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 Although you can't see debris as it accumulates over time, the upholstery in your home constantly attracts dirt and dust. Dead skin, skin oil, pet dander, fur and spills can also soil the fabric, making the colors look dull. Dirt also makes your furniture smell less than appealing. That's why it's so important that you vacuum your upholstered furniture once a week - or at least once a month - depending on how much they're used. Removing the dirt and dust with a vacuum helps make upholstery cleaner. But it can't remove the hidden dirt that resides inside the fabric. Use this upholstery cleaning guide to learn how you can easily clean and freshen up your furniture. Step 1: Vacuum the Upholstery Thoroughly Even if you recently swept your cloth furniture, the first step is to vacuum it thoroughly. Use the upholstery attachment to sweep every side of the furniture. Remove the cushions and sweep them. Then use the crevice attachment to remove dust and dirt from every nook and cranny. Step 2: Mix Up the Upholstery Cleaning Solution You can use plain laundry detergent to clean and freshen up your upholstery. Plain means it contains no bleach, softeners or other similar additives. To make the cleaning solution, pour a quarter cup of laundry detergent and one cup of warm water into a deep container. Whip the solution with an electric mixer until the detergent suds up. Keep whipping until the suds resemble an egg meringue, i.e., it's dry and form peaks. Step 3: Always Test Fabric for Color Fastness First Use a damp sponge to apply some of the suds to an inconspicuous spot on the upholstery. Rub it around a bit and then allow the area to dry. Check for any sign of discoloration. If discoloration occurs, try another type of laundry detergent. If not, proceed to Step 4. Step 4: Check the Upholstery for Stains Before you begin the actual process of cleaning and freshening up your furniture, check the fabric for stains. You may need to use a commercial stain remover if the sudsy laundry detergent and the damp sponge don't work. Step 5: Start the Actual Cleaning of the Fabric Start at the http://www.anatomytrains.net/essential-tips-buying-budget-friendly-office-furniture/ front of the upholstered furniture and continue to use the damp sponge to rub the suds onto the cloth. Remove excess suds with a damp cloth. Rinse the cloth https://topofficefurniture.wordpress.com/top-quality-office-furniture/ out in a bucket of warm water when it becomes soiled. Continue working your way around the upholstery until you've cleaned the entire piece. Don't forget to clean any cushions you've removed. Step 6: Wait for the Furniture to Dry. Allow the upholstery to dry completely. Replace any cushions and enjoy your clean furniture. By: Kassidy Emmerson Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Kassidy Emmerson is a copywriter for Yodle Local, a business directory an online advertising company. Find more cleaning service tips and info at yodle local. Upholstery Cleaning for Dummies. http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Upholstery-Cleaning-for-Dummies/879519 A leaky gas pipe is one of the most dangerous problems a home can plumbing services near me have. Its important to detect it early in order to prevent the occurrence of a tragic accident. Gas pipe leaks can potentially start a raging inferno that will transform your beautiful home into a pile of smoking rubble. Beyond the thousands or millions of dollars in property damage, a fire that begins while youre asleep or unaware can potentially end you and your familys life as well. In addition, even if the 24 hour plumbing service gas never ignites, just breathing in the toxic chemicals can cause serious respiratory health issues.
