A DJ playing 80s music adds an authentic touch to your party.
The 1980s were a decade that saw the unveiling of some of the most memorable fashion, movie and music stars and world events. From the advent of MTV in the beginning years of the decade to the fall of the Berlin Wall at the end of it, this decade created some of the most iconic images in history. If you're holding an 80s party, tap into these elements to create a party atmosphere of fun and nostalgia. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Send out 80s-inspired invitations. If you grew up in the 80s, scan your high school yearbook picture and paste it on brightly colored card stock; if not, use the faces of 80s celebrities. Write the where and when inside and include 80s catch phrases such as "Totally Awesome", "Excellent" and "Tubular." If you make a postcard instead of an invitation that's sent in an envelope, you'll save money. Just glue your picture on the front and add some 80s-style bits of card stock in neon pink, yellow and teal.
2. Ask that people come dressed in their favorite 80s fashions. These costume ideas might include pairs of leg warmers, painter pants, pastel shirts reminiscent of "Miami Vice" and the second-hand fashions of Madonna. Give a prize for the best costume; make sure it's 80s-inspired. Look for framed posters by artist Patrick Nagel to give away as prizes. His work was rendered in minimalist style and featured women sporting 80s clothes and hairstyles.
3. Play 80s music from artists such as Michael Jackson, George Michael, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Prince and Expose. If you want true authenticity, hire a DJ to play these hits on a turntable. Otherwise, you can load up your MP3 player with all your favorites. Make room to dance in one of the rooms of your home.
4. Provide 80s-style entertainment. The 80s were synonymous with several engaging games, such as Rubik's Cubes, Trivial Pursuit and Pac-Man. Leave Rubik's Cubes on tables around the house, set up a game area for people to play Trivial Pursuit and load 80s-style games such as Pac-Man on your video game system.
5. Decorate the rooms of your house with posters featuring 80s movies and musicians. If you don't have any of these posters readily available, shop at poster stores on Web sites such as eBay.
6. Create some 80s geometric designs for your walls in bright colors such as pink, yellow, teal and green. Make these designs by cutting craft foam into these shapes. Tape them up on the walls in formations you find visually interesting.
7. Serve your guests different types of junk food that were common in the 80s. Try pop rocks, Twizzlers, Jelly Belly jelly beans, string cheese and drinks such as Coca-Cola, Tang and wine coolers.
Tags: card stock, games such, into these, pink yellow, pink yellow teal, rooms your
Mold is a fungus that's found in many environments; however, prolonged exposure to mold can cause everything from wheezing and skin irritation to nasal congestion and eye irritation. Severe reactions, such as chronic lung problems, shortness of breath or even a mold infection in the lung, may occur. Removal of mold can be an expensive process, often costing several thousand dollars. If you have a house that's filled with mold, grants are available for mold remediation. Does this Spark an idea?
Eligibility
Several types of mold remediation grants exist, so it's important to find one that applies to your situation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) covers grants for the development of new mold-remediation techniques for small businesses or other institutions. It's possible for families and individuals to participate in these studies by allowing tests to be done on the mold in their homes.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides grant assistance for individuals and families who have been struck by a natural disaster; however, it only provides funding for specific types of mold. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a block grant for Native Americans whose homes have mold that needs to be removed.
Preparation
If you're an individual applying for a mold remediation grant, it's important to have a mold removal specialist come to your home to test the mold to determine the mold type. For FEMA, if the type of mold present doesn't reveal the presence of a disaster-related mold, it won't be eligible for coverage. A disaster may be considered man-made or a natural disaster.
The contractor should give you an accurate estimate of the cost of removing the mold, as well as the type of actions that will be required to remove mold and where the mold is located. This is an essential step to take before you request any financial assistance.
Justification
Grants may require that you provide information about what measures have been taken when the problem with the mold first began. If sufficient measures were not taken, it's important to justify why this occurred. This may include the disruption of electricity, lack of access, equipment damage or insufficient resources. Keep extenuating circumstances in mind for your grant request.
Application
Most government agencies will require that you submit a grant request through Grants.gov, an online application system. It may be necessary to upload documentation or fill out the application online to submit a request. Most mold remediation grants will need to be submitted within 30 days of the natural or man-made disaster.
Tags: mold remediation, grant request, Grants Mold, Grants Mold Remediation, have been
The health benefits of olive oil have been proclaimed for centuries. Olive oil is gaining increasing popularity as a beauty product, as well. What it does for your body on the inside as a nutritional product, it does for your body on the outside as a beauty aid. One of the beauty benefits of olive oil has to do with your hair. The best way to use olive oil on your hair is by making a conditioner with it. The process is simple, but the benefits are rewarding. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Pour 1/2 cup of olive oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds, or until warm.
2. Place a towel over your shoulders to protect clothing.
3. Put a small amount of olive oil in the palm of your hand and massage it into your hair. If you have a dry scalp, massage a small amount into the scalp, as well. If you have oily hair, massage it into your hair, but stay at least 1/2 inch from the scalp. Repeat the process of massaging small amounts at a time into the hair until the hair is entirely covered with olive oil.
4. Place your hair loosely on your head and cover it with a plastic shower cap.
5. Relax for at least 30 minutes while the olive oil is treating your hair.
6. Shampoo the olive oil out of your hair with a mild shampoo. Give a light condition with your usual conditioner. Rinse it out completely. You will see that the olive oil treatment makes you hair much softer and much more manageable, as well as gives it some added shine.
Tags: your hair, benefits olive, does your, does your body, into your, into your hair, massage into
So there is an older home that you drive by every day that is up for sale. You want to buy it and restore it because you can visualize the home's original beauty. The problem is that you cannot afford to do all the work that needs doing. The good news is that you can find grants to fix up that older home to live in yourself or sell to make a profit.
Matching Grants
Some historical societies and other organizations have the funding to give you, though not usually the entire amount
for your restoration project. If you can tell them you have a certain amount of money and show them how much the project is going to cost, they may give you a matching grant. This type of grant is often from local governments, such as city, county or even the state. Read the fine print when applying for a matching grant as some of them will not give you money upfront, but instead reimburse you for money spent up to a certain amount.
Tax Incentives
Tax incentives are another way you can get money, often in the form of rebates or tax deductions, when you want to restore you older home. These tax incentives change from year to year, as well as the allowable amount of money. Many of these tax incentives allow you to fix up an older home and make it more economical. Some of the things that you can do is to update your heating and cooling system and put in windows that are more air tight. With many tax incentives that is a cap on the amount you spend as well as a deadline.
Historic Restoration
There are both public and private organizations that offer money for those who want to restore an older home. As with any grant you must follow their guidelines and make sure you qualify before even filling out the applications. These grants will give you money to help restore your home if its age falls within a certain number of years or a certain time period in history. If you home is located in an area of town that is designated as a historical section, then you may be able to get grant money, especially if your locality is trying to revamp the historical areas of your town. Keep in mind that many of these organizations give you some limits as far as your design choices. For example, you cannot take an 1800s home and make it ultra-modern on the inside. You will need to preserve the character of the home and restore it to what it once was.
Low-Income Grants
If your income falls below the poverty line for your community making it difficult for you to make any necessary repairs to your home, you may be eligible for a grant. These grants can only be used to make necessary repairs on your home so that it is comfortable for you, not necessarily restore it to its original state. Research your local government for grants if you need help in fixing up your home to make it livable.
Tags: older home, your home, home make, want restore, amount money, certain amount, give money
Disassembling a trampoline isn't nearly as much fun as jumping on it.
A trampoline can be an excellent source of exercise and endless hours of summer fun. Leaving a trampoline exposed to the elements during the winter, however, can shorten your trampoline's lifespan considerably by rotting the jumping mat and corroding the metal legs that support it. Your trampoline should be disassembled and its parts stored in a dry place during winter to ensure that you get years of enjoyment from it.
Instructions
1. Remove any ties or straps that connect the frame to the jumping mat. Place them in a labeled container if they're not permanently sewn to the jumping mat.
