Ever wanted to give your house an entirely new look -- on your own?
Do-it-yourself isn't for everyone, but for those that want to do go it alone, there are some small projects you can do easily with some simple steps. Two of the DIY Network's most popular stars, Amy Matthews and Kevin O'Connor, shared some of their best easy and inexpensive DIY projects, suitable for just about any homeowner, on "The Early Show" Wednesday. Some of the projects will also be featured in their new show called "This New House," which will showcase the latest and greatest products in home improvement. FLATWIRE KIT Want to install new light fixtures without getting inside the walls? Try flat wiring, it's an all surface mounted system which means you can install low voltage wiring in tough spaces without damaging your wall. Flat wiring is paper-thin and so flexible you can glue the wire right onto the wall. Once the glue is dry, just apply a mesh cover, special adhesive and home solutions then finish off with joint compound, sand, then paint. The wire is basically invisible and plugs into a standard household outlet. Flat wiring is a great way to hang sconces on the wall. And you can even buy complete lighting kits that include everything you need to make installation quick and easy. There are many other uses for flat wire tape and can make any home look much neater, without wires everywhere. You can home improvement ideas use them home improvement ideas pictures for stereo systems and for flat screen TVs, which are often mounted on the wall. Price: This kit is listed at $249.00 on the website. Other, less expensive kits available in the $125 to $150 range. More info available at FlatWireReady.com. EASY INSTALL CROWN MOLDING Traditional crown molding can make a room look very high end, but it's not that easy to install because you have to cut it upside down and backwards and on two angles. Plus, nailing in place is also a challenge. But this crown molding is foam, super lightweight and much easier to install. It cuts so easily, you don't need a power miter saw -- just a hand miter box. And if you use corner blocks, you can just do a straight cut. It's also easy to install -- no nails needed -- just construction adhesive. Glue to the back of the molding and stick on the wall. Three different sizes and styles. A room 12 x 12 with 3" crown molding is $107.00. The 4" is $159.00 and the 6" is $199.00. Inexpensive, quick and easy. You can get more information on their website: Villadecousa.com SAFE & EASY DRAIN CLEANING -- THE PERMAFLOW "NEVER-CLOG DRAIN" This "no clog drain" will remove debris from your pipes without plunging or using dangerous cleaners. You have what's called a p-trap under your sink that can get clogged because the debris can't get out. The p-trap here is clear and the paddle helps sweep away the clogs. It's like a window wiper for your p-trap. The "paddle" style trap generates flow turbulence. It moves sediment downstream to prevent routine build-up inside the trap area. And the paddle stops objects from flowing into your pipes. Since its transparent, you can see anything that's clogged and fish it out. It fits kitchens and sinks, and it's an easy DIY project. Standard unit will retrofit into any bath or kitchen and comes with instruction and gaskets. Price: $19.95. Retrofit Bath Kits: can be purchased at build.com and range from: $25.99 for Kitchen to $29.99 (bath). Also available on Amazon. More information, visit PFWaterworks.net. SMART INSULATION -- DIY POLYURETHANE SPRAY FOAM INSULATION KIT An instructional video is on this company's website: SprayFoamDirect.com. This is a great do-it-yourself project that can help you save up to 40 percent on your heating and cooling bills. It's a DIY "polyurethane spray foam insulation kit" that seals air leaks and insulates. Start by only pulling back 25 percent on the trigger, stand 18 to 24 inches away from your target and make sure the foam is light green in color. Spray a strip around the perimeter of the area you wish to cover. With a back-and forth motion of your wrist, fill in the area from top to bottom. The faster you move your wrist, the thinner the layer of foam. Move slower to get a thicker layer of foam. The foam will expand five to six times its original volume. Be careful not to apply too much in one pass. Works in attics, walls, basements, and crawl spaces. Blocks water, moisture, mold, and is pest resistant. It's fast - you can spray in less than an hour and it's portable and disposable. Cost ranges from $329.99 (202 square feet of coverage at one-inch thick cured foam) to $1,369.00 (1,200 Square Feet at one-inch thick cured), depending on the size of your project. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/do-it-yourself-home-improvement-made-simple/
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Identity threat continues to be on the rise. Did you know it is estimated 15 million U.S. residents have had their identities used fraudulently each year? Not only that, the financial losses exceeded $50 billion. 1 This is just in the United States alone. These stats also do not include the people who are at risk due to the increased number of data breaches occurring. In 2014 there were 1,540 breaches globally - this is an increase of 46 percent over 2013. 2
