquids, such as leaking hydraulic fluids, or gasoline, to drain away.The slope must fall away in the direction of a drain, or the main entrance to the garage. The interior wall separating the garage from the main residence and the ceiling of the garage, must consist of type X gypsum board, which must be at least five-eighths of an inch thick. Garage walls must comply with this regulation, even when the garage is separate from the main residence, if the garage is within three feet of the residence.

Historic Earthen Buildings

New Mexico contains a number of historic buildings made from earth and other natural materials. Part eight of Chapter seven of the New Mexico building codes contains the rules established by statutory authority, that relate to construction and repair of historic earthen buildings. Whenever a historic earthen building is undergoing repair or alteration, the drainage of water from the roof of the building has to be investigated, and a report must be filed stating whether the roof drains adequately. If current roof drainage is not acceptable, the nature of the problem must be included in the report and the action required to remedy the situation must also be included in the report.

All repairs or alterations to historic earthen buildings must be carried out using original materials or materials that were used originally. Alterations must not reduce the structural strength of any part of the building.

Building Code General Provisions

Compliance with the New Mexico building code contained in the New Mexico construction industry division (CID) rules, is the responsibility of anyone who works on a construction or repair project. Every licensed contractor is responsible for compliance with work that he does, including work done by building, electrical and gas contractors.

Where there is a conflict between two separate New Mexico building codes concerning, for example, the use of materials, or methods of construction, the most restrictive of the conflicting codes will apply. If one of the conflicting codes is more specific than the other, the more specific code applies. For example, one code may specifiy a particular grade of electrical cable to be used in the construction of residential homes, while a conflicting code may specify a different grade of cable to be used for a speciic purpose, such as wiring for an electrical water heater. In this situation, the water heater installation would have to comply with the code that specifies the cabling to be used with water heaters and not with the code that generally specifies cabling to be used in residential homes.

Tags: building codes, construction industry, historic earthen, Mexico building, alterations historic, building code, cable used

Frame Concrete Stairs

Concrete Steps

Concrete stairs are framed as a box or mold for the concrete. The frame is generally constructed of 2-inch nominal framing lumber cut to size, leveled, braced and reinforced in place by stakes driven solidly in the ground. The ground must be level (or leveled) and compacted, or the natural soil must be sufficiently solid to carry the final dead weight of the concrete stairs and reinforcing steel. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Stair Design and Layout

1. Level and Line

Design the stairs to meet basic codes. They must be a minimum of 3 feet wide. The risers must be in an acceptable range, generally 5 to 7½ inches. The treads or steps are generally 11 to 12 inches. A typical set of concrete steps would be 42 inches wide. A minimum 3-foot by 3-foot landing must be provided at the top of the stairs and should be about 1½ inch below finished floor level. Assume the finished floor height of the house is 24 feet from a level graded lot. The finished landing height will be 22½ inches from grade. Using a 7½-inch riser (2x8 nominal board), we will end up with three risers and two treads. For our layout, we will use 12-inch treads. So the overall length of the stairs will be 36 inches (landing) + (2 treads @ 12 inches = 24 inches) = 60 inches overall concrete by 42 inches in width.

2. Frame and Brace

Level the site and compact it if necessary to support the finished weight. Using twine and batter board or offset stakes, lay out the rectangle at ground level and square the corners using the 3-4-5 method. Next dig out a minimum 12-inch x 12-inch square footing all the way around the inside of the stair perimeter. Be sure the footings are level, square and clean. Be sure the area inside the perimeter is level and clean. This form will be open against the foundation wall, which is assumed to be concrete or block. Frame a three-sided form 60 inches inside on two sides and 42 inches inside on the third side. This is the first level form. Set the form in its final location at the edge of the footings. Drive 1x3 foundation stakes vertically firmly into the ground at all form corners and mid-points, making sure that the forms remains square.

3. Frame and Brace

Using a level or leveling device, start at a point on one side of the form against the foundation wall (which is exactly 24 inches from the finished floor of the house above). Level the frame and nail it to the vertical stakes, using the 8d duplex nails. Constantly check at each stake for level. When complete, the base form will be completely level. Next frame a 2x8 three-sided form to 42 inches by 50 inches. Place this on top of the base form and carefully level and nail at each stake. Repeat the process with a third frame of 42 inches by 40 inches, which will make the landing. This landing will be 1½ inches below the finished floor of the house and will have a finished surface of 40 inches x 42 inches. The risers will be 7½ inches, and the treads will be 12 inches.

4. Reinforcing Steel

Use 8d duplex nails to nail random 1x3 boards vertically as needed to reinforce the forms and hold the three levels tightly together. Next prepare four 2x4 pointed stakes and drive them firmly into the soil against the form at the foundation wall and at the first riser. Nail them with16d duplex nails for additional strength. Now start at one end of the the form, using the twine to keep the form straight, and drive 1x3 45-degree "kicker" stakes into the soil. Brace them into the 1x3 vertical stakes. Check for line at each vertical stake. Use kickers at the top of the first lower form, the top of the mid-height form and at mid-height on the highest form. Use 45-degree temporary braces inside the forms to keep them in line awaiting the concrete pour.

5. Prepare two bars of ½-inch steel rear-formed in a rectangle to fit in the stair footings. Hang the steel from the form boards at the center of the footing top and bottom. Also, form a rebar rectangle to hang mid-height on the top form board. Take three straight bars and tie them from the top steel rectangle to the front high steel in the footing by the first riser and tie off with tie wire. Take three 22-inch straight steel rebar pieces and tie them off from the landing steel rectangle to the steel rectangle in the footing. Wet down the forms, and you are done.

Tags: inches inches, will inches, finished floor, duplex nails, foundation wall, steel rectangle, against foundation

Home Repair Grants For Lowincome Families

Grants can help low-income families with much-needed home repairs.