2. Disconnect the frame surrounding the mat, using a screwdriver or pliers if necessary to loosen fasteners. The frame will probably break down into at least four semi-circular parts. Place the fasteners into a labeled container and the frame parts in the large bag.
3. Start removing springs from the trampoline, working from one side to the other. Remove the first spring, then the spring on the opposite side of the trampoline to prevent the frame from twisting. Work your way around the trampoline, removing springs at opposite ends. Use pliers if necessary, but be careful not to bend the springs during removal.
4. Place the springs in a labeled container. Roll up or fold the mat and place it into a bag. Set the bag and container with the springs aside with the other containers so you don't lose them.
5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for disassembling the legs. Most trampoline legs will require a screwdriver to remove parts that connect the legs. Put the screws or fasteners into a labeled container.
6. Place the legs into the bag with the jumping mat if there's room; otherwise, use masking tape to keep them together. Put all of the containers and the bag in a dry, clean place for the winter.
Tags: labeled container, during winter, fasteners into, fasteners into labeled, into labeled, into labeled container
A broken or badly set pane of glass can be a danger both to heating efficiency of a home and to the well-being of its inhabitants. No matter the extent of the damage, change a bad pane as soon as possible. An aluminum window frame makes changing a single pane of glass simple compared to the process for an older wooden frame. You can quickly remove the old pane and place the new one with a few common tools, and little experience at home repair. When completed, your window will be as good as new, with no evidence of the replacement. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the window panel from the aluminum window frame. Lift a sliding panel upward in the window frame until the bottom of the panel rises above the top level of the tracks at the sides of the panel that hold the panel in place. Tilt the bottom of the panel toward you until it clears the tracks and slide the panel downward, out of the frame. Remove the screws at the top and bottom of fixed window panels with a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove them from the frame. Pull the panel directly from the frame.
2. Measure the opening in the aluminum window frame for the glass, as well as the depth of the frame for the glass. The manufacturer of the aluminum frame may have produced the frame in a standard size, so a pre-cut pane likely is available.
3. Remove the screws at the top right and lower left of the panel to disassemble the panel for window pane installation, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the two L-shaped panel halves apart. If the panel sticks, tap the panel pieces gently with a rubber mallet to loosen it and then pull the panel apart. Remove the rubber gasket located within the sides of the panel.
4. Place the rubber gasket around the pane of glass, and place the pane into one of the L-shaped panel halves. Place the second panel half against the edge of the pane and press the halves together. Replace the two screws to secure the glass pane in place.
5. Place the panel back into the window frame, sliding the sliding panel into the tracks, or replacing the fixed panel screws as necessary.
Most mobile homes come with aluminum window frames. While they don't flex with the hot and cold weather like wooden frames, aluminum windows still can get stuck or broken. Lock frames on aluminum windows are prone to loosening or snapping out of place. If this happens you can't lock your windows properly. Fixing the lock frame on an aluminum window allows you to lock your mobile home again. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Loosen the screw on the broken lock frame on the mobile home window. It will be located either on the side of the lock facing away from the window or the side of the lock perpendicular to the window.
2. Adjust the lock frame on the aluminum window. If it's the type of lock that you slide up to unlock and down to lock, readjust it over the slots in the frame of the window. The lock frame should cover all of the slots. Loosen the screw to widen the lock's mouth and slide it over the slots on the window frame.
If the lock is the type that slides open and closed with a latch, adjust the frame so the latch can catch on the hook inside of it. Move the latch back and forth until it catches the hook to adjust it.
3. Tighten the screw on the lock frame once it's repaired.
Self-closing door hinges can be very convenient and helpful--but if the tension is adjusted incorrectly, the door might be so light that the cat can open it or so heavy that your mother can not. Set the tension on a self-closing door hinge to a reasonable point, and make the door safe and easy for everyone who uses it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine whether your self-closing hinge is a Hager or a Penrod style hinge. A Hager has a cap on top of the barrels that comes off to reveal the space where the Allen wrench fits. A Penrod has a slot on the back where both the tension lever and tension pin fit.
2. Close the door. Locate the tension pin. It should be sticking out the back of the hinge, near the top. If you have a Hager spring hinge, remove the cap in the top of the hinge to reveal the space where the Allen wrench fits.
3. Insert the tension lever or Allen wrench into the provided slot. Push the tension lever counterclockwise until you can remove the tension pin. Remove the pin.
4. Continue to push the tension lever until you have reached the maximum force allowed by the spring. You know you have reached the maximum force when the tension lever is lined up with the last hole in the slot, or when the arrows on both barrels of the self-closing hinge are lined up.
5. Insert the tension pin in the last hole available. Test the door to see if there is too much closing force. If so, lightly push on the tension lever counterclockwise and remove the tension pin. Release the tension lever clockwise to the next hole and insert the tension pin there. Repeat until you reach the force you want in the door.
6. Remove the tension lever. If you have a Hagar spring hinge, slide the cap back into the top of the door hinge barrels.
Tags: tension lever, Allen wrench, Allen wrench fits, have reached, have reached maximum
Upgrade the roof of a mobile home quickly with peel-and-stick roofing.
Peel-and-stick rolled roofing applications are gaining recognition among homeowners and roofing contractors. The ease of installation and the speed of application are a welcome change from the old days of hot tar and propane torches. The aluminum coating reflects heat from the roof, thus reducing energy costs. The material adheres to most surfaces and even seals itself around holes to form a waterproof barrier. Most of these new applications carry the Energy Star rating. Upgrading your mobile home roof with this energy-efficient, easy-to-install application could save you a substantial amount of cash in the long run. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Wash the roof with dish washing soap and water. Allow to dry. Clean oil and grease with degreaser.
2. Scrape off all loose areas of existing paint or other material with the metal scraper. Remove brittle and flaking caulk with the wire brush. Do not force the material off. Remove rust from metal with the wire brush.
3. Wash the roof with dish washing soap and water again. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
4. Apply asphalt primer to the roof with the paint roller. Allow the primer to cure for a minimum of one hour.
5. Roll out 10 feet of self-adhesive peel-away roofing material on the roof with the adhesive backing facing the roof. Ensure that the sheet is aligned straight with the edge of the roof. Roll the roofing material back 7 feet. Remove 2 feet of the release film from the roofing material and press the sheet down to the roof to adhere. Re-roll the roofing sheet back onto the adhered portion of the sheet to gain access to the release film. Slowly unroll the roofing sheet while simultaneously removing the release film and pressing the sheet onto the roof. Press the roofing material firmly in place with your hand. Work your way down the sheet smoothing and pressing the material down. Roll over the edges with the hand roller to secure them.
6. Roll out the next 10 feet of self-adhesive peel away roofing material along the predetermined 3-inch lap line of the previously installed sheet. Roll the roofing material back 7 feet. Remove 2 feet of the release film from the roofing material and press the sheet down to the roof to adhere. Re-roll the roofing sheet back onto the adhered portion of the sheet to gain access to the release film. Slowly unroll the roofing sheet while simultaneously removing the release film and pressing the sheet onto the roof. Press the roofing material firmly in place with your hand. Work your way down the sheet smoothing and pressing the material down. Roll over the edges with the hand roller to secure them.
7. Repeat Step 6 until the roof of the mobile home has been completely covered.
Building your dream home begins with an accurate and realistic estimate of construction costs.
Estimating the construction costs of a home is a complicated and intricate process. Whether you use a software program or a simple calculator, the considerations will be the same. To calculate the construction cost of the home itself, you must ignore the lot price and "soft" costs such as permits, appraisals, inspections and developmental impact fees. The actual construction costs will be limited to labor and materials dedicated to the building of the physical home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Visit newly built homes that are similar in size and style to the one you want to build. Don't worry about location. Find out what the selling price is and subtract the cost of the land and "soft" costs associated with its price, such as permits, hook-ups and developmental impact fees. For example, if a 2,000-square-foot home is selling for $350,000, the cost per square foot isn't $175 (350,000 divided by 2,000). If the purchase price of the lot was $80,000 and total soft costs were $20,000, then the true cost per square foot is $125 per square foot (350,000 minus 100,000--the total of the land and soft costs---equals 250,000, divided by 2,000 square feet). This process will give you an idea of what size home you can afford to build and what materials are available within your budget.