Despite the increase of public awareness about the issue, thieves are becoming savvier in the ways they try to steal personal information. As a result, it has become increasingly important to be proactive in protecting yourself from becoming a victim. Credit: GotCredit www.gotcredit.com (accessed via Flickr/CC by 2.0) Since many organizations have become computerized, your personal information is becoming digitized and stored in various databases. While the value of information systems is understood, a huge drawback is you have no control over how your information is stored and what protective measures have been put in place to safeguard your information. Additionally, many transactions are now done online, and this means there is a higher chance your information can be stolen or used without your permission. While identity theft is a very real concern in today's world and it is just about impossible to try to control, there are still some ways you can actively protect yourself in order to reduce the odds of having your identity stolen. Here are some of the ways you can mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft: Safeguard Your Social Security Number Your Social Security number is essentially http://andreas8176os.zamsblog.com/ceiling-sides-according-to-the-level-of-ceilings-maybe-you-are-capable-reach-the-sides-with-one-of-your-vacuum-attachments your lifeline because everything is about you is attached to it. If an identity thief were to obtain your number they would have a field day http://zackary9580md.eblogmall.com/they-contain-toxic-cancer-tumors-causing-ingredients-which-not-merely-harms-your-wellbeing-but-the-environment-also with your personal information. Once your Social Security number is compromised, it can really wreak havoc on your life. To protect this valuable number, the best thing to do is commit your Social Security number to memory and keep the physical card locked up in a safe location where a thief cannot have access to it. Credit: frankieleon via Flickr/CC by 2.0 https://www.flickr.com/photos/armydre2008/3611622999 Protect Important Documents In addition to your Social Security (or, if not in the U.S., the equivalent), it is a good idea to lock up documents such as your birth certificate, passport (when not in use) and other personally identifying documents which someone could use to obtain a driver's license or other photo ID. Additionally, you'll want to protect your digital documents as well. Protect your passwords, use different combinations for each account you use and do not leave them written down where they can be easily accessed by prying eyes. Make Copies of Important Cards and Documents Another protective measure is to make copies of all of your credit cards, IDs and other important documents and keep these locked up in a separate place from your physical cards. This way if one goes missing you have all the pertinent information you'll need to prove your identity if an issue arises. Just remember to be careful where you make these copies. Monitor Your Credit Report It is important you keep tabs on your credit report to monitor if any unusual activity occurs. By regularly checking your credit report you can immediately see if anything appears out-of-place; if something strange-looking shows up you can investigate to make sure someone isn't illicitly using your personal information. Report Stolen IDs and/or Credit Cards If you come to find your credit card, driver's license or other identification has gone missing, you should report this immediately to make sure it is documented. If an identity thief gets a hold of one of your cards there is no telling what he or she will do with them. If the card missing is one of your credit cards, you should carefully watch credit card activity after this occurs to make sure your account isn't being abused. Credit: stevepb via Pixabay CC0 Public Domain https://pixabay.com/en/wallet-cash-credit-card-pocket-1013789/ Be Cautious about Online Transactions When you send information over the Internet, be sure you have good firewall and anti-virus software installed. Additionally, it is important to learn how to tell the difference between safe and trusted sites when you share information. Look for the URL to indicate "https" in the beginning of the web address and look for the padlock on the lower right hand side of the webpage to show it is a secured web page. For online business, it is a good idea to only shop or share information with reputable websites, if you are not familiar with the business or agency running the website, you may want to reconsider sharing personal information because you never know where it might end up. Which leads to . . . Read Privacy Policies Companies are required to put out a document which outlines what personal information will be asked of you, why it is used and who it will be shared with. You can reduce the risks of your personal information falling into the wrong hands if you understand everything contained in the privacy policy. Unfortunately, many people do not read these important documents and it isn't until later they realize their information has been shared with organizations they would have preferred it not be given. Some of the third parties information is shared with are not reputable. Once an organization shares with one company, it opens up a plethora of other companies your information may be shared with. Get Savvy About Internet Risks In addition to installing a firewall and anti-virus software it is a good idea to become versed in malware, SPAM and phishing. These are all techniques identity thieves will use to try and extract personal information from you but, if you are wise to their tricks and learn how to recognize their schemes, this will significantly reduce your risks of falling victim to one. Credit: Don Hankins via Flickr/CC by 2.0 https://www.flickr.com/photos/23905174@N00/1594411528/in/photolist-3qTLZW-dPcqJ1-6wPT2G-8AzjX6-8ACr8u Check Your Mail Another protective measure is to either invest in a post office box or buy a mailbox for which a key is needed to open the box. Identity thieves often steal mail right out of mailboxes to obtain bank statements, credit card bills or other valuable mail they can use to create a new identity for themselves. If you know when your statements or bills are due to arrive, you can immediately realize if one doesn't arrive on time and you can contact the bank or company to let them know you never received it. Invest in a Paper Shredder Identity thieves aren't above good 'ol fashioned dumpster diving. They commonly engage in this activity to obtain bits of information they can piece together to produce an entire profile. If you routinely shred all documents you no longer need, this eliminates the chances someone will go "dumpster diving" through your trash. For those times you must save specific documents