Federal Green Initiative Grants For Home Improvements

The Federal government has funds available for making green home improvements.

The federal government has allotted money for grants in the form of financing programs and tax credits to encourage people to move towards greener alternatives when considering home improvements. Through legislation passed by Congress, money has also been allotted to give consumers rebates and incentives to those who have purchased and installed energy-efficient appliances and home energy systems. Does this Spark an idea?

Tax Credits

There are several tax credits available to individuals who have purchased energy-efficient items such as biomass stoves, heating, ventilating, air conditioning units (HVAC), installed insulation, installed energy-efficient roofing, water heaters and energy-efficient windows and doors. If you have purchased and installed any of these items, you will receive a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost or a maximum of $1,500. The only stipulation is that these have to have been installed in an individual's primary residence.

Another tax credit offered is one for people who have installed geothermal heat pumps, small residential wind turbines or solar energy systems. If you have installed any of these systems, you qualify for a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost. Primary and second homes are included in this credit.

One other tax credit offered, is for individuals who have installed residential fuel cells. For those who qualify, a credit will be given which will be thirty percent of the cost or up to $500 per 0.5-kilowatt hour.

Financing

The Department of Energy offers financing for energy-efficient homes or help finance home improvements to make it an energy-efficient home. Program benefits include possibly qualifying for a larger home due to lowered utility bills---the savings you receive can afford you a larger mortgage.

To qualify for these government loans, your home first needs to be rated. Once it is rated, you will be given a report on how energy-efficient your home is or make it more energy efficient. The lender can add the cost of the energy-efficient upgrades to the mortgage or stretch the debt-to-income ratio for existing homes to help qualify individuals for a larger mortgage amount.

Weatherization Assistance Program

This program helps low income families make their homes more energy efficient. By making their homes energy efficient, it will help lower their utility bills. The program has helped families save an average of $437 per year on their utility bills. The federal government makes the funds available to the states and territories, who then manages how the money is dispersed. To apply for these funds, go to the state weatherization agency. The Department of Energy does not give these funds directly to individuals.

Rebates

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the federal government has allotted money for consumers to receive rebates for purchasing qualifying Energy Star-rated appliances. While the federal government funds the rebates, you have to apply to the state you live in to receive a rebate.

Tags: energy efficient, federal government, have installed, have purchased, home improvements, percent cost, allotted money

Get A Tax Credit By Replacing Your Old Roof

Updating your roof may qualify you for a tax rebate.

With the rising costs of supplies and labor, homeowners often look for ways to subsidize the cost of renovations and repairs. A tax credit from the federal government is a great way to help subsidize these costs. For example, in 2010, the government offered a tax credit of $1,500 for roof repairs. It is important to understand that tax credit qualifications, payouts and restrictions change yearly so it is important to complete research before planning your roofing repairs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Speak with your contractor regarding the changes you plan to make to your roof. Often they will know the current tax breaks available to homeowners and what qualifications you must meet to qualify for the tax credit. If your contractor does not know, consult with your tax adviser. They receive documents from the government each year outlining tax incentives and rebates. As a third alternative for finding out what rebates are available to you, research the Energy Star website.

2. Request an itemized description of the materials used to repair or replace tour roof, the cost for each item and an itemized cost of labor from your contractor. You need this information to know how much you spend and how much you can claim on your tax forms. Often, government rebates have a cap. For example, you can deduct 10 percent of the material costs but not the labor costs.

3. File tax form "IRS Form 5695" and fill in the necessary boxes with your claimed tax credit. Again, make sure you follow the outlined requirements for the tax credit to ensure you do not have any issues with an audit. As a note, the tax form 5695 could change. Always consult your tax adviser to ensure you obtain the correct form.

Tags: with your, your contractor, your adviser, your roof

Where To Get Heating Oil & The Cost Per Gallon

If you've recently relocated, and moved into a home that is heated by an oil furnace, you'll need to research your options for obtaining heating oil. The information will enable you to set up an annual heating budget and will provide you with a contact for when you need oil and services for your furnace. Does this Spark an idea?

Finding Heating Oil Providers

You can start with your local Yellow Pages directory, under the Oils-Fuel category, to find local heating oil providers. The local Chamber of Commerce can also provide referrals to local, trusted providers. If you have moved to a location where you already have family or friends, ask them to refer you to a trusted provider. It is up to you, however, to do your homework to find the best service and price available for your needs.

Types of Heating Oil Services

You can obtain heating oil in several ways. Full-service providers offer automatic delivery, 24-hour emergency services, budget plans and discounts for bulk purchases. C.o.d. providers offer bigger discounts on fuel, but payment must be made upon delivery. A variety of "hybrid" services are starting to emerge. These combine elements of full-service and c.o.d. providers, offering discounts and service contracts, also due upon delivery. Another way to obtain heating oil is through an oil-buying cooperative. This type of program uses the collective power of its members to negotiate discounts on fuel, service arrangements and heating equipment.

Budgeting for Heating Oil

To find the price per gallon of heating oil in your area, check the Energy Information Administration website. This website lists the daily price of residential heating oil, in cents per gallon. You can also call around to different providers to find out the cost per gallon that they are offering. Be sure to inquire about discounts or programs that will allow you to lock in a certain price for the year.

Tags: discounts fuel, obtain heating, providers offer, upon delivery

Repair Rv Springs

RVs are robust vehicles, but their suspensions can eventually need repair.

Traveling in an recreational vehicle (RV) is a fun and enjoyable way to see the country. RVs are stocked with everything you need to live on the road; as such, they have toilets and showers, beds and furniture, refrigerators, stoves and, yes, even the proverbial kitchen sink. All these household items make an RV weigh a lot, which in turn places greater wear on an RV's suspension components. The suspension part that gets the most abuse is the coil spring, as it is constantly being torqued while the RV is in motion and under constant stress from the weight of the RV itself.

Instructions

1. Raise your RV with an RV jack. Do not use a normal car jack, as the greater weight of a RV can break a car jack. Lift the RV up until the wheel whose suspension you want to work on is no longer in contact with the ground and rotates freely. Once the wheel is in the air, if the RV suspension spring has broken in half or more, you can remove the pieces by hand, as the springs are normally held in place via the pressure of the RV on the spring itself. Use work gloves to remove the spring, as the spring may have ragged metal edges if it has broken.

2. Remove the RV wheel with a nut removal tool; your RV should have come with one. If you need additional torque, use a power tool with a nut-removal bit. Be careful when removing the wheel, as RV wheels can weigh substantially more than car wheels depending upon your RV's make and model.

3. Remove the brake pad assembly with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Some RVs may use a drum assembly; you still use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove it. Carefully support the brake assembly when removing it, as its weight can rip off the brake lines. Just set the brake assembly on a stool, elevated, so that you do not have to go through the hassle of flushing the brake system and reattaching lines.

4. Remove the spring by pulling down on the control arm to its full extension and wedging a flat-head screwdriver between the suspension arm and the spring. Wiggle the coil off with back-and-forth rocking motions. Wear safety goggles in case the spring jumps off the control arm.

5. Replace the spring with a new spring by again pulling the control arm down to its fullest extension, with a flat-head screwdriver as a wedge. The spring will naturally push into place around the attachment point. Reattach the brake assembly, then wrench the wheel back on.

Tags: brake assembly, flat-head screwdriver, Phillips-head screwdriver, suspension spring, when removing

Organizations That Help The Disabled With Home Repairs And Modifications

About 10 percent of the world's population, or approximately 650 million people, are documented to have a disability as of December 2010, according to the Disabled World website. This constitutes the largest minority group in the world. In the United States, the disabled have multiple resources where they can seek assistance. The resources include organizations that provide funding and professional expertise for home repairs and modifications that can enhance the quality of life of the disabled. Does this Spark an idea?