According to a 2008 article from the Urban Institute, a nonpartisan economic and social policy research organization, one-third of American families are low income and many don't make enough money to cover the everyday costs of living, despite the fact that 80 percent of these families have one or more members with full-time jobs. When you're not making enough to keep food on the table, other expenses such as home repair may not be on the top of your priority list. Several government grants are available to help low-income families pay for home repairs. Does this Spark an idea?

USDA Rural Development Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development office offers grants to low-income homeowners through the Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants program. The program provides grants to "very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their dwellings or to remove health and safety hazards," according to grant guidelines. To be eligible, homeowners must make less than 50 percent of the median income of their area and be unable to obtain credit for home repairs. Grant funds can only be used to remove health or safety hazards. Grants range up to $7,500. If the home is sold within three years, homeowners may have to pay back the grant.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Rural Development Office

1400 Independence Ave. SW

Washington, DC 20250

202-690-1533

rurdev.usda.gov

King County Housing Authority

Washington State's King County Housing Authority offers grants through the Housing Repair and Weatherization program. Most grants are awarded to households run by seniors, people with disabilities or families with young children. Households in King County, outside of the Seattle city limits, that make less than 80 percent of the area median income are eligible. Repairs must improve health or safety, and can include projects such as "roof replacement; septic system repair; repair or replacement of rotted flooring or stairs; plumbing repairs; electrical repairs; deteriorated structure repair; or accessibility modifications, such as construction of wheelchair ramps," according to grant guidelines. Houses built before 1978 will also receive lead-based paint evaluation.

King County Housing Authority

Housing Repair and Weatherization

5200 Southcenter Blvd.

Suite 280

Tukwila, WA 98188

206-214-1240

kcha.org

City of Tallahassee

The City of Tallahassee, Florida, offers repair grants for low-income residents. The Emergency Home Repair grant program provides up to $10,000 to "improve the living conditions of income-based homeowners by removing health and safety hazards and/or architectural barriers," according to grant guidelines. Funds can be used for urgent home repair needs, energy retrofits and accessibility improvements. To qualify, applicants must make less than 50 percent of the area median income. The city also offers grants of up to $2,500 to low-income homeowners who are in violation of city codes. Grant funds must be used to make repairs to bring homes into compliance with code regulations.

City of Tallahassee

435 North Macomb St.

Tallahassee, FL 32301

850-891-6500

talgov.com

Tags: health safety, King County, according grant, according grant guidelines, City Tallahassee, County Housing

Repair A Plastic Refrigerator Liner

Like other large appliances, refrigerators are expensive to buy so you want yours to last a good long time. The outside of the cabinet is made from a fairly durable metal. The inside liner, however, if usually made of a hardened plastic. It's made to last for years to come. If a hard object comes forcefully against the liner, it can crack or break. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove all food and beverages from inside the refrigerator. Remove any shelving that may be in your way. Unplug the refrigerator and open the door. Allow the plastic liner to come to room temperature.

2. Hang the trouble light up so you can see inside the refrigerator, but so it's out of your way.

3. Use the power drill to very slowly make a small hole at one end of the crack. Be careful to drill just through the liner and not any further. Then, drill a small hole at the other end of the crack. The holes will prevent the crack from spreading across the plastic.

4. Check to make sure the affected area on the liner is clean and dry. Wipe away plastic shavings. Then, wipe over the area with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to remove grease and oil.

5. Use a food grade silicone sealant to repair the crack and seal the holes. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions in order to achieve the best results. Repair a small hole in a plastic refrigerator liner by simply sealing it closed in the same manner. You don't need to drill any holes.

6. Fix cracks and holes inside a refrigerator by ordering a plastic liner repair kit. You'll need to order according to the brand and model of the refrigerator you have. The Repair Clinic website (see Resources), for example, sells these kits. You'll need the model number of the refrigerator to get the correct kit.

Tags: inside refrigerator, small hole, plastic liner

Repair A Dvd Camcorder

The laser in a DVD camcorder writes data to the disc during the time video is being shot. Dirt and dust that has gotten into the laser mechanism inside the disc door will foul the laser lens, causing the laser to perform erratically. This results in skipped video and even blank spots on the disc. Repair the DVD camcorder by cleaning the laser lens so that the laser can perform efficiently again. A lens cleaner disc can be acquired from computer stores, electronics shops and even drugstores. It can prevent the need to take the DVD camcorder to a repair center for a costly cleaning. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the DVD camcorder on a table on its side with the disc door facing up. Open the disc door. Blow out the disc compartment with compressed air. Wipe the edges of the disc door and the interior of the disc compartment with clean edges of a lint-free cloth.

2. Remove the laser lens cleaning disc from its protective case. Hold the disc by its edges with one hand so that the side that has the brushes attached to it is facing up.

3. Apply drops of laser lens cleaning solution (provided with the disc) onto the brushes.

4. Place the disc into the disc compartment of the DVD camcorder. Adjust the disc so that it is lying on the spindle the way it would if a blank recordable DVD were in the disc compartment.

5. Close the disc door. Turn on the DVD camcorder. Press the "Play" button. Count to 30 seconds before pressing the "Stop" button.

6. Open the disc door, remove the disc and reapply solution to it in the same manner as before. Place the disc back into the disc compartment and close the disc door.

7. Press the "Play" button on the DVD camcorder. Count up to 30 seconds before pressing "Stop." Open the disc door. Remove the laser lens cleaning disc. Place the disc back into its protective case.

8. Blow out the disc compartment with compressed air. Close the disc door. Turn the DVD camcorder off.

Tags: disc door, disc compartment, laser lens, compartment with, disc compartment with