2. Take detailed notes when visiting new homes. Inspect the wall material (plaster or dry wall), flooring (hardwood or slab), materials in the kitchen such as marble counter tops, number of floors, roof pitch and any appliances that are included in the new home. Talk to the general contractor and ask about what items and materials are negotiable and which are standard. For example, you may decide that you can live with Formica countertops in the kitchen as opposed to granite, or that you'd like to upgrade the refrigerator. By researching these costs early on, you'll have a better idea of what you can afford when you begin estimating your own costs.
3. Study house design plans to get an idea of the style of home you'd like to build. Hundreds of online sites and thousands of designs are available to review.
4. Seek estimates for labor and materials from subcontractors. Call electricians, plumbers, carpenters, drywall installers and window companies for estimates based on your design plans and materials. You also could call a general contractor to provide an estimate on the entire project. If so, ask him to break down the subcontracting jobs in as detailed a manner as possible.
5. Plug all the information you've gathered into a new-home-building, cost-estimating software program (see Resources). Most programs offer myriad low-end to high-end choices with cost estimates. Some programs call for a dollar figure for materials, in which case you'll use the estimates you collected. Others will provide estimates based on the materials you choose (three percent for double-paned windows, for example). Programs also include such factors as location and climate, taking into account local labor markets and insulation costs according to weather. This step is particularly useful if the estimates you received put you over budget and you need to make adjustments in materials, or the size and design of your home. You can make changes---without follow-up calls to contractors---until you arrive at an acceptable plan.
6. Adjust your input data according to the price estimate the program provides. Don't get discouraged or frustrated early in the process. Because you did your research, you'll have an advantage in knowing, for example, that a cheaper wall material in the laundry room will allow for, say, wood floors in the dining room.
How do I Repair the Self-Closing Hinge on a House Door?
A self-closing hinge is installed on a door has an automatic closing mechanism, and when the door no longer closes properly or completely, the hinge needs to be repaired. There are two basic repair options for a self-closing hinge on a door -- adjustment or replacement -- and either option is easy to determine and complete. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Self-Closing Hinge Adjustment
1. Determine the adjustment needed to the self-closing hinge by opening the door and allowing it to close. If the door closes too hard, the spring tension of the hinge needs to be decreased, and if the door closes too slowly or doesn't fully latch once closed, the spring tension must be increased.
2. Close door to access the hinge's tensioning ring located at the top or bottom end of the hinge's spring cylinder. The tensioning ring is a thin horizontal ring with holes equally spaced around its perimeter, with one hole containing a metal pin that locks the tensioning ring's position.
3. Decrease the hinge's spring tension by inserting the end of an awl or nailset into the tensioning ring at the second or third empty hole from the metal locking pin. Push the tensioning ring slightly toward the jamb to extract the metal pin, then move it to the next empty hole toward the jamb. Release the pressure on the tensioning ring and let the pin press against the hinge tab.
4. Increase the hinge's spring tension by inserting the end of an awl or nailset into the tensioning ring at the second empty hole from the metal locking pin and push the tensioning ring toward the jamb. Move the metal pin to the next empty hole toward the door side and release the tensioning ring to let it press against the hinge tab.
5. Pull the door open, then allow the door to close to evaluate the spring tension adjustment. Repeat Step 3 or 4, as needed, to complete adjustment of the self-closing hinge until the door closes properly. If adjustment has not resolved the issue, the hinge no longer functions properly and should be replaced.
Self-Closing Hinge Replacement
6. Release the self-closing hinge's spring tension completely following the procedure described in Section 1 Step 3.
7. Open the door fully and remove the self-closing hinge's jamb side leaf screws.
8. Extract the remaining door hinge pins by tapping upward on the bottom of the pins using a hammer and nailset to remove the pins, then remove the door from the opening.
9. Rest the door on the latch edge, with the hinges upward, and remove the existing self-closing hinge's door-side leaf screws using a screwdriver.
10. Open the new self-closing hinge and press the door-side hinge leaf into the hinge mortise with the spring tensioning ring on the hinge positioned toward the top of the door. Secure the self-closing hinge to the door using the screws provided.
11. Reinstall the door into the opening and replace the hinge pins removed in Step 3 to hold the door in place.
12. Open the door to access the screw-side of the hinges and secure the self-closing hinge's leaf to the jamb using the screws provided.
13. Close the door to adjust the new self-closing hinge's spring tension following the procedure described in Step 4 of Section 1, inserting the end of an awl or nailset into the tensioning ring at the second empty hole from the metal locking pin, then pushing the tensioning ring toward the jamb to move the metal pin to the next empty hole toward the door side. Release the tensioning ring to let it press against the hinge tab and repeat the adjustment until the spring tension is sufficient to close the door in a smooth motion to fully engage the latch.
Tags: tensioning ring, spring tension, empty hole, hinge spring, self-closing hinge
Install the BSA header clamps with the bolts facing in for a clean look.
BSA's line of motorcycles includes a number of single-cylinder and twin-cylinder road bikes and dirt bikes. The exhausts for both types consist of a header pipe and a muffler tailpipe. Dirt bikes, like the B25 Star Fire, have scrambler exhaust with a heat shield to protect the rider's legs. BSA header clamps and exhaust clamps hold the exhaust in place at the engine's exhaust manifold and the motorcycle frame. For single-cylinder or twin-cylinder engines, you install a BSA motorcycle exhaust in a work area using standard gauge tools.
Instructions
1. Park the motorcycle on the kickstand or center stand in the work area.
2. Organize the header pipe and muffler tailpipe on a blanket or towels to prevent scratching the chrome finish. If you are installing dual exhaust, start with one exhaust setup.
3. Slide the header clamp onto the straight end of the header pipe (lower end) and all the way to the flared end that attaches at the manifold. Make sure the flat side of the clamp is against the flared end of the header pipe. Lay the header pipe flat.
4. Remove the compression bolt and nut from the muffler exhaust clamp counterclockwise with a standard-gauge socket and ratchet. Set the bolt and nut nearby.
5. Slide the exhaust clamp onto the front (larger end) of the muffler tailpipe. Insert the front of the muffler into the lower end of the header pipe. For scrambler exhaust, rotate the muffler so the heat shield tabs are facing up. The heat shield is installed once the exhaust is mounted on the motorcycle.
6. Lift the muffler tailpipe and header pipe into position at the motorcycle frame. Ask an assistant to hold the tailpipe section in place. If an assistant is not available, use a length of insulated electrical wire looped around the motorcycle frame and tailpipe to hold the back end of the exhaust in place.
7. Put the provided exhaust gasket on the exhaust manifold. Push the upper end of the header pipe and header clamp against the exhaust manifold. Rotate the header clamp so the compression bolt is facing in. This gives the exhaust a tidy appearance. Tighten the compression bolt clockwise with the socket and ratchet.
8. Align the holes on the muffler clamp with the exhaust mount on the motorcycle frame. Insert the saved bolt through the exhaust clamp and exhaust mount. Thread the saved nut on the bolt clockwise and tighten the nut with the socket and ratchet.
9. Position the heat shield against the tabs on a scrambler exhaust muffler. Insert the provided bolts through the shield and thread each bolt clockwise onto the appropriate tab. Tighten the heat shield bolts with the socket and ratchet.
Learning rebuild a Glacier Bay bathroom faucet takes only a few minutes.
Learning rebuild a Glacier Bay bathroom faucet takes only a few minutes. The maintenance-friendly faucet design incorporates a limited number of parts and requires no special tools or equipment to service. When you have acquired your replacement Glacier Bay faucet parts and you are ready to start rebuilding the faucet, it should only take you about half an hour to complete. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Shut off water supplies. Under the bathroom lavatory sink, you will find two shiny chrome water supply cut-off valves. Turn the metal or plastic valve handles to the right until they stop. Turn the hot and cold levers of the faucet on; this is to alleviate any pressure in the water lines and faucet.