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)

Established in 1973, the self-supporting North Carolina Housing Finance Agency finances the rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes that are substandard. The agency also provides funding for affordable homes developed by local governments, nonprofit organizations and private owners, and the development of accommodations for people with special needs. The resources for these projects come from the sale of tax-exempt bonds and the management of federal and state tax credit and other programs. The agency's Single-Family Rehabilitation Program provides funds to local governments and non-profit agencies to enable comprehensive rehabilitation of homes of low income, elderly or disabled owner-occupants. Owner-occupant income must be below 80 percent of the area median income to qualify. Local organizations that provide these loans contract and oversee the work. The agency also supports an Urgent Repair Program for people whose incomes are below 50 percent of the area median income. This includes the elderly, handicapped, or disabled, single parents with households of five or more and households with children who have elevated blood lead levels. Grants fund work to correct housing defects that are threatening to lives or safety, like dangerous heating systems or rotten floors. The cost of ramps and other accessibility features also fall under this program.

Easter Seals Disability Services

Easter Seals Disability Services partners with the Century 21 System's Easy Access Housing for Easier Living Program. The program has multiple options. These include finding an accessible home or adapting one to suit an individual with a vision or hearing impairment or some other physical disability, like being wheelchair bound. The program takes into account the aging population and empty nesters who seek accessible homes that are alternatives to nursing homes and retirement communities. The program provides educational literature, an expert panel, and easy-to-implement tips aimed at creating the reality of an accessible home.

People Working Cooperatively (PWC)

People Working Cooperatively serves low income elderly and disabled homeowners, providing a professional "whole house approach" to home services. Incorporated in Covington, Kentucky, in 1975, this non-profit organization assists with weatherization or energy conservation, modification for mobility and home repair aimed at ensuring safety in the home. Illness, disability, job loss and other circumstances are among the difficulties faced by homeowners who seek assistance. The PWC comprises more than 120 licensed staff and about 5,000 community-wide volunteers as at 2010.

Tags: accessible home, agency also, area median, area median income, below percent, below percent area, Carolina Housing

Repair Kraftmaid Drawers That Won'T Close

KraftMaid manufactures a complete line of cabinets and associated accessories. The KraftMaid drawers are self-adjusting and self-closing. Sometimes, though, things happen that prevent a drawer from closing all the way. If this should occur, the drawer hardware allows for several adjustments by the user. Repairing a KraftMaid drawer that won't close might involve a simple cleaning to remove dirt or a minor adjustment to one of the track clips. Making adjustments or evaluating why the drawer is not closing does require removing the drawer from the cabinet. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open the KraftMaid drawer, and take everything out of the drawer. Fully extend the drawer, and find the orange clips on the track behind the drawer.

2. Push both orange clips inward, and pull the drawer straight out of the tracks. Pull the cabinet track out to the fully extended position. Blow compressed air into the cabinet track to remove any debris.

3. Tighten any loose screws that secure the cabinet track to the cabinet with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Sometimes a screw is not inserted all the way or works itself loose. The head of the screw prevents the drawer from closing all the way.

4. Insert the drawer back into the cabinet, and line up the drawer guide with the cabinet track. Continue to push the drawer into the cabinet until the track locks into place. If the drawer still does not close all the way, close it as much as possible. Look at the top and bottom of the drawer to determine if the drawer requires raising or lowering.

5. Open the drawer until you can access the orange clips near the rear of the drawer and the gray clips on the back of the cabinet track.

6. Move the lever on the orange clips to raise the drawer as necessary. If the drawer requires lowering, move the levers on the gray clips forward to lower the drawer as necessary. Close the KraftMaid drawer.

Tags: cabinet track, orange clips, drawer from, into cabinet, KraftMaid drawer, drawer from closing

Identify An Antique Sewing Machine

Since the first sewing machine idea was patented in England in 1790, sewing machines have evolved to meet home and commercial sewing needs. Isaac Singer received a U.S. patent on his first sewing machine in 1851. Singer's vertical-needle design became the model for future sewing machines. Treadle sewing machines were commonplace in homes during the last quarter of the 1800s. Antique machines typically found at auctions and estate sales usually date from the late 1800s or later. You can still purchase a new, modern treadle sewing machine manufactured for Amish and nonelectric markets. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look for a company name on the machine to identify the manufacturer. Company information may appear as a decal, a hand-painted label or an embossed metal plate. Look on the main housing of the machine. The underside of the machine may also bear manufacturer information. More than 200 small companies manufactured sewing machines in the U.S. during the late 1800s, many for factory use. Factory machines were often not labeled. Home sewing machines typically bore the manufacturer's name, although it may be worn off or painted over.

2. Determine the power source to help establish the machine's approximate age. Early machines were operated by a hand crank. Singer developed the treadle in the 1850s. Treadle machines dominated the market until electric motors were introduced in the early 1900s. It was a common practice through the 1920s and 1930s to add a motor to a treadle machine. By the mid 1930s, new sewing machine sales were nearly all electric. Electronic and computerized machines appeared on the market in 1975.

3. Look for the original color of the machine. Check the underside if you think the machine may have been repainted. Antique sewing machines from before the 1950s are usually black or gray. However, some manufacturers used other colors on the housing. Lighter colors of tan and white appeared beginning in the late 1950s and soon became the norm for home sewing machines.

4. Check the types of stitches that the machine can produce. Some early hand-crank machines sewed a chain stitch. Singer and most other machines used two threads, bobbin and spool, to create a lock stitch. Most home sewing machines sewed only a straight stitch, with forward and reverse motions. The first zigzag stitch machine was introduced by Singer in 1951. Machines that stitched designs such as flowers, leaves or animals using mechanical combinations of straight and zigzag stitches became popular during the 1960s.

Tags: sewing machines, machines were, sewing machine, first sewing, first sewing machine, home sewing

Oregon Home Improvement Grants

Oregon has grants available for home repairs through the federal government.

Owning and maintaining a home can be expensive in Oregon, particularly in bad economic times. The state works with different federal agencies to bring grant programs to Oregon to help low-income homeowners keep their home in good repair. While the programs target low-income homeowners, see if there are other qualifications for the application or where the home is located. Does this Spark an idea?

USDA Rural Development Senior Housing Grant

USDA Rural Development offers grants and low-interest loans to make necessary home repairs. To qualify, the homeowner needs to be considered very low-income by federal standards and live in a rural area with a population less than 25,000. Very low income is considered earning less than median income for the county where the home is located. Grants are awarded to seniors (62 years or older) who cannot afford a loan. Grants up to $7,500 are available to make repairs needed for health and safety reasons or to make the home more accessible.

USDA Rural Development

1201 Northeast Lloyd Blvd., Suite 801

Portland, OR 97232

503-414-3305

rurdev.usda.gov/or/

Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development works with city and counties to rehabilitate homes through the Community Development Block Grant program. Oregon Housing and Community Services receives the funds to rehabilitate homes in rural communities. The funds are awarded as competitive grants on an annual basis. The grants pay for repair and maintenance of low-income family homes for things like plumbing, weatherization, insulation and structural work.

Oregon Housing and Community Services

725 Summer St. NE, Suite B

Salem, OR 97301-1266

503-986-2000

oregonbond.us/OHCS

ORVET Home Loan Program

Disabled veterans in Oregon can get grants through the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to pay for adaptions to their homes needed because of their disability. Grants up to $4,100 are available for veterans with service-connected disabilities and up to $1,200 for veterans with non-service-connected disabilities. The grants cover changes needed for the continuation of treatment or accessibility issues. Specially Adapted Housing Grants are available up to $50,000 to construct or modify a home so it is wheelchair accessible.

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs

700 Summer St. NE

Salem, OR 97301-1285

503-373-2000

oregon.gov/ODVA

Tags: Department Veterans, Department Veterans Affairs, Rural Development, USDA Rural, USDA Rural Development, Veterans Affairs

Start A 501(C)3 Charitable Organization

start a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

Starting a charity is an enormous undertaking. In addition to carrying on the organization's charitable goals, the founder of the organization also has to do all of the initial legal work to start a 501(c)3 corporation. According to the IRS, any corporation that is established for "charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals" qualifies for 501(c)3 status as a tax-exempt charity.

Instructions

1. Form a corporation with your secretary of state. Most states have a filing fee ranging from $75 to $150 for forming a corporation. A corporation is formed by filing articles of incorporation with the office of the secretary of state where you live. You can find articles of incorporation on the website of the secretary of state in your home state. Some states use different articles of incorporation for for-profit entities than for non-profit entities. Either way you will need to select a name for your non-profit and list its founding members. You must select a name that is not already in use by another entity in your state. Most states offer an online name search directory that will let you check if the name you would like to use is already taken or if its available for use.