which contain sensitive information, keep them in a locked filing cabinet. In its video outlining ways you can protect yourself, the U.S. Federal https://bryanmywl.wordpress.com/2016/10/30/instead-of-throw-away-floor-cleansing-shields-contemplate-using-gear-that-makes-usage-of-steam-and-pads/ Trade Commission (FTC) also points out to check your health insurance statements. Make sure you received care for the treatments listed. Identity theft is a huge problem in today's society, but if you understand the risks and learn all of the different ways you can protect yourself, while nothing is 100 percent, you can significantly reduce the risk of a thief stealing the personal information that is in your control. http://www.infobarrel.com/Tips_to_Reduce_Risk_of_Identity_Theft MUMBAI Up a flight of creaky wooden stairs, young Indian real estate agent Hemant Surve guides a prospective renter around a damp two-bedroom apartment overlooking the sea in the country's teeming financial diy plumbing advice capital. Flaking paint and dilapidated toilets leave his client, an American expatriate from New York, distinctly unimpressed but Surve says its dysfunctional plumbing and dour color scheme is all she will get for her budget of $2,500 a month -- plus bills. "Many are willing to pay anything for a flat like this," Surve says as he gestures at a bare sitting room, whose arched windows open on to a heap of ugly road construction material and huge cranes. As global firms and some of their overseas staff flock to India to tap opportunities in its burgeoning economy, premium residential rents in cities like Mumbai and the capital, New Delhi, are going through the roof. Add a rising number of high-income Indian professionals residential plumbing repair and a shift to a nuclear family from the traditional extended one, and the number of people looking for good homes is pushing rents to levels seen in the more desirable parts of London and New York. "Mumbai is drawing big luxury liners and small ships alike," said Sandeep Sadh, chief executive of online real estate firm www.realestatemumbai.com. "Be it an expat worker or an Indian professional, the mind-boggling demand for high-end rented homes will continue." THE I.T. GENERATION While residential rents have gone up across the board, they have surged 31 percent in the last quarter in Mumbai's top-end areas like the financial district of Nariman Point, named as one of the world's 10 most expensive locations in a recent CB Richard Ellis survey. Tenants drawn from banks, information technology companies, securities traders and headhunters are driving the market in the city of 17 million people, property dealers say. In New Delhi, upmarket southern suburbs have seen rents appreciate by 30 percent in each of the last two quarters. "Values in New Delhi will remain buoyant as there will be no substantial supply in the next 12-15 months," said a consultant with real estate firm Knight Frank. "The demand-supply situation 24 hour plumbers near me in the premium segment is the same in Mumbai and New Delhi." In Bangalore, home to major IT firms, property prices have risen as much as 50-60 percent in the past six months, but have since fallen and stabilized at a rise of about 15 percent after new construction met part of the huge demand. The high-end property market in India's financial capital Mumbai is witnessing a bizarre drama, where rents for some two-bedroom apartment can either match those in New York or list of residential plumbing services Tokyo, or cost only a few dollars. The cause is a six-decade-old rent control law - framed to insulate tenants from unscrupulous landlords - which millions of renters use to hold a large chunk of prime property, paying rents at 1940s prices. The politically popular law has been extended more than 20 times and currently applies to roughly 60 per cent of the thousands of buildings in the city center. Landlords, who can not raise rents or redevelop their assets without the permission of tenants, have watched helplessly as market prices have soared and their properties have disintegrated. "A change in the rent laws will free up a lot of premium properties, most of them commercial," said Sadh. "Thousands of properties could be available but even then it wouldn't be enough to meet the demand in the residential segment." POOR AMENITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE Mumbai's high-end rental property mainly comprises decaying once-glamorous Art Deco apartment blocks, lining a seafront sweep in the south of the city. In many such buildings, where rents can range from $2,000-5,000 plus bills, modern amenities are absent and even the lifts can be unsafe, pulley-worked contraptions from the 1960s. Real estate developers and brokers say a combination of archaic tenancy laws, restrictive regulations for new buildings and shoddy infrastructure underlie many of the problems. A lot of the properties are so old that their owners are long dead. With property titles unclear, builders avoid getting involved in evicting old tenants. The pressure on the high-end property market has forced companies and individuals to look at the city's northern suburbs, which are also seeing a rise in rentals and capital values. But poor infrastructure connecting these northern suburbs to the rest of the city is a problem. "The government has so far failed to maintain, develop or strengthen infrastructure in a city which has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years," said an official of mumbaipropertyexchange.com, a leading real estate agency. Real estate experts say prices will stabilize once the government delivers on a promise to finally build a modern travel infrastructure for the city. "Once we have the bridges, the roads and the underground railway, we will see prices peak out," said Sadh. "If we can cut down on travel time, people don't mind living a little further away from town." http://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-property-rent-idUSSP28561220070102 |
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