2. Remove the lever handles. On the top of each handle is a small index button with either an "H" or a "C" stamped into it. These buttons are covering up the handle holding screw. Pop out each button with your fingers--they should come out relatively easily. Looking down inside the hole under the button, you will see the top on the holding screw; remove the screw with your screwdriver.
3. Pull off the handles. Under the handles, you will see a small plastic hexagon-shaped inverter nut. This nut is an adapter from the faucet stem to the lever handle. Pull off each inverter and set it to the side with the lever handles.
4. Remove the faucet cartridges. Unscrew the bonnet nuts that hold the cartridges in place. The nuts are round on the bottom and hexagon-shaped on the top. Using your pliers, unscrew the bonnet nuts by holding onto the hexagon top of the nut, then set them aside with the handles.
5. Pull out each cartridge with the pliers or by hand if they are loose. Make a mental note of the position each cartridge is in as you remove it.
6. Clean any debris from inside the faucet body with a clean washrag. This will guarantee the new stems a solid seal against the faucet and cartridge seat.
7. Install the new cartridges. Insert each cartridge into the faucet in the exact position that the old ones came out. This will ensure that the lever handles will turn in the right direction to shut off the faucet. Replace the bonnet nuts by hand and then tighten with the pliers securely.
8. Reinstall the handles. Place each inverter nut into position on the faucet cartridge stems. Set the lever handles on top of each inverter nut. Install the handle holding screws. Pop the hot and cold indicator buttons on their respective handles. Turn the water supplies on. Open and close the lever handles several times. Look for leaks under the handles while testing the faucet operation.
Tags: lever handles, bonnet nuts, each cartridge, each inverter, bathroom faucet
Concrete is a building material made of Portland cement, gravel and water. It's commonly used to for floors, walls and structural components. While this material is long-lasting and durable, it can sustain some damage over time due to environmental conditions and impacts from falling objects. In addition, inexperienced installers can cause concrete to be uneven and produce poor results. Fortunately, all of these problems can be addressed with the use of self-leveling concrete, a liquid topping layer that hardens to cover the entire floor surface. This material can fix uneven areas, cover spalling sections and even fill small holes, leaving the floor looking smooth and new. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use a Portland cement mixture to patch any larger holes in the floor before you begin. Mix the cement with a small amount of water, then use a trowel to fill any holes or cracks. Smooth away any excess material and allow the patches to dry before proceeding.
2. Use an expansion tape to build a dam around the room's perimeter. The expansion tape should go right at the baseboards, providing a joint between the wall and the floor topper you will be pouring.
3. Use duct tape to protect any receptacles, vents or other objects that could be affected by the concrete.
4. Mix your concrete with water. Use a drill with a paddle bit to blend the self-leveling compound according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Pour the concrete mixture in 1-foot wide strips across the entire length of the floor. Use your concrete rake to spread the mixture if necessary, and use a trowel to push the concrete into any tight spaces. True to its name, the self-leveling concrete will spread evenly across the surface due to gravity.
6. Wait 48 hours for the mixture to dry, then apply a concrete sealer across the entire surface using a paint roller. This will give the concrete a slight sheen and protect it from moisture.
Tags: across entire, expansion tape, Portland cement, self-leveling concrete, your concrete
Mobile home water lines are very vulnerable to the freezing cold of winters because they are mostly not hidden and insulated. Leaving your water lines unprotected during winter will cause the water supply to fail when the water in the pipes freeze over. In addition, frozen water expands inside pipes and will crack the water lines. Therefore, it is important to protect your water supply and save the cost of repairs by winterizing your mobile home water lines. The time to start preparing this is Fall, well before winter. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Identify all the exposed plumbing inside but especially outside your mobile home.
2. Make all the necessary repairs to the mobile home water lines. Spray foam insulation at the joints of plumbing fixtures to cover gaps especially where those meet the walls of the home.
3. Wrap a thick coat of heavy rags around the pipes outside the mobile home. Wrap plastic bags over these heavy rags and tie them securely with cords of twine.
4. Insulate the pipes underneath the mobile home with heat tapes.
5. Insulate the water pump outside with a cover of rags and plastic bags tied with twine.
Tags: mobile home, home water lines, water lines, heavy rags, home water, home Wrap, plastic bags
When you receive an insurance payout, the insurance company normally makes the check payable to you and any lien holder that has a claim on your property. If the insurance company made the check payable to you or the lien holder, then you can cash it by yourself. You can also cash the check if the insurance made it payable to you and another individual, but only if that individual authorizes you to do so. If the insurance company made it payable to you and a business entity, then you cannot cash it.
Instructions
1. Go to the bank holding the account the insurance company wrote the check against. If the insurance company made the check payable to you and another person, then ask that individual to go with you.
2. Turn the check over and sign your name on the top line of the endorsement area. Write your name exactly as it appears on the front of the check, including your middle initial, if applicable. You might need to spell out your first name if the insurance company printed your name as such on the front of the check. If necessary, have the other check payee to sign his name on the second endorsement line.
3. Hand the check to the teller. Give the teller a form of government-issued ID such as your driver''s license or passport; if applicable, the other check payee must do so as well. The teller may ask you to provide a thumbprint signature and to pay a check cashing fee.
4. Count the check proceeds before you leave the bank. If necessary, split the proceeds with the lien holder.
Tags: insurance company, check payable, company made, insurance company made, lien holder
Double wide mobile homes have a reputation for suffering from roof problems. The homeowner may notice a brown discoloration on the ceiling. The stained area indicates a water issue such as a leak or buildup of condensation in the home's roof. If the leak is caught early and repaired, the damaged ceiling will require only a coating of primer and paint to give it a facelift. A leak allowed to go on for an extended time will cause extensive damage to the ceiling, and an entire drywall panel may need to be replaced. Does this Spark an idea?
Movement
A double wide mobile home is built in two sections in a factory. It is transported via a truck to the property where it will become a home.The movement of the mobile home to its new location can put stress on the roof and cause it to leak. A leak that is caused from moving the mobile to its final destination often occurs around the flashing that runs along the roof's perimeter.
Roof Seams
Once both sections of the double wide arrive at their permanent location, they are affixed to each other. The roofing seam that joins the two sections can leak. If the home develops a leak along the roof seam, the homeowner may detect the water stain quite a distance away from the roof seam because the water will run down the interior of the ceiling. The leak may not become evident until it reaches where the wall joins with the ceiling. The water takes the path of least resistance and follows gravity as it seeps through the roof. It can follow the trusses or run down the underside of the roof.
Condensation
Water vapor that enters a double wide's roof can mimic a leak. This often occurs in regions that suffer from hot, humid weather. The water vapor seeps into the home's walls and often settles in the attic space. The condensation can become troublesome if the insulation in the roof's attic space becomes compressed. A double wide with poor ventilation or an inadequate heating and cooling system that turns on and off frequently may suffer from condensation problems. Leaky ducts also cause excessive water vapor in the home's voids.
Finding the Leak
Find the leak by evaluating the roof's condition. If it is a metal roof, look for cracks or areas of rust. If the double wide has a shingle roof, look for discolored or loose shingles. Inspect the flashing around the roof's perimeter, around vents, skylights and any pipes that exit the roof. A shingle roof will require new shingles to successfully repair the leak. A metal roof will have to be coated with a rubberized roof coating to seal the troublesome area and keep it from leaking.
Tags: double wide, along roof, attic space, double wide, from roof, metal roof
Financing a second home is very much like financing the first. The primary difference is that lenders have stricter guidelines for second-home loans because they're riskier than loans for primary homes. The thinking is that, in a crunch, a homeowner will protect her primary home first, even if that means defaulting on the loan for the second home. The same loans used for the first home can be used for a second, and there's one additional option available, too: the home equity loan.