2. File IRS form 1023. Until form 1023 is filed with the IRS the corporation you established is simply a for-profit corporation. Fill out the form in its entirety and submit it to the IRS for approval before you begin your charitable activities. Check with your secretary of state for state-level exemption requirements as each state handles this process differently.

3. Form your board of directors. Like all corporations, 501(c)3 corporations need to have a board of directors that holds regular meetings and governs the organization. As the founder, you should sit on the board of directors but you should also enlist the help of influential community members that also have a passion for your charitable cause. Your board of directors should draft a set of corporate bylaws for the board of the organization to use in its governance.

Tags: board directors, secretary state, articles incorporation, board directors should, directors should, form 1023

Grants For Rural Housing

Grants to finance housing projects in rural communities are available.

There are several programs available that sponsor grants to finance the construction and renovation of homes and housing units in rural areas. These financial awards can cover land acquisitions, labor, equipment and supply purchases and administrative costs. These rural housing grants are not required to be repaid by the recipients.

Self-help Homeownership Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsors the Self-help Homeownership Program (SHOP). Grants from SHOP are used for the acquisition of land and the construction or renovation of homes for low-income home buyers. SHOP requires home buyers to participate in the construction phase of their homes by providing physical labor. Grants are open to regional and national nonprofit organizations that have built at least 24 self-help homes in the previous 30 months. These grants cover administrative costs (up to 20 percent of the grant), and projects cannot cost more than $15,000.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th St. SW

Washington, DC 20410

202-708-1112

hud.gov

Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants

Grants from the Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants program are used to construct and renovate housing units to be occupied by seasonal and year-long farm workers. Funds from this grant program are also used to finance the construction of facilities such as laundromats, daycare centers and small infirmaries for the use of workers. Only U.S.-documented workers who make a substantial amount of their incomes from farming can live in these housing units. Public and private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit corporations of farm workers, state and tribal government agencies are eligible to apply for these grants. Recipients must match at least 10 percent of the grant with funds from outside sources. This program is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture.

USDA

Rural Development

Preservation and Direct Loan Division

1400 Independence Ave. SW

Washington, District of Columbia 20250-0781

202-720-1604

rurdev.usda.gov

Individual Water and Waste Water Grants

Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Individual Water and Waste Water Grants are used to install service lines and pay hook-up fees, as well as install plumbing fixtures such as tubs, sinks and water heaters. Grants are open to households living in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, California and Texas where incomes are lower than the poverty levels. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 in lifetime assistance under this grant program, while a maximum amount of $4,000 is allocated for connecting sewer lines and $3,500 for connecting water lines. Applicants cannot be delinquent on any federal debts.

USDA Rural Development

Room 5014-S

Mail Stop 0701

1400 Independence Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20250-0701

202-690-1533

rurdev.usda.gov

Tags: housing units, 1400 Independence, administrative costs, construction renovation, construction renovation homes

Build A Roof For A Green Home

The California Academy of Sciences

While there are many different types of eco-friendly roofing, few are as beautiful and as good for the environment as the "Living Green Roof," which contains actual vegetation. This type of roofing is popular in Germany, the UK and Scandinavian countries because it saves owners up to 50 percent in heating, cooling and insulation costs over time. However, Americans are still picking up on the idea. One of the best examples of a living roof can be seen at the California Academy of Sciences. The 197,000-square-foot roof, which houses 1.7 million native plants, stands as a marvelous example of what modern science can achieve. Green roofs have expanded by 35 percent over the past few years, with more than 3.1 million square feet of rooftop plants installed last year alone (according to the third annual Green Roof Market Industry Survey). Chicago's 534,507 square feet make it the city with the greenest roofs, which is followed by Washington, D.C. (500,000 square feet) and New York (359,000 square feet). It can be complicated to orchestrate your own green roof, so it's best to hire a knowledgeable contractor. Yet, if you're feeling adventurous, there are easy-to-install kits you can buy. Here we'll discuss the basic steps and layers so you're informed about the project you're about to undertake. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine if a green roof is for you. If your house is old, it's important that you meet with a structural engineer to see if your rooftop will hold under the added pressure. (With the Green Grid system, each module adds another 15 pounds to your roof.) Also, you should check with your town hall's city building codes to make sure you're allowed to complete this project in your neighborhood. Also, any leaks or repairs should be finished before the new roof is put on. The Green Grid kit cannot be used on homes with a roof slope of more than 5 percent, that are located in arid climates or that have roofs made out of tar, slate, asphalt shingles or turn-metal. Most DIY installers draw up a plan before they begin to ensure steady work flow and the most productive, efficient method. They draw out where flashing, chimneys, satellite dishes and other obstacles are. They decide whether they want to assemble the pieces on the ground and transport them up or do it layer by layer on top of the roof.

2. Retrofit your roof with a waterproof membrane. To keep excess water from pooling up and leaking in, DC Greenworks recommends using a strong, mastic sealant. Most people use 45- to 90-ml single-ply PVC, TPO or EPDM 1-mm-thick pond liner to waterproof the surface. Some people also use built-up heat-applied high-polymer asphalt or SBS modified bitumen with root barriers. Before installing your roof, you can use a technique called Electric Field Vector Mapping to see that there are no leaks. This technique costs just $1 per square foot and is 100 percent accurate in detecting pin-hole-sized leaks, so it is highly recommended that you hire a knowledgeable contractor to provide this service, even if you're installing the roof primarily yourself. Currently, International Leak Detection is the leader in providing this service world-wide (see Resources). You may also want to add insulation for added energy savings. A popular brand used in the United States, Canada and Europe is the STYROFOAM™ Brand ROOFMATE™ Insulation. Your insulation should have 1/2-by-1/4-inch drainage channels on the long edge and should be 1 to 4 inches thick. This added layer of insulation above the waterproofing membrane should be attached with metal fasteners, Grace Bitustik Tape or Chemind Chemflex sealant. The protective layer of insulation will keep your roof a steady temperature and minimize potential damage from drastic weather changes (see Resources).

3. Apply the green roof components. After the waterproofing and insulation layers are installed, you'll work on the drainage layer, filter fabric and root barrier application. The easiest way to accomplish this is with a modular green roof system like GreenGrid or GreenTech (see Resources), which provides you with a molded plastic planter tray that gets installed on the roof like a tile. The modules can be quickly preassembled on the ground and pregrown prior to installation, which is the main reason people don't mind paying a bit more for the pieces. DIY builders will also save on construction costs with this easy system. Without the kit, builders need to create layers of biodegradable blanket root barrier, gravel or pebbles for drainage and curbs made of stone, steel, concrete, aluminum or wood.

4. Add plants. After drainage and filter layers are put in place, add the soil substrate and plants to your design. It's important to note that the growing medium is a special formula composed of shale, mineral composites and mushroom compost--not topsoil. The kits will come with everything you need to ensure your plants grow healthily and happily, with very little maintenance. Ideal plants include strawberries, chives, poppies, Delosperma nubigenum (yellow ice plant), sedum varieties, roseum, spurium varieties, talinum calycinum, stonecrop, self heal, sea pink, tidy tips, miniature lupine and numerous other specialty plants. Most kits come with plants that have been specially preselected by expert horticulturists, although you can also do a little picking and choosing at websites like Mother Plants or Emory Knoll Farms (see Resources).

Tags: square feet, your roof, green roof, Academy Sciences, California Academy, California Academy Sciences, come with

Make Mobile Homes Energyefficient

Mobile homes tend to be small, yet are often not energy-efficient.

Many mobile homes built before 1976 had little or no insulation, as stated by the Montana State University website. After that time, a federal housing code required them to be built with energy-efficiency in mind. Making your mobile home energy-efficient lowers your utility bills and provides a more comfortable home for you and your family. Some energy-savings tips require the expertise of weatherization specialists, but there are steps homeowners can do themselves. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check to ensure the mobile home is on a level foundation with adequate drainage. If not, too much moisture exists and further steps won't be as effective.

2. Seal any drafty windows or doors for possible air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping. These are inexpensive products and take little time to accomplish. Seal the area around furnace ducts as well. During the winter, caulk the moving parts of your window with a non-permanent caulk available at home supply or hardware stores. Simply pull the strips off during the summer when you want to open your windows.

3. Call a professional to inspect and tune up your heating system. This ensures that it is operating efficiently and he can make any repairs if necessary.

4. Add insulation to the underside of your mobile home and the roof. Although the initial cost may seem pricey, it saves you money over time on the utilities. Use an insulation that is rated with a R-19 value or higher for the most energy savings.

5. Install storm windows to the interior of your mobile home. This keeps you and your family cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by preventing air leaks through cheap window units.

6. Invest in a insulation blanket for your water heater and keep the appliance set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to clean properly, yet does not waste energy.

7. Wash your laundry in cold water and use a cold water detergent. Little steps like these may only save pennies a day, but it adds up to a big savings over a year's time. Use the washer and dryer only when you have full loads. Do laundry one load after another to utilize the already-hot dryer.

8. Set the heat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and lower it at night or when you are away from home to reduce your utility bill. Using extra blankets or sweaters to keep warm is not difficult when you make it a habit.

9. Vacuum or dust the heat registers regularly to keep them free of dust and other debris. Avoid placing furniture over heating ducts, this blocks the air flow and makes the appliance work harder.

10. Clean or replace your air conditioners filters once a month or as the directions state. This helps your air conditioner to work efficiently, thus reducing energy costs.

11. Invest in energy-efficient appliances to replace old ones. If you replace each appliance as it stops working with the most energy-efficient model you can find, the energy savings will add up quickly.

Tags: mobile home, your mobile, your mobile home, cold water, degrees Fahrenheit, energy savings

Ontario Grant Foundations That Fund Construction

There are several grant foundations in place that fund construction in Ontario.

Canadian construction workers with a jack hammer and nowhere to use it are in luck, as there are several grant foundations that will allow them to break ground on projects across Ontario. Grant money can be used to alter existing homes or construct new buildings that incorporate some of the latest green technology. Certain programs are also available that reward smart design in already constructed buildings.

Better Buildings Partnership

The Better Buildings Partnership is designed to promote the building of structures in Ontario that do more than satisfy minimum requirements in the Ontario Building Code. Although this program does not directly fund construction, it does reward builders who strive to cut down on energy costs in the design phase and after construction is complete. During the design phase, accepted projects will be evaluated and changes will be proposed that make these buildings more efficient. According to the Better Buildings Partnership, the benefits include lower utility bills, reduced emissions and increased value. Once construction of a building is complete and the building passes the standards set forth by the Partnership, the builder receives payment based on how much energy per year that the building saves. In this way, the Better Buildings Partnership provides a gift that keeps on giving to energy-conscious builders.

City of Toronto

Energy Efficiency Office

Metro Hall, 2nd Floor

55 John Street

Toronto, ON M5V 3C6

416-392-1456

toronto.ca

Building Canada Fund

The Building Canada Fund (BCF) is a major infrastructure program that funds a variety of different construction projects throughout Canada, such as national highway systems, wastewater projects, public transit and green energy projects. According to Infrastructure Canada, Ontario will receive over $3 billion from the fund to benefit major infrastructure projects and communities in Ontario. Any number of individuals and organizations can apply for this grant money, from whole provinces and local governments to non-profit and for-profit private businesses. If the construction project proposed is deemed a priority to receive money from the BCF, a federal review of the proposal is completed before money is given out.

Infrastructure Canada Communications

180 Kent Street

Suite 110

Ottawa, ON K1P 0B6

613-948-1148

buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers financial assistance for existing homes while also providing construction grants for new housing. The financial assistance that the Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides is mainly used to renovate houses so that they meet minimum health and safety requirements. However, assistance for Multi-Unit Projects can be used to fund the construction of low-income rental units and home adaptations. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Government of Canada announced in September 2008 that it would pay $1.9 billion over five years to projects such as these for low-income Canadians.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

700 Montreal Road

Ottawa, ON K1A 0P7

613-748-2000

cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Tags: Housing Corporation, Mortgage Housing, Mortgage Housing Corporation, Better Buildings, Better Buildings Partnership, Buildings Partnership, Canada Mortgage

Repair A Muffler

Mufflers damage easily in harsh weather. In northern states, most local and state governments use salt to de-ice the roads in winter months. Salt is a corrosive substance that eats away at the under body of your vehicle, especially the muffler or any exposed metal. Mufflers can also be damaged by road debris like rocks flying up and hitting the resonance chamber of the muffler. Once there's a hole in the muffler, whether from rust or from road debris, you'll need to repair the damage before it gets worse.

Instructions

1. Put on the nitrile gloves and safety glasses to protect your eyes and hands.

2. Squeeze the tube of epoxy into the mixing container.

3. Squeeze the epoxy activator into the mixing container. Mix the epoxy and activator together with the applicator that came with the muffler repair kit.

4. Unravel the high temperature bandage that came with your muffler repair kit and soak it in the epoxy for up to five minutes (exact time depends on your particular kit).

5. Wrap the bandage around the outside of the muffler where the hole or the damage is. Make sure that you cover at least two inches in all directions beyond the area of the damage to ensure that the bandage can adhere to an undamaged section of the muffler.

6. Allow the bandage to dry. Once the bandage is dry, the muffler should be fully sealed. Check for exhaust leaks by turning on your vehicle and visually inspecting for any exhaust leaks.

Tags: came with, epoxy activator, exhaust leaks, into mixing, into mixing container, mixing container

Save Money On Utility Bills

Savings add up quickly when you conserve energy.

Maybe you remember your parents yelling, "Turn off the lights." Now that you pay your own utility bills, you understand. This old-time advice our parents lived by and the modern trend of living green fit together nicely. Embrace them to save money on your monthly utility bills. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Replace your light bulbs with bulbs labeled Energy Star. This lighting uses 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs and lasts up to 10 times longer.

2. Save money on utility bills by turning the TV off when you aren't watching it and powering down computers and monitors when not in use. Both of these are energy-hungry electronics and the minutes -- and dollars -- add up.

3. Install a programmable thermostat if you have trouble remembering to reduce the heating and cooling when you go to bed. After a few months, you will have paid for the thermostat, and you'll see savings month after month.

4. Close off the vents in unused rooms. Heating and cooling them just costs you money.

5. Adjust to a somewhat higher temperature in the summer and a somewhat lower one in the winter, even during the day and set your thermostat accordingly. Just a few degrees make a difference. Put on a sweater and some socks and have a cup of hot tea in the winter; make it iced tea in the summer.

6. Save all your baking for the wintertime. Enjoy salads, sandwiches and microwave dishes during the warm months.

7. Install radiant barrier as an economical way to reduce heating and cooling costs. This reflective material is generally used in an attic over insulation or under the roof. Some homeowners and renters use radiant barrier on unused windows to save additional money on utility bills.

8. Check how much energy your freezer and refrigerator are using at energystar.gov and determine if replacing them with newer models will save you money. As a guideline, Energy Star standards and practices have changed significantly since 2001 with at least a 40 percent savings since that time.

9. Fix or replace any poorly sealed areas around windows, major appliances and doors for a decrease in utility bills. Most DIY repairs of this type are simple and inexpensive.

10. Take short showers instead of baths. If you don't believe it makes a difference, put the plug in the bathtub when you take a shower and check the water level. It'll be lower than you expect. Replace the shower nozzle for additional energy savings.

11. Clean or change air filters once a month to reduce energy costs and keep your environment cleaner.

Tags: utility bills, Energy Star, heating cooling, money utility, radiant barrier

Stretch A Social Security Check

Ask whether your pharmacy offers a discount program.

Social Security provides the sole source of income for approximately 21 percent of people aged 65 and older, according to the National Academy of Social Insurance. People in this group often find themselves struggling to make ends meet, especially at the end of the month. Cutting back on expenses and spending money frugally can help you stretch your Social Security check, as can inquiring about programs and discounts for senior citizens and others living on fixed incomes.