Home Equity Loan
A homeowner with enough equity in her primary home to cover the purchase of a second home may take out a home equity loan -- a second mortgage -- on her primary home and use the money to purchase the second home outright. The money can be taken in a lump sum, or the homeowner can apply for a home-equity line of credit. Interest on the line of credit is charged only on the amount of the line that's in use. For example, if a buyer has a $100,000 home-equity line of credit, puts $10,000 down on a $100,000 home and has a closing date six weeks out, she'll only pay interest on the $10,000 during that six weeks. After closing, when she pays for the rest of the home, she'll be charged interest on the entire $100,000.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A fixed-rate mortgage has the same interest rate and the same payment for the entire term of the loan. There are many different types of fixed rate loans. The usual terms are 15 or 30 years. The loan-to-value ratio, which is the percentage of the home's value being financed, ranges from 80 to 90, and in some cases 95 percent might be possible although it's less likely with a second home than with a first. These loans would require 20 percent down, 10 percent down or five percent down, respectively. A borrower who puts less than 20 percent down will need to purchase private mortgage insurance to protect the lender in the event that she defaults on the loan.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) come in several varieties. A standard ARM has an interest rate and monthly payment that fluctuate. The rate and payment amount readjust at predetermined times. ARMs, like fixed-rate mortgages, typically have 15- or 30-year terms. Some ARMS have adjustable rates only for the first few years of the loan before converting to a fixed rate for the remaining term.
Tags: second home, percent down, line credit, primary home, equity loan
To stain a wood porch floor begin with a plan. Rain and the amount of humidity in the air will determine when it is the best time to stain a wood porch floor. The stain that you put on wood porch floor can remain durable for many years if applied correctly. Wood stains can be purchased in a multitude of colors to match or contrast your decor. Water-base and oil-based wood stains are available to suit your taste when you are ready to stain a wood porch floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the area to be stained. This will help you buy the right amount of wood stain for your project. On the average a gallon of wood stain will cover 200-400 square feet. Most manufacturers recommended several thin coats of wood stain. And stain manufacturers also recommend that you do not "thin" the stain. Apply as is out of the can. Read the label for specific directions for the wood stain that you are using.
New wood normally requires less stain because the wood grain is more tight. Old wood is more porous because of the weathering it has sustained. Ideally staining new wood will take far less preparation than staining old wood flooring. The same process can be used for railings, steps and wooden furniture.
2. Before you begin sprinkle several droplets of water on the new wood flooring. If the water beads up or does not penetrate, the wood is not ready for staining. Wait one to two weeks and test for absorbency again. The wood must be porous to absorb the stain into the grain.
3. Preparing previously painted wood flooring takes some time. I highly recommend scrubbing the floor the day before with a mild detergent, or an ammonia or vinegar solution and then rinse thoroughly with lots of plain water. Let the area dry completely for at least 24 hours. One of the easiest ways to make the stain or paint adhere better is to scrub, rinse and dry the surface first. Remove any loose paint and sand lightly. Repair loose boards before proceeding.
If more than a light spot sanding is required, be aware that sanding and scraping may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Eye and respiratory protection are a must. Also protect any pets that are hanging around while you work. Exposure to lead dust may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects especially children and pregnant women. For more information call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD of contact your local health authority.
4. Before you start the actual wood staining process, gather all of the tools that you will need together at the work site. Something to open the stain can, a stirring stick, a paint brush, roller or sprayer are necessary items. A piece of plastic to set the stain can on to prevent rings on the floor is helpful. A damp cloth to wipe up stain spills immediately and a hammer to put the lid back on the can tightly when you are finished will round out the list of supplies. Knee pads will protect your knees if you are using a brush.
5. Ideally a dry slightly windy day is preferable for quickly drying the stain on the wood floor. The temperature should be above 40 degrees with humidity below 50%. I have been using Sherwin Williams Deckscapes which is a waterborne deck stain for my current porch project. The temperature is about 65 degrees with a slight wind and I can see the stain sinking into the new wood on my porch. This is an exterior acrylic deck stain that should last for years. Wait two hours to apply the second coat and 24 hours before walking on the porch floor.
6. Safety is an issue while the stain is drying. You can use the yellow "Caution" tape to close off the area. Since I have tenants going in and out of the building I am using several brooms, yard rakes, plastic crates, etc. to designate the area. The area that I am working on is about 5x8 feet' so I have stained 3/4 of the area, let it dry while the remaining area can be used for foot traffic. When the stain is completely dry, reverse the restricted area and complete the staining process. Remember, wait 24 hours before allowing foot traffic on the newly stained floor.
7. Clean-up is just as important in your plan as getting the tools together to start the job. Return the hammer, screwdriver, rakes, caution tape, etc. to where they belong. If you put your tools back where they belong they will be there when you go to use them the next time.
Cleaning brushes after using a water-base stain is common sense. There is more thrown out the window by people that buy a brush and throw it out rather than clean it property. I will admit that oil-base stains and paint are a bit tedious to clean. But there is no excuse when you are using water-based stains and paint. Liquid soap and warm water works well. I use a finger nail brush to scrub the metal that holds the bristles in the handle. I use a simple piece of heavy wire bent into a big "C" to hang my brushes to dry from a knob or cupboard handle. Brushes can last for years and save you a lot of money if you will clean them well when you are finished using them.
8. My credentials to write this "How to" advice is that I am sort-of-60 and I have been managing and maintaining a four-unit apartment house for twenty-five years. I had some rotten boards replaced on the front porch with tongue-and-groove Southern yellow pine. Now that I have put two coats of exterior acrylic stain on the raw wood, the job is complete.
9. NOTE: Ideally, wood floor boards should be stained on "all" sides before they are installed on the floor. Although rain water lays mainly on the top of the flooring, all sides of the boards are affected by dampness, mildew and lack of sun. The raw boards can be "dipped" in sealant and thoroughly dried before they are used as flooring. Unfortunately, few floors are done this way.
Dog owners need to have a variety of grooming accessories on hand to keep their pet healthy and clean. Dog clippers (also known as dog shears) are used to trim and manage a dog's fur. Proper trimming with dog clippers ensures that the animal is free of matted hair, and it also makes regular grooming easier. Occasionally, dog clippers may need to be sharpened. Learning do it will keep your pet looking his best.
Instructions
1. Lightly tap the dog clippers to shake out excess hair. Run the clippers under a heavy stream of water to rinse out the inner gears and clean out any fur that has collected over time. If you're using electric dog clippers, use a brush (such as an old toothbrush) to clean the blades. The difficulty in grooming your dog may arise because the shears need to be cleaned, not sharpened. Most home users should never need to have to sharpen their dog clippers unless the shears are used heavily, such as at an animal shelter or in a professional dog-grooming shop.
2. Contact a local dog-grooming salon. Get a reference for a professional clipper-sharpening service. Dog clippers need to be professionally serviced. You cannot sharpen dog clippers at home using traditional methods of blade sharpening (e.g. a knife sharpener). After dog clippers are sharpened, they also need to be adjusted and re-tightened to ensure that they will work efficiently.
3. Send the dog clippers to the professional sharpening service if you are using manual, scissor-like shears. If you use electric dog clippers, see Step 4 for sharpen them. Before choosing a dog-clipper sharpener for manual dog shears, get cost quotes from several service providers to determine which is the cheapest. Be sure to factor in the time it will take (some sharpeners can provide same-day service, while others may take weeks) and the cost of shipping if you are using an out-of-town sharpening service.
4. Call the original manufacturer of the dog clippers if you own electric clippers. Electric clippers often require blade replacements, which are available from the manufacturer or from a local parts supplier. Get a cost estimate. Also, consider simply ordering the new replacement part and replacing the dog-clipper blades yourself, rather than sending the entire dog clipper to the manufacturer for servicing.
5. Keep the dog-clipper blades sharp by never grooming a dirty dog or a dog with large amounts of dust or grime in his fur. The little pieces of debris can quickly dull the blades on your dog clipper.
Tags: electric clippers, clippers need, dog-clipper blades, need have, sharpening service, shears used
U-verse TV is the digital television service offered by AT&T to compete with the major cable and satellite TV providers as well as that of other telephone companies like Verizon's FiOS TV. U-verse offers over 100 channels of high-definition programming, along with hundreds of standard definition channels, a digital video recorder and a number of other features.