Instructions

1. Set a monthly budget and stick to it. Pay for necessities --- including rent or mortgage, food, medication and utilities --- before spending money on entertainment or impulse purchases.

2. Clip coupons from your Sunday paper and shop at grocery stores that offer double coupons. Stock up on items you regularly use when they're on sale. Buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets, where it's usually fresher and less expensive than produce sold at grocery stores.

3. Take advantage of senior discounts at retail stores, movie theaters, museums and restaurants. Be prepared to show proof of age when asking for a senior discount.

4. Call your utility companies and inquire about discounts or programs available for those who live on fixed incomes. Your gas or electricity company might be able to charge you a flat monthly rate based on prior usage so you aren't hit with exorbitant bills during extremely hot or cold months.

5. Implement water- and energy-saving measures in your home. Install a low-flow shower head, keep your thermostat set at 65 degrees F when you're not at home, purchase energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs and regularly clean the filters on your air conditioner. Making small changes to your energy and water use can add up over time and save you money.

6. Trade services with friends and family members. Offer to walk a neighbor's dog in exchange for yard work. Baby-sit a friend's grandchildren in exchange for home repairs. Getting creative with bartering can save you hundreds of dollars a year or more on home services.

7. Call your pharmacy and ask whether it offers a discount program or card you can use in combination with your health insurance or Medicare.

Tags: Social Security, Call your, discount program, fixed incomes, grocery stores, offers discount

Restore Windows 7 Gateway Computer Using The Recovery Partitiion

Restore your Gateway Windows 7 computer and get rid of pesky viruses.

Restoring your Windows 7 Gateway computer to its original factory settings is a great way to get rid of pesky viruses you can't seem to remove from your computer, or simply to remove old programs and files from your computer and start with a clean slate. Your Windows 7 Gateway computer will likely run faster as a result of deleting old and unnecessary files. It's also a good idea to restore your Windows 7 Gateway computer to its original factory settings if you plan on selling it, or passing it along to a family member or friend.

Instructions

Recover From Windows 7 Home Screen

1. Click the "Start" icon in the lower-left corner of your Windows 7 home screen.

2. Click "All Programs" in the Start menu, then click "Gateway".

3. Click "Gateway Recovery Management" to open the Gateway Recovery Management program.

4. Click the "Restore" header, then click "Restore System To Factory Default".

5. Click "Yes" in the "Confirm Restoration" dialog box, then click "Yes".

6. Click "OK" in the dialog box warning you that all of the personal data on your computer will be deleted. Your computer will automatically restart. When your computer restarts the restoration process will begin. The process could take anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes.

7. Click "OK" when a dialog appears telling you that the computer has been restored to its original factory settings and that you need to reboot your Gateway Windows 7 computer. Your computer will reboot. After the computer restarts you will need to configure Windows 7 with your personal preferences.

Recover at Startup

8. Turn on or restart your computer and hold down "Alt" while clicking "F10" during startup until you are redirected to the Gateway Recovery Management program.

9. Click "Restore System From Factory Default".

10. Click "Next" to begin the restoration process. The process could take anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes.

11. Follow Step 7 in Section 1.

Tags: computer will, Windows Gateway, your computer, factory settings, Gateway computer, Gateway Recovery

Ontario Disability Grants

Ontario Disability Grants refer to the financial incentives provided under the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). These grants are issued to persons with disabilities to help them meet their needs and the needs of their families. These grants are generally extended to disabled persons who require financial support and disabled persons who want to work but require additional support to get started.

Application and Qualification

To receive Ontario Disability Grants, you must apply to the Ontario Disability Support Program (OSDP). Successful candidates for this program must have a validated mental or physical disability that is expected to prevail for one or more years. The disability must be responsible for you not being able to care for yourself, and it must prevent you from participating in employment and other aspects of community life. Your income and assets must be within the pre-set levels of ODSP financial eligibility. Applicants must be 18 years of age and be residents of Ontario.

To apply for urgent Ontario Disability Grants financial assistance you can request temporary assistance via your local Ontario Works Office. In case the office is already assisting you, request an ODSP referral from your caseworker.

Alternatively, you can make a self-referral, which is a direct application to ODSP through its local office.

Steps Involved

The first step in application process is a financial assessment. Eligibility for the Ontario Disability Grants demands that the applicant's or the recipient's family assets are within the allowable limits:

• $5,000 for a single person

• Plus $2,500 if the applicant has a spouse or same sex partner

• Plus $500 per dependent in addition to the spouse

Also under consideration are the applicant's assets and incomes. A description of these can be found on the Toronto Canada web site.

The second step of the application process is the Disability Determination Process. At this stage, health professionals complete the Disability Determination Package provided by the ODSP. This package contains the Self Report, the Consent to Release Medical Information, the Activities of Daily Living Index and a Health Status. The package must be submitted to the Disability Adjudication Unit within 90 days.

Determination of Income Support

The Ontario Disability Grants income support is structured on legislated rates, the family size, the children's ages and nature and cost of accommodation, minus any chargeable income or deductions. An example for this determination can be viewed on the Toronto Canada web site.

Accompanying Benefits

Successful applicants who receive financial assistance may also be eligible for other benefits:

• Drug and dental service coverage

• Vision care

• Hearing aids

• Mandatory special necessities

• Nutritional allowance for pregnancy or breast-feeding

• Mobility devices repair and batteries

• Back to school allowances

• Guide dog allowance and assistive devices

• Home repairs

• Allowances for winter clothing

Tags: Ontario Disability, Disability Grants, Ontario Disability Grants, application process, Canada site, Disability Determination

Repair Msn Premium

You can repair your MSN Premium service using the MSN Auto Care package.

MSN Premium, an Internet service by Microsoft, lets you access the Internet, download files and transmit emails as well as chat with others via the MSN Messenger service. But like other Internet services, problems do arise including Internet connection and timeout errors. These problems can put a halt on your file downloads, email transmissions and website searches, but you can repair your computer's MSN Premium application and Internet connection using the service's MSN Auto Care package.

Instructions

Downloading MSN Auto Care

1. Open your computer's Internet browser.

Note, if your MSN Premium service is not working, you will need to use a friend's or family member's computer that is connected to the Internet.

2. Click on the "MSN Auto Care" link in the Resources section of this article to access the MSN Auto Care download page.

3. Click on the "Download on Windows XP or later" link if you are using a Windows Vista, 7 or XP-based system. Click on the "Download on earlier versions of Windows" link if you are using a Windows 98 or earlier Windows-based system.

4. Click on "Save As," "Save" or "Save All" when prompted with the "Opening acliteinstaller.exe" dialog box.

If you are downloading the file onto a friend's or family member's computer, proceed to the next step. If not, proceed to the "Installing & Running MSN Auto Care" section of this article.

5. Insert a blank CD into your friend's or family member's computer's CD-Writer drive or plug a USB flash drive into any available USB port on the computer. Click "Start," then "My Computer." Double click on the CD-Writer or USB flash drive's icon to open its Explorer window. Leave this window open.

6. Navigate to the directory containing the MSN Auto Care file. Click and drag the "acliteinstaller.exe" file to the CD-Writer or USB flash drive's Explorer window.

7. Click on "Write these files to CD" in the left pane of the CD's window, if using a CD. The "CD Writing Wizard" will open. Click "Next" to burn the CD.

Click on the "Safely Remove Hardware" (two-arrow icon) located on your computer's Taskbar, if using a USB flash drive. Click on your flash drive's name. Click "Stop." Remove the flash drive from your computer's USB port when your computer's speaker dings.

8. Place the CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive or plug the USB flash drive into any available USB port on your computer.

Proceed to the "Installing & Running MSN Auto Care" section.

Installing & Running MSN Auto Care

9. Click "Start," then "My Computer." Navigate to the directory containing the MSN Auto Care file (acliteinstaller.exe).

10. Double click on the "acliteinstaller.exe" file to run the MSN Auto Care setup process. When the setup process is complete, the "Auto Care" dialog box will appear on your computer's screen.

11. Click the "Diagnose and Fix" button in the upper righthand corner of the Auto Care dialog box to start the MSN Premium repair process.

Tags: Auto Care, your computer, flash drive, family member, family member computer, friend family, friend family member

Repair Car Fenders

A dented car fender can be easy or difficult to repair.

If a fender on your car has been damaged, the amount of work to repair it will depend on the damage. The exact tools needed to repair a fender dent, like the size of the hammer or if you need a hammer at all, will depend on how large the dent is. This will also determine if you need to remove the fender from the car to work on it. If the dent is small, however, it will actually help to keep the fender on.

Instructions

Removing the Fender

1. Raise the car's end with the damaged fender with the jack. Supporting that end of the car with jack stands will provide better support.

2. Open the hood/trunk and the door for that side of the car and remove the wheel. Locate all the fasteners for the fender.

3. Disconnect the splash shield in the fender well. Their fasteners can require a screwdriver, Torx wrench or allen wrench, depending on the model.

4. Disconnect any parts connected to the fender, like the support rod for the hood. Support the hood with a large, sturdy stick before you do this.

5. Remove al the fasteners for the fender. These fasteners can be located along the outer edge of the engine/trunk compartment, within the door frame and in the wheel well. They can require a normal wrench to a Torx/Allen wrench.

6. Lift the fender off the car body. You may need two people to support it properly and avoid scratching any other part of the car.

Repairing Dents

7. Pull on the dent using a large suction cup with a handle to pull the dent outward--do this while the fender is still connected to the car. Start at the outer edges of the dent and gradually work your way inward.

8. Pound the dent with a hammer using small taps instead of long ones. Aim for the center of the dent to avoid protrusions, and support the other side with a dolly if you are using a heavy hammer.

9. Bend any bent fender supports back into place using vice-grip pilers.

10. Connect the fender back onto the car--if you removed it--once you have repaired the dent.

Tags: fasteners fender, repair fender, will depend, with jack

Multifamily Housing Grants

Several federal agencies sponsor programs to weatherize multifamily housing units.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other federal agencies administer various grant programs for the acquisition, renovation or construction of multifamily units. Some programs are focused on making the units more energy-efficient. Other programs subsidize rents for low-income tenants living in multifamily housing. Property owners can apply for grant funding through their states, local governments or public housing authorities.

Project-Based Rental Assistance

HUD provides a Section 8 rental subsidy that can be used in multifamily housing units. The program allows tenants in the building to pay 30 percent of their income toward rent, with HUD paying the remaining portion. To qualify for housing, the family's income must be no higher than 80 percent of their area's median income.

Native American Housing Block Grants

HUD provides grant funding to federally recognized Indian tribal governments to help them acquire, rehabilitate or construct low-income housing. The grant money can also be used to make energy-efficient improvements on a property. The funds must be expended within three years of receiving the grant. If the organization or tribe does not meet this requirement, the grant money will be recaptured.

Green Retrofit Grants

Funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, HUD has allocated grants to landlords of multifamily housing units to help them retrofit their properties for energy efficiency. To qualify for a grant, the landlord must be receiving a Section 8 or Section 202 rental subsidy for their housing units. The property owner can receive a green retrofit grant up to $15,000 per housing unit. The grant money can be used to install more efficient heating and cooling systems, low-flow toilets, or reflective roofing.

HUD-DOE Weatherization Partnership

In February 2009, HUD and the Department of Energy (DOE) formed a partnership to administer $16 billion of weatherization assistance to states and local governments. The money is earmarked for public and Indian housing, and privately owned federally assisted low-income housing. The property owner can receive up to $6,500 per housing unit. Owners who rent to families, seniors and people with disabilities are given priority. Tenants who live in these units cannot be subjected to a rent increase to pay for the improvements.

Tags: housing units, multifamily housing, grant money, multifamily housing units, federal agencies

Older Home Repair Grants

HUD sponsors older home repair grants.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides grants to finance repairs and special renovation projects for older homes. These grants can cover projects such as infrastructure and land acquisitions and supplies and equipment purchases. Grants also can cover costs of labor and fees for administrative work or permits. Recipients are not required to repay HUD grants. Does this Spark an idea?

The Main Street Program

The Main Street program provides grants to repair and renovate older buildings and homes in eligible communities within historical districts. This grant also can be used to convert old, abandoned office buildings into affordable condos or apartment units for rent. Such a grant cannot be used for a home that is deemed habitable in its current condition. Communities with fewer than 100 public housing units and 50,000 residents qualify for this HUD grant.

The Main Street Program

Department of Housing and Urban Development

461 7th St.

Washington, DC 20518

202-709-1113

hud.gov

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program gives grants to improve, renovate or repair older residential homes and housing units in certain communities. NSP grants also can be used toward projects such as redeveloping older homes and buildings, creating land banks and demolishing vacant structures to prevent foreclosures in the neighborhood. State agencies and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding. Twenty-five percent of NSP grants must be used to rehabilitate and purchase foreclosed and older homes in order to prepare them to be occupied by lower-income residents and families in the future.

NSP

Department of Housing and Urban Development

461 7th St.

Washington, DC 20518

202-709-1113

hud.gov

The Self-Help Homeownership Program

The Self-Help Homeownership Program or SHOP, provides grant funds for renovation of homes, construction and repair and land acquisitions for expansions. As part of the grant, SHOP requires recipients to assist in the construction and remodeling of their home through physical labor. Eligible candidates include national and regional non-profit organizations that have experience working under SHOP guidelines. Twenty percent of the SHOP grants can go toward administrative (permit) costs. The total project cost for repair and remodeling of your older home cannot exceed $15,000.

SHOP

Department of Housing and Urban Development

461 7th St.

Washington, DC 20518

202-709-1113

hud.gov

Tags: Department Housing, Department Housing Urban, Housing Urban, Housing Urban Development, Urban Development, 20518 202-709-1113, Development Washington

Grants For Home Improvements In The Uk

Home improvements grants are available in the UK.

Home improvement grants are available in the UK from a variety of sources. Although most are through government programs, there are a few charities and private companies that also offer grants. Home improvements can range from simple repair jobs to major renovations, such as installing a new heating system or wheelchair ramp. In particular, the elderly and disabled may be eligible for large home improvement grants in the UK. There are also several options for free environmentally friendly home improvements. Does this Spark an idea?

Environmental Grants

According to the Energy Saving Trust there are hundreds of grants available for environmentally friendly home improvements. These range from installing new attic insulation to covering the cost of an energy efficient boiler. The Energy Saving Trust also offers a search facility and advice service to find additional available grants.

Energy Saving Trust

21 Dartmouth Street

London, England, SW1H 9BP

+011-44-800-512-012

energysavingtrust.org.uk

Warm Front

Warm Front is a government-funded program that's designed to help make homes more energy efficient. Grants awards of up to $5,250 are available to help improve the insulation and overall heating efficiency of your home. You can check eligibility requirements and apply online. Once approved, Warm Front engineers will even carry out the installations.

Warm Front

Eaga House

Archbold Terrace

Jesmond

Newcastle upon Tyne, England, NE2 1DB

+011-44-800-072-9006

warmfront.co.uk

Disabled Facilities Grants

If you're disabled or live with a disabled person, you may be eligible for a home improvement grant. According to the Directgov website, improvements can include installing wheelchair ramps, upgrading heating systems, widening access points or even putting in a stair lift. Applications are available at the housing or environmental departments of local council offices.

UK Government Direct

direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Planning/GrantsFundsAndStandards/DG_10027032

Home Grants for Elderly People

Foundations, the National Body for Home Improvement Agencies, helps elderly people in England with home repairs, installations and improvements. The organization is made up of a network of 230 agencies that offer free home improvement services. These range from simple jobs, like fixing a leaky faucet, to complex installations, such as renovating an entire bathroom.

Foundations

Bleaklow House

Howard Town Mill

Derbyshire, England, SK13 8HT

+011-44-845-864-5210

foundations.uk.com

Tags: Warm Front, Energy Saving, Energy Saving Trust, grants available, range from

Install Replacement Windows

Installing new windows can help make a house more energy efficient and improve its appearance. However, many homeowners are reluctant to replace their windows because of the cost of the windows themselves plus installation costs.