Set Up
U-verse TV comes into the home through a high-speed Internet connection. The signal is translated by the receiver into audio and video to be sent to the television.
Programming
U-verse subscribers can choose between a number of programming packages to fit their individual tastes, including up to 105 channels in HD and up to 360 channels overall, including local channels.
DVR
With the optional Total Home Service, the digital video recorder can record up to four different channels at one time and up to 233 hours total, as well as access the shows from each TV connected to a DVR and manage the recordings by computer with an AT&T high-speed Internet account.
On-screen Guide
Use the U-verse receiver and remote control to view the full program guide on-screen for up to 2 weeks ahead, set and manage recordings and access the other various settings and features.
Features
U-verse also offers many of the features people enjoy from cable and satellite providers, including picture-in-picture, parental controls, video on demand and Dolby digital surround sound with some HD broadcasts.
Tags: cable satellite, cable satellite providers, digital video, digital video recorder, high-speed Internet
To determine whether you can claim a deduction for the expense of making repairs to a handicap van, you must first consider if it's a business or personal expense. Although a deduction is available for both types of expenses, the amount you can deduct for handicap van repairs and the way you must report the deduction are different.
Business Handicap Vans
If you operate a business that transports passengers in a handicap van, the IRS treats all of the expenses that relate to the van as a fully deductible business expenses. This includes the cost of making all repairs to the van, your lease payments, van insurance premiums and gasoline. However, if the insurance your business carries for the van covers the cost of repairs, you cannot claim a deduction. Any repair deduction you claim must be for an actual expense the business has to pay. If you receive reimbursement for the cost from insurance, or any third party, the business is not paying the repair expense.
Medical Expense Deduction
If you, your spouse or any of your dependents need the handicap van because of a medical disability, the IRS allows you to include the repair costs in your medical expense deduction. You need to ensure that the van has equipment that allows a handicapped person to drive it or provides easier access into the van, such as a wheelchair lift or ramp. Otherwise, the van does not satisfy the requirement of serving a medical purpose and is not covered under the medical expense deduction. When you include this expense in your medical deduction, keep in mind that the IRS requires you to reduce your total medical expenses for the year by 7.5 percent before a deduction is available.
Handicap Van Casualties
If your van requires repairs as a result of a casualty event, you can claim a casualty loss deduction as an alternative to the medical expense deduction. A casualty is a quick, sudden or unexpected event, such as a car accident or tornado that causes damage to your personal property. When your van is damaged in a casualty event the IRS allows you to deduct your loss. You start with the actual cost of the repair and reduce it by $100. From this amount you reduce it again by 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. The result is the amount you can deduct.
Reporting Van Deductions
The IRS has different reporting requirements for each type of deduction you claim that relates to repairing your handicap van. If taking it as a business expense, you simply report it on the business tax form you normally report all income and deductions on. However, if claiming the repairs as a medical deduction or casualty loss, you can only do so on a Schedule A. This requires that you elect to itemize your deductions. If you claim casualty loss, you also need to report the details of the casualty event on Form 4684.
Emerson LCD televisions are an inexpensive LCD option for people who want to put a flat-panel television in their homes. Like other TVs, they can develop problems. If you have an Emerson LCD TV that is having a problem, a little troubleshooting will either help you fix the problem yourself or determine that you need to call in some technical help. Does this Spark an idea?
Blank or Malfunctioning Screen
If your screen blanks out, shows only one image, or has other operating problems, then you probably have a problem with your capacitor. Capacitors are small devices that can easily store an electric charge and use it in circuits to power small activities. TVs often use an array of capacitors for many of their smaller functions. Unfortunately, like many electrical devices, capacitors can burn out over time (as can fuses). This creates serious problems that usually end up ruining the TV. This requires professionals to inspect and try to fix the problem--capacitors are too complicated for you to fix on your own.
Blue or Black Screen
If you have blue screen or a black screen that fails to respond, you probably have setup issues. Essentially, this means the TV has not been programmed correctly, but the particulars can vary greatly. The TV may be on the wrong channel to work properly with the cable or video receiver. Sometimes the image settings are skewed so that the image is there, but distorted or blackened, and all you need to do adjust the settings. This is an easy problem to fix and you should be able to handle it on your own with a little time with the instruction manual. Look for the settings and connection pages.
Image, Sound, or Power Absence
If you cannot make an image appear at all, or have an image but no sound, you probably have a connection problem. Sometimes this can lead to the complete absence of power. This occurs when the cables of the TV come loose or are improperly connected. Typically, this results in a large-scale failure. The TV might not turn on at all. You may be able to get power, but nothing you can do makes an image appear on the TV. Fortunately, you should be able to solve this problem yourself. Check all cables to make sure they are connected properly, then examine your manual to make sure you have connected the cables in your theater system correctly. If you cannot figure it out, call a friend or professional who can take a fresh look at the problem.
Dead Screen or Dead Sound
If you are confident nothing is wrong with your connections, then this problem is probably connected with your microcomputer. The microcomputer is the small device that sits in the back of the TV and manages the minute details of the sound and current that moves through the LCD layers. The microcomputer may also govern other functions and may even have a limited amount of memory. These computers can burn out, which will lead to a dead screen and other problems with your TV. Unfortunately, the microcomputer can be difficult to locate, and professionals need to do the replacement.
Tags: with your, probably have, image appear, make sure, problem yourself
Master plumbers perform a wide variety of jobs in the area of both residential and commercial plumbing.
If you enjoy working with your hands and want to learn a trade that is in constant demand, you might consider the career field of master plumbers. The professionals work both in and outdoors in homes, businesses and industries. According to Payscale.com, master plumbers earn good incomes, often topping $50,000 after one year on the job.
Job Defined
To obtain the status of master plumber, you must complete a four- to five-year on-the-job apprenticeship, as well as complete at least 144 hours of classroom instruction. According to StateUniversity.com, once trained as a master plumber, you will perform such duties as installing plumbing pipes and bathroom fixtures, including bathtubs, toilets and sink fixtures. Master plumbers must carefully study the blueprints of a home or business before performing any major plumbing job to ensure the exact locations of the water lines.
Experience Levels
According to a June 2010 finding by Payscale.com, the experience you possess as a master plumber will have a bearing on income potential. With at least one year of experience, you can expect to earn between $38,254 and $52,903 annually. After at least five years, your earnings could climb as high as $56,000 annually. Master plumbers with at least a decade of job experience are reporting earning median incomes of up to $65,418 each year.
Employers
The type of employer you choose as a master plumber could also play some part in annual earnings. According to a June 2010 report by Payscale.com, master plumbers employed with franchises are earning some of the highest salaries, between $49,132 and $76,302 each year. Working for yourself could also pay big dividends, with those workers reporting earnings ranging between $39,044 and $73,285 a year. Master plumbers working for state and local government agencies are reporting some of the lowest wages, topping out at $64,749 annually.
Area
Where you work in the U.S. could also determine your salary as a master plumber. According to a June 2010 survey by Payscale.com, master plumbers working in the city of Los Angeles are reporting above average earnings, ranging from $58,462 a year, and up to $158,000. Working in Virginia Beach could net an annual salary of between $41,271 and $79,354. Working in Kansas City could be the least profitable, with those master plumbers reporting earning $52,899 a year at the higher end.
Annual Sales
How much business a particular plumbing company handles on a yearly basis often translates to the earnings of their employees, including master plumbers. According to a June 2010 survey by Payscale.com, if you are working for a plumbing company where annual sales or jobs total less than $500,000, your earnings potential should fall between the ranges of $45,000 and $64,329 a year. Master plumbers employed with businesses that top $500,000 in annual sales are reporting earnings of up to $125,000 a year.
Tags: master plumber, According June, According June 2010, June 2010, could also, Master plumbers
Pre-1976 mobile homes are less valuable because they were built according to different standards.