"Replacement windows," though, are designed to fit right into existing window frames. They are different from a "new construction" window (which has a nailing flange around the outside of the window frame that requires removing the outside trim to mount the window). Replacement windows are installed from the inside and don't require removing any exterior trim or stucco. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparation

1. Determine the style and material you want for your new windows. Replacement windows are built from vinyl, wood or composite and are available in virtually any style (such as double hung, single hung and casement).

2. Measure the height and width of your existing windows. Measure the width from jamb to jamb (side to side) at the top, middle and bottom of the window. Measure the height from the sill to the top of the window at the left side, the middle and the right side. To ensure the replacement window will fit into the window frame, use the smallest measurements for both height and width.

3. Order your replacement windows with these measurements in hand.

4. Determine that your windowsill is solid and free of any wood rot. It doesn't make any sense to install replacement windows into a rotten frame.

5. Carefully remove the inside stops of your existing window. You can use them again when you install the replacement window.

6. Remove the window sashes themselves (cut through any nails holding them in) and clean up the window frame. Remove any old caulk and drive in or pull out any nails.

Installing the Replacement Window

7. Check to ensure that the window will actually fit into the opening by placing it into the frame and then remove it.

8. Run a bead of caulk along the inside edge of the outside window stops and along the windowsill.

9. Place the window back in the center of the frame and check that it is plumb and square. (Use a level for plumb and measure diagonally from corner to corner (both ways) to check that it is square). Shim the window to keep it in place.

10. Reinstall the inside stops using new 1 1/2 inch finishing nails and set the nails.

11. Caulk where the stops meet the window frame.

12. Check the outside of the window. The window should come with a sloped frame to match the slope of the sill, or it should come with an insert that you use to cover the gap. If neither is there, you can cover the gap with a piece of wood. Caulk the seams where the insert goes against the frame.

Tags: window frame, outside window, check that, come with, existing window, height width

Winterize Pipes On A Septic System

In order to protect a septic system as well as the house, it is important that the homeowner winterize the septic system and pipes. Usually, a septic system only needs to be winterized if the home is going to be left vacant or unused over the winter months. If a septic system is not prepared correctly for extremely cold temperatures, the pipes can break causing substantial leaks and damage inside the home. Winterizing a septic system is a straightforward process that saves the homeowner from experiencing pipe problems and damage. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the main valve to the water supply line and turn it off. The University of Minnesota website explains that the water supply line and water pump should both be drained thoroughly so that no water can freeze inside of them. Also, turn off the electrical supply to the pump, water heater and water softener.

2. Open all of the faucets in the house and leave them open during the winter months. The Cool Ray website explains that the faucets should first be opened on the second floor, then on the first floor, and finally in the basement in order to drain all of the pipes correctly. If any water is left in the pipes, there is a chance that the pipes can leak, freeze or burst.

3. Add diluted RV antifreeze to all of the toilet bowl tanks, sink drains, and shower drains in order to prevent them from freezing due to a lack of use. The University of Minnesota website explains that the antifreeze should be thoroughly flushed out of the drains in the spring. Also, use plastic wrap to cover all of the toilet seats in order to slow the evaporation process.

4. Schedule to have the entire septic system emptied and cleaned before the winter. The Lake Hubert website explains that the contents in the tank can freeze due to a lack of movement. If an entire septic system freezes, the pump should be turned off and the system will have to thaw on its own, which can take a substantial amount of time.

Tags: septic system, explains that, website explains, website explains that, entire septic, entire septic system, Minnesota website

Ohio Homeowner Grants

The cost of purchasing and maintaining a home can be a challenge for many. A sluggish economy or personal setbacks can delay plans and even cost someone their home. Fortunately, state and federal grant funds are available to homeowners to help with the purchase, preservation or repair of their homes.

Ohio Emergency Home Repair Grants

Home repairs that are needed as a result of a national disaster or other emergency are costly. These can range into the tens of thousands of dollars, forcing some families to borrow or go without. The Ohio Emergency Home Repair Grant is designed to help families in these situations by giving them the funding they need to make the needed repairs on their homes. To qualify, the applicant cannot make more than 150 percent more than the federal poverty line. The maximum amount awarded for repairs is $5,000 and is given only once in the lifetime of the homeowner.

The Northwest Ohio Development Agency

432 N. Superior St.

Toledo OH, 43624

(419) 243-3734

nodatoledo.org

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency Down Payment Assistance Grant

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers a down payment assistance grant to those prospective home buyers who have already qualified for either the First Time Home Buyer Program, Ohio Heroes Program or the Target Area Loan Program. The agency will offer a grant of up to 2.5 percent of the home's purchase price. The funds can be used for down payment purpose or help with closing costs.

Office of Homeownership

Ohio Housing Finance Agency

57 E. Main St.

Columbus, OH 43215

(888) 362-6432

ohiohome.org/homebuyer/downpayment.aspx

Grants for Graduates

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers a grant for college graduates who are looking to purchase their first home. The Grants for Grads program will give graduates funds up to 2.5 percent of the purchase price of their home. This can be used to help fund the down payment or other out-of-pocket costs a first-time home buyer might incur. To qualify applicants must be first-time home buyers from an Ohio school. They must apply for the grant within 18 months of graduating from school and obtain financing through an Ohio Housing Finance Agency-approved lender.

Office of Homeownership

Ohio Housing Finance Agency

57 E. Main St.

Columbus, OH 43215

(888) 362-6432

ohiohome.org/homebuyer/grantsforgrads.aspx

Tags: Housing Finance, Ohio Housing, Ohio Housing Finance, Finance Agency, Housing Finance Agency

Restore A Gateway Computer With A Vista Home Premium Installed

Although no longer the newest operating system in the Microsoft arsenal, Windows Vista is still the choice of millions of PC users around the world. Gateway shipped many models of desktop and laptop computers with various versions of Windows Vista installed. Generally speaking, restoring a Gateway computer with Vista Home Premium installed is about the same as resetting a machine with any other Windows version -- you simply need to use the System Restore disc that shipped with the PC.

Instructions

1. Connect a USB flash drive or external hard drive to the machine, and copy all important files to the device if possible.

2. Disconnect all cables and peripherals connected to the Gateway computer except the keyboard, mouse and monitor. Power on the PC and insert the System Recovery Disc into the CD/DVD drive of the computer. You must insert the disc before Windows starts to boot. If you put the disc in too late, reboot the computer with the disc inserted.

3. Press the "R" key after the PC starts to boot from the System Recovery Disc. After the Recovery prompt appears on the screen, press the "F" key to initialize the "Full System Recovery" option.

4. Press the "Y" key when prompted to reformat the system hard drive before reinstalling Windows on the machine. Wait a few minutes for the System Recovery utility format the Gateway PC's hard drive and copy needed installation files for Windows.

5. Click the "Restart" button when prompted; then wait for the computer to reboot. After the "Welcome to Microsoft Windows" screen appears, click the "Next" button.

6. Click "Next" on the "Select Your System Settings" screen. Select your time zone in the drop-down list; then click "Next." On the License Agreement screen, click the "Yes I accept" button.

7. Click "Help Protect my PC by Turning on Automatic Updates Now." Type a network name for your PC, and enter an administrator password.

8. Enter user names and password for everyone that will use the PC in the corresponding fields of the "Who Will Use This Computer?" screen. Wait a few minutes for the Windows Setup utility to copy additional files and complete the installation.

9. Click the "Finish" button to restart the computer when prompted. After the computer restarts, log in with your Windows user name and password.

10. Insert the "Drivers and Applications" disc into the CD or DVD drive of your Gateway computer. Click "Install Drivers and Original Software"; then wait for the utility to install the needed drivers and software on the machine.

11. Restart your computer when prompted. Connect the USB drive to the computer and copy files you backed up earlier to the PC. Reinstall additional programs as needed.

Tags: System Recovery, when prompted, hard drive, button Click, click Next, computer when, computer when prompted

Install Crossover Heat Ducts

Crossover ducts are used in manufactured homes to carry both heated and cooled air from the main duct to the registers that are placed throughout the house. They are made of insulated flex duct that is fitted with a metal collar. The metal collar attaches the crossover duct to the main trunk duct, or rigid duct. Crossover duct work may run above the home through the attic or under the home through the crawlspace, which is most common. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine how much flex duct you will need. To determine the length of flex duct you will need, consult any HVAC system documentation you may have for your home, including a sketch of the duct system design, which should detail the duct system size and length. If these are not available, contact a air conditioning specialist.

2. Once you have measured the proper amount of flex duct, put on gloves and cut through the jacket and insulation with a knife or scissors. Use wire cutters to cut through the interior wire portion of the duct. Fold the jacket and insulation back about 2 or 3 inches.

3. Place the collar on the flex duct and secure it to the main duct. When placing the collar onto the flex duct, make sure that at least 1 inch of the duct's core is inside the collar and past the bead. Slide the collar onto the main duct and screw it into place with at least three screws. Make sure the collar does not move or rotate. Seal the collar to the main duct with at least two wraps of mastic tape, pressing the tape tight to the core. Use a nylon or plastic cable tie as a clamp to permanently seal the collar and flex duct to the main duct.

4. Replace and secure the insulation. Pull the insulation back up around the flex duct and main duct connection, and wrap it at least two times with duct tape and two more times with mastic tape. Secure the insulation to the main duct with a nylon or plastic cable tie. Place the head of a pan-head screw over the cable tie and screw it into the main duct so that the screw clamps the tie to the main duct -- repeat this at least two more times on other sides of the flex duct.

5. Ensure maximum air flow. When stretching the flex duct from the main duct to the register boots, make sure the flex duct is stretched to its full length, leaving less than 5 percent excess duct. Give the flex duct at least 12 inches between junctions before bending it to prevent crimping. When making bends, keep them as loose as possible, and make sure the radius at the center line is at least one duct in diameter. Do not make bends around any objects, such as pipes or parts of the frame, or within 4 inches of hot equipment, such as furnaces, that are 250 degrees or hotter. Support flex ducts with support straps every 5 feet -- 6 feet if they are vertical -- so that they rest at least 4 inches off the ground. If this is not possible, check your state's mobile home installation laws. In any case, flex ducts may never rest on the ground.

6. Connect the flex duct to the boot register in the same way you connected it to the main duct in steps 2, 3 and 4.

Tags: flex duct, main duct, duct main, make sure, collar flex

Oakland Ca Building Codes

Oakland 's building codes have specific requirements for all types of structures.

While there are previously constructed properties for sale or lease in Oakland, California, there are also real estate parcels available for retail, residential, office or restaurant development. Whatever your business plan is, Oakland requires that you meet building and zoning codes before the city will give your development proposal the thumbs-up.

Scope and Purpose

Houses must meet safety codes.

Oakland building codes apply to all homes, hotels, rooming houses and non-residential buildings, such as offices, retail centers and restaurants. The codes' purpose is to set minimum public safety standards "by regulations and controlling the use and occupancy, locations, and maintenance of all residential and non-residential buildings, structures, portions thereof, and real property" in the city.

Zoning Codes

The design of your building must meet all requirements.

Whether the project involves building something new or adding onto an existing structure, it must meet Oakland's zoning codes. First, you'll need to get a permit for the design and construction of your building. The city's Permit Center reviews the building's plans to ensure they meet structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, disability access and other code requirements. There are residential, non-residential and housing-business mixed-zone guidelines.

Building Rules

Buildings must meet fire safety codes.

The Oakland building code has specific rules on plumbing, maintenance, fire prevention, geological ground structure, masonry, setback lines and other construction necessities. In general, all materials and installations must meet quality standards and, according to the code, "generally recognized and well-established methods of testing, design, installation and construction. Testing, listing, and affixed labeling shall be prima facie evidence of conformity with approved standards" designed to ensure public safety.

In addition to Oakland's building codes, all construction within the city must meet building codes for the state of California.

Existing Structures

Older structures must meet current safety codes.

If you're fixing up an existing structure in Oakland, repairs must meet the State Buildings Standard Code and the California Health and Safety Code. Buildings can be upgraded and maintained if inspectors deem the structures to be in good shape, meaning that they are not "substandard" or a "public nuisance." Oakland's Building Construction Code also applies if you're moving a building or solid structure from one area to another.

Tags: must meet, Oakland building, building codes, Oakland building codes, safety codes, codes Oakland

Repair An Audio Cassette Player

Always check to see if your source material is causing your playback problem before attempting to repair the machine.

Audio cassette players are extremely complicated machines. Not only that, but they have many moving parts. Most people are unable to diagnose and fix complicated cassette player problems, such as high frequency loss and garbled playback, without a significant background in analog solid-state electronics building or repair. However, there are basic problems that most regular consumers can diagnose and correct, saving themselves money rather than having the machine serviced by a professional technician. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unplug your audio cassette player and move it to a comfortable work space. Open the door or front on your cassette deck. With a flashlight, locate the metal parts at the base of the opening and where the round openings of the cassette will go.

2. Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a clean cotton swab. Don't pour so much alcohol on that the swab is dripping -- use just a little bit.

3. Gently rub your cotton swab around the metal parts inside the machine. Discard dirty cotton swabs and start over until the swabs are clean. If the swabs do not remove dirt, you can stop after thoroughly swabbing the heads with one cotton swab.

4. Close the door to the machine and allow the cassette deck to dry out for about 30 minutes before doing anything else.

5. Use a cassette demagnetizer on the machine. All cassette demagnetizing devices are different in their operational instructions, so read the directions before using a demagnetizer. Improper use can damage your cassette machine. Most electronics supply stores, stores that sell home audio equipment and numerous online retailers sell consumer-grade demagnetizing devices.

6. Use a dry cassette-head cleaner as directed. All cleaning solutions vary, and require different usage. It is important to read the directions before using a head cleaner. Improper use can severely damage the circuitry and output of your cassette deck. Dry cassette-head cleaners can be purchased through electronics supply shops, stores that sell home audio components and through a variety of online retailers.

Tags: cassette deck, cotton swab, your cassette, before using, cassette player, demagnetizing devices

About Home Warranties

Home warranties provide peace of mind when purchasing a home that has been previously owned. It eliminates the worry that a home seller may be hiding a defect in the house or that there is a problem that may crop up after the papers are signed.

The Facts

Home warranties cost between $250 and $400 a year and are prepaid a year in advance. At the end of your first and consecutive years of home warranty, you will very likely receive a special offer to renew your policy. There is also a small service fee when a repair is needed. Home warranties typically do not cover and repair outside items, faucets, permit fees and hauling. Some warranties do not cover appliances, pools and spas. Home warranty companies may deny payment if an item is not properly maintained, if there are code violations, if there is excess damage or it something has been installed properly.

Misconceptions

Home warranties do not make home purchases worry free. It is up to the home owner to manage the warranty, from reading the policy to policing the warranty company to ensure they get repairs done and done well should the need arise. Home warranties do not eliminate the need for emergency funds or a home maintenance budget. There will be many home repair items that will not be covered in your home warranty.

Risk Factors

Many people report problems with home warranties. Some will use loopholes to avoid making repairs. Others will send contractors to do the work who you may not feel comfortable with and who you would not hire to do the job if you had the choice. Home warranty companies will attempt repair before they replace an item even when replacement is warranted. Unfortunately, the home warranty industry is unregulated.

Benefits

Home warranties are designed to warrant pre-owned homes against problems and defects. Home sellers most often purchase them for the period of one year to give home buyers peace of mind that the house does not have any hidden problems. Home warranties will cover items that home insurance does not such as plumbing and appliances.

Function

If and when a covered item in your house breaks, the homeowner is to call the warranty company who in turn calls a service person. The service person calls the homeowner to make an appointment and comes out to fix the problem. If they cannot fix it, the warranty company will pay for replacement.

Expert Insight

Never assume that your policy automatically covers all repairs in your home. If the home seller purchases the home warranty, the home buyer should read it and get familiar with it. If you are buying your own home warranty, make sure you read and understand it before you commit to anything.

Tags: Home warranties, home warranty, warranty company, your home, home seller