Appraisers are licensed professionals who compare a subject property to similar properties in order to estimate the subject property's value. The estimate of value is called an appraisal. Although the appraisal itself is subjective -- it's actually an opinion of value -- the criteria an appraiser uses are objective. For mobile homes appraisals, they take into account location, the age of the home, structural features, whether it's on a leased or owned lot and recent sale prices of similar homes, called comparables. Only a professionally trained and licensed appraiser can perform a true appraisal. However, a mobile home owner can arrive at an approximation of his own mobile home's likely value and resale price. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine whether your mobile home is real estate or real property. If you own the land on which your home is located and you intend to sell the land with the home, the home is real estate. If the home is on a leased lot or you'll sell it separately from land you own, it's real property, like a car.
2. Research your mobile home using an online valuation guide if it's personal property. Input the information the guide asks for, including the age of your home, its condition, features, and other items. Purchase the guide's valuation report to determine its value.
3. Assess conditions that affect your buyer's ability to finance the purchase of your home if it's real estate. Note its age and whether or not it's on a permanent foundation. Look for the HUD label, also called the HUD tag, on your home's exterior. The home is eligible for mortgage financing if it was manufactured after 1976 and sits on a permanent foundation and has the HUD label.
4. Contact a local real estate agent to request comparable listings of closed mobile-home sales from the last several months.
5. Examine the listings to find the mobile homes that are most like yours and that are in the nearest and most similar locations to yours. Look for homes in your park if your home is located in a park, for example, or look for homes in a park that's similar to yours if there were no recent sales in your park. Use listings for homes on leased lots if your lot is leased; use listings for owned lots if you own yours.
6. Divide the sale price of each comparable by its square footage. For example, for a 1,000-square-foot mobile home that sold for $30,000, divide $30,000 by 1,000. The answer -- in this case, $30 -- is the price-per-square-foot.
7. Figure out the average price-per-square-foot of all the comparables. Add all the homes' prices per-square-foot together and then divide by the number of comparables you're using. If you have five comparables, two of which sold for $30-per-square-foot, two of which sold for $20-per-square-foot and one of which sold for $10, you'd add $30 + $30 + $20 + $20 + $10 for a sum of $110. The amount of $110 divided by five comparables equals $25. The average price-per-square-foot, then, is $25.
8. Use the average price-per-square-foot as a baseline in determining your home's value. If your home is substantially better than the comparables, your value may be a little higher. Alternately, if the comparables are substantially better, your value will lower. If your home is eligible for financing, it's likely worth more than an otherwise identical home that is ineligible, as personal-property loans are harder to find and they tend to have higher interest rates.
9. Compare that figure to the guide report's if your home is personal property. Adjust your value further, if necessary. The figure at which you arrive after adjustments is an approximation of your home's value.
Tags: your home, mobile home, real estate, average price-per-square-foot, home real
A few lenders will extend credit to you one day following a bankruptcy discharge. But these lines of credit routinely feature expensive finance charges. Obtaining a loan approval and good rate often requires rebuilding your credit history. Whether you're looking to acquire the best deal on a credit card or qualify for a mortgage, there are several techniques to repair your credit following a bankruptcy.
Get a Secured Credit Card
Repairing credit after a bankruptcy requires obtaining new lines of credit, such as a credit card. Submit a request for a secured credit card with a bank or credit union. These types of credit cards function like unsecured cards. However, due to your bad credit rating, banks and credit unions issuing secured credit cards require a security deposit or collateral before approving a request. Credit limits are equivalent to your deposit. And once you display creditworthiness, your credit card company will likely convert your account to "unsecured status" and refund the deposit.
Good Payment History
After acquiring a secured credit card or other line of credit, consistently submit on-time payments to raise your credit score. A good payment history means making payments on or before your due dates and submitting full payments---no half or partial payments. Unexpected circumstances may occur, wherein you're unable to send a payment. Rather than send the payment late or skip the payment altogether, contact your creditor immediately and ask for an extension or work out a new payment schedule.
Adopt Better Credit Habits
Poor credit habits such as overspending and habitually exceeding your credit limit may have led to bankruptcy and poor credit. Repairing credit after a bankruptcy involves recognizing previously bad habits and learning manage credit better. Along with maintaining an acceptable payment history with creditors, resolve to stop whimsical spending and excessive credit card use. Pay for items with cash. But if you have to use credit, only charge what you can afford to pay off each month.
Tags: your credit, credit card, after bankruptcy, credit after, credit after bankruptcy
Many grants are available to fix up your home. However, the road to obtaining one involves considerable research in order to determine which funds are available and from whom; analysis of your needs and the grants available; and excellent communication skills. Additionally, from research to applying to receiving funds may be a long process, so this may not be best route if you need the money for your home quickly. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Figure out what your home needs (major or minor renovation, retrofitting to meet current codes, upgrading, etc.). It is critical during this analysis that you are as honest as possible in determining what is needed.
Additionally, make three lists: what you wish to be done (also known as a dream list); what needs to be done (the critical steps that cannot be overlooked under any circumstances); and what you can accomplish on your own.
2. Figure out what groups you fall into for grant purposes. Many grants may be available, but they may only focus on a specific subgroup of people (i.e., low-income residents, veterans or those within a specific geographic area).
Analysis is crucial when applying for grants. If you do not analyze your situation first, you might find yourself unsure if you qualify for grants, or worse, don't apply for available grants because you didn't consider yourself eligible.
3. Research your options. At the end of this article are some sites to start with, but you can also use a search engine, plugging in terms that suit your situation.
Research is crucial when applying for grants. Applying blindly to organizations for money not only wastes your time but theirs as well. Also, thoroughly research those organizations that are offering grants--while many government agencies of various levels offer grants, steer clear of companies that offer grants for a fee. Grants should not cost you any money, aside from the cost of postage and supplies (if used).
4. Once you have identified which grants are available to you and are still open, then you need to begin the application process. Most granting organizations want to give the money away to those who qualify, so they will include the directions for the grant application. Keep in mind that if the grant application asks for something (proof of income, proof of military service, proof of address, etc.), then supply it with your application. You do not want your grant to be dismissed because you didn't include a crucial piece of information. Additionally, while this is your home, this is a business transaction as well, so approach the situation as you would with any other business scenario--respectfully and with your eyes wide open. This is where your log--either computerized or hand-written--is invaluable in helping you track what stage of the process you're in, what needs to be done, etc.
5. Keep an eye on the calendar (again, either a special one in your computer or a printed one with dates, deadlines, and progress noted). Having done your analysis, research and applying, all that's left is to watch the calendar. Some grants won't begin to hand out money until the end of the application period, while others hand out money on a first-come-first-served basis. Knowing which kind of grants you've applied for, watch the calendar to see when deadlines are coming up.
Tags: grants available, your home, applying grants, because didn, crucial when, crucial when applying
HVAC technicians service and install air conditioning units like these.
There's no denying it--most of us love to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. To achieve this, we rely on our air conditioning units and furnaces. When either of those break down, we quickly contact a qualified HVAC technician for repair. HVAC--heating, ventilation and air conditioning--is a career choice for many people nowadays. An increase in demand in the field offers excellent job prospects for those who receive quality training. It's possible to complete your training at home and set yourself up to embark on a new career path.
Instructions
1. Obtain information on the requirements to become licensed in HVAC in your state. Requirements vary from state to state. There is no nationwide licensing board that covers HVAC certification. Obtaining this information is important to ensure that your course meets the requirements of your state, if there are any.
2. Contact several local HVAC employers and ask whether they would consider hiring someone with training completed through a home-study course. If so, great. If not, ask what their reasons are for preferring students who attended a brick and mortar institution. If they have hired employees from independent study programs, ask whether they can recommend a program to you that provides a quality education.
3. Investigate several online courses that offer HVAC training. While a correspondence course is an option, online training is superior due to simulation programs that allow students to learn hands-on techniques via the Internet. Choose a course that fits your budget and allows you to learn at your own pace. Most home-study programs are set up this way to allow students to spend as little or as much time as needed on any particular topic. Ask if the institution offers job placement and, if so, what its placement rate is. Courses with lifetime job placement are attractive options. Ask what certification is offered upon successful completion of the course and whether it is affiliated with any professional HVAC organizations.
4. Enroll in the training program of your choice. Before you enroll, check into its refund and withdrawal policies in case you find that its training does not live up to your expectations. Find out what happens if you need to take time off from your studies due to circumstances beyond your control. Will you have to start from scratch, or can you pick up where you left off? Ensure that you have instructors you can contact for assistance in the event of any problems understanding the course material.
5. Devote yourself to your studies. With a home-study course, you only get out of it what you put into it. Discipline yourself to work diligently and obtain the highest grades possible. The better your GPA, the more attractive you are to future employers.
6. Complete all course requirements and receive your degree or diploma.
Tags: allow students, conditioning units, home-study course, whether they, your state, your studies
Liquids and computers do not go well together. When electronic equipment becomes wet, it is imperative to dry each component completely before any attempts are made to restart the system and assess complete damage. If a laptop becomes wet, it may be possible to dry out the components and salvage the computer. Success will depend on quick action and the ability to adequately dry the soaked computer parts.
Instructions
1. Unplug the laptop from any power source immediately. Soak up visible water on the surface of the laptop as quickly as possible with the absorbent cloth.
2. Turn the laptop upside down and gently shake it to remove as much water as possible from the keyboard area. While the laptop is turned upside down and draining, remove the battery.
3. Use the blow dryer at a low setting to attempt to dry out any parts of the laptop that are obviously wet. This may take some time, so be patient and do this carefully.
4. Place the laptop with the keyboard side down and the battery on a source of dry heat (heating vent) and allow to sit undisturbed for up to a week. Do not attempt to turn the laptop on again until all of the components are completely dry
5. Reassemble the laptop and attempt to power it on if the laptop seems completely dry. Many times electronic devices will work again even after getting wet as long as they are completely dried out before powering on again.
The Oxford English Dictionary describes inlets as, "a narrow opening by which the water penetrates into the land; a small arm of the sea, an indentation in the sea-coast or the bank of a lake or river; a creek." Inlets can refer to many different types of coastal and lake water formations, or even to a narrow body of water between islands.
Fjord, Canal, Calanque or Channel
Mouth of the Geiranger Fjord
During the Ice Age, massive glaciers dug deep into mountainous coastlines. They carved out deep, narrow inlets from the shore down into the ocean as they moved and changed. The glaciers slowly receded, leaving the mouth of these inlets, or fjords, trapped by ice longer than the areas close to the comparably warmer ocean. Thus, fjords are deeper at the mouth than they are at the opening to the ocean. A fjord is also known as a canal or channel in some regions. In the Mediterranean, they are known as calanques.
Bay, Gulf or Cove
Coves are formed when the sea passes a barrier and erodes a larger area inland.
Bays and coves are inlets formed by water erosion. In some cases, an inland river breaks through a barrier of relatively strong strata of earth to reach the sea. This allows the tides of the sea to reach the less resistant strata behind this wall. Thus, the opening remains small, while the body of water grows wide further inland. Coves can also be formed by the sea breaking through the resistant strata on its own, either by gradual erosion or by rising sea levels. Large bays are referred to as gulfs.
Sound
A dock in the Puget Sound, stretching out into one of the fjords
A collection of interconnected inlets in one area is called a sound. Two well known sounds in the U.S. are the Puget Sound and Howe Sound. These two sounds are primarily a system of fjord valleys filled by the ocean to become inlets. A sound may also refer to an inlet larger than a bay but smaller than a gulf. In northern Europe, a sound is called a sund, and refers to inlets called straights between land masses.
Mechanics
An inlet may refer to the part of a device that allows a substance, especially a fluid, from one section to another. For example, sinks have inlet conduits through which water may pass. The inlet valve would control the amount of fluid that passes. Machines designed to mix chemicals or solvents have inlets to allow the passage of fluids from one chamber to another. Switchboards operate with a system of electrical inlets, controlled by inlet switches.
Other definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an inlet is also a generic term for "a way of entering; especially : an opening for intake." An inlet can be the entrance or opening of something, or the thing which enters. As a verb, inletting is allowing someone or something to enter, or refers to the act of inserting or inlaying.
Tags: body water, Puget Sound, resistant strata, which water
Be prepared to invest in some tools specifically used for testing electrical power.
While you should use all tools with caution, this is doubly important when using tools to repair electrical appliances. Ensure your safe use of electrical tools by shutting off the power supply to anything you are attempting to repair. Always use tools with plastic or rubber handles when working with electricity. You can use some items in your home toolbox with electrical components, but you may also have to invest in electrical system testing equipment. Does this Spark an idea?
Pliers
Needle-nose, lineman's and side-cutting pliers should be part of your electrical repair kit.
Two types of pliers will come in very handy for working with wiring. Both needle-nose pliers and the type known as lineman's pliers are used for bending wires into the loops that will be required for some of the electrical repair you plan to do. If you will be working in cramped or awkward spaces, consider adding a pair of side-cutting pliers to ease your burden.
Neon Circuit Tester
A neon circuit tester lets you safely determine whether or not an electrical wall outlet is providing power. When the probes of a neon circuit tester touch a hot circuit, a light will come on as an indication. Additionally, you can use neon circuit testers to test for the presence of electricity in overhead light fixtures and outlet boxes as well as wall outlets.
Multi-tester
The multi-tester is a battery-operated unit that measures the resistance in the electrical circuit. As the name indicates, this tool serves other useful purposes like measuring the voltage of both alternating and direct currents. A multi-tester is also useful for owners of older houses to test fuses, according to Mike McClintock in "Creative Homeowner's Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement."
Combination Tool
The combination tool can be useful in a number of ways.
Use a combination tool when doing electrical repairs to clamp wire in an appropriate-sized gauge when attaching wires. The cutting element of the combination tool is useful for trimming wires.
Wire Strippers
Wire strippers are good for removing insulation without damaging the actual electrical wire. A wire stripper can also be called into action when wire must be crimped or bent. Using wire strippers properly will result in cleaner contact points, which provides a more efficient connection.
Receptacle Tester
A receptacle tester is another special item for use in electrical repairs. This tool lets you know if your outlets are properly and correctly wired for use. The tool will signal you with an indication of a problem if the receptacle is not properly wired.
Screwdrivers
A screwdriver is one of your most useful tools when doing repair work. Screwdrivers are used for removing outlet boxes and the covering off wall plugs. A special type of this tool called a "wire-bending" screwdriver can also help by bending and looping connecting wires.
If your septic system is in need of repair, you may be able to fix the problem yourself.
Some of the most frustrating things to endure are problems with your septic tank. A septic tank is part of a miniature sewage system. While the government provides sewage systems in urban areas, they are not available for all homes in rural areas. Families who have no access to a public sewage system have to depend on their own small system to dispose of human waste. If a septic system becomes run-down and in need of repair, it can be a very unpleasant experience due to toxic chemicals and foul odors. However, you can repair your system with the right tools and a lot of patience. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Run a plumber's snake down the drainpipe in the septic tank. This is to check if there is an object lodged in the pipe.
2. Use a garden hoe to dig up the soil around the septic tank. Open the lid on the tank and check the level of liquid within. If it is below the inlet of the house, there is an object lodged inside, and it is at the end of the inlet. Dislodge the object with a garden hose set to high pressure.
3. Check the tank's drainpipe. Make sure there are no plants or other debris floating around inside. Use an electric roto rooter tool to cut any items that may be causing a blockage into tiny pieces so that they flow out with the water.
4. Examine the lid of the septic tank. Septic tank lids are made of concrete and are susceptible to wear and tear over the years due to moisture. Repair the lid by applying an epoxy liquid solution from a concrete repair kit to any cracks or tears. Mix the epoxy liquid with water and sand in a bucket. Apply pressure when adding the mixture, allowing it to go deep into any cracks. Smooth out the filler and set the lid aside for a few hours to allow it time to dry.
Tags: septic tank, epoxy liquid, need repair, object lodged, septic system, sewage system