Fortunately, this is damage that can easily be remedied. Anyone who even has the slightest experience in DIY projects can repair a leaky gas pipe with minimal hassle. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps. #The first thing you need to do is determine the exact location of the breach. Running soapy water over the pipes surface and looking for bubbling areas is one good technique to easily find the hole. Once you know where the repair site is going to be, assemble together the equipment youd need. This list includes a steel band with sufficient length to encircle the pipe, a steel strap seal, packing material to block the leak and a tensioner. #Place your blocking pad over the hole and then wrap the stainless steel banding strap over it. Slip on the strap seal and tighten the strip of metal as much as you can by hand. #The next step is to use the tensioner to mechanically increase the pressure applied on the pipe by the stainless steel banding strap. Wind the tool until you reach a point of noticeable resistance. Dont overdo the tension as this can further damage the pipe. Now, without releasing the tool, double bend the excess length over itself for two inches. Only once youve done this can you release the tensioners grip safely. #Cut off the leftover stainless steel band and slip its end into the other opening of the strap seal. Now, take a mallet and gently beat the seals flanges close over the metal banding. Congratulations! Youve just repaired your leaky gas pipe. http://pipe.ezinemark.com/how-to-repair-a-gas-pipe-leak-31ecf3cbb99.html Master Plumber Salary
The annual figures for a master plumber's salary are not as low as people may think. Even though the plumbing profession is not as glamorous or lucrative as other professions, there are many master plumbers who carve out long and... Plumber Salary There are various parameters iPlumb Home Services that govern the earning potential of a plumber and this article shares detailed information about various dimensions of Virginia plumber this profession. Plumber Job Description The aim of this article is to explain the job description, duties, and responsibilities of a plumber plumber Leesburg VA in detail. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/plumbers/ gutter dc plumbing href="http://www.atlanta-homes-guide.com/tag/door-replacement-companies/">hvac replacement href=''> Utility Captures Maryland Chamber's Inaugural Large Company Partner in Business Award WASHINGTON -- Pepco has been honored by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce for its outstanding contributions to supplier diversity. A panel of four independent judges, who represented a diverse group of small business http://www.open-star.org/tag/fertilizer/ publications in the state of Maryland, made the historic selection. Pepco is now the first company ever to be honored in the newly-created category of Large Company Partner in Business. In 2009, Pepco conducted business with 172 Maryland suppliers, of which 113 were large firms while 59 were small firms - the equivalent of roughly 34 percent of Pepco's business. Upon receiving the award, Pepco Region President Thomas H. Graham said, "Opportunity and innovation are at the heart of our Diversity Supplier Program. Pepco benefits greatly from its partnerships with a variety of small but highly capable companies. That is why I am very proud of this program and deeply honored by the Maryland Chamber's recognition." Created in 1987, Pepco's supplier diversity initiative has been widely recognized as a national model for the utility industry. In the category of innovation, Pepco scored high marks with the judges because of "Sourcing Workflow," an online and transparent tool that allows professional buyers, user groups and PHI's Supplier Diversity team to review what is required for a request for proposal (RFP) and add qualified bidders for consideration. Established in 2001, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Awards program was created to honor the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Maryland's estimated 160,000 small businesses. Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric http://www.runningawebsite.com/tag/jiffy-plumbing-website-in-maryland/ service to more than 778,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia. COPYRIGHT 2010 Business Wire No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder. Copyright 2010 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/PepcoWinsHistoricAwardforOutstandingSupplierDiversity.-a0228477668 You may have heard that rental properties can be a great way to generate passive income. Rental properties can provide monthly cash flow, protect against inflation, and usually appreciate over the long term. Some retirees swear by rental properties instead of the usual stock and bond portfolio because they don't have to stomach the volatile stock market swings. Owning rental properties can help rental property management fund your retirement, but being a landlord isn't for everyone. Here's how to tell if a retirement property is the right fit for you: How long until you retire? A rental property can take a few years to generate a stable positive cash flow. Some locations are better than others, and you might be able to generate some income right away in some markets. However, it can be much more difficult in western states like California. The good thing about a rental is that it is an inflation hedge. Rent goes up and your mortgage payment remains the same. If you have five or more years before retirement, then it's a good bet that a rental property can turn a profit in that time frame. Do you have the funds? You need quite a bit of money to start investing in rental properties. Nowadays, banks generally require a 20 to 25 percent down payment on investment properties, and this is beyond the reach of many middle class investors. You will also need to pay the closing costs and save up plenty of money for maintenance and vacancies. If you don't have a lump sum to invest at once, maybe a real estate investment trust (REIT) would be a better option. Repair bills can be high. Can you pay $5,000 immediately for exterior paint or roof repair? A rental property inevitably will need costly repairs. One big repair can push you into negative territory for the year. Many new investors underestimate the repair bills and are surprised by these big items. Poor liquidity. Rental properties are not liquid assets. If you need a large amount of cash, it will be difficult to get it quickly with rental properties. The housing market has long up and down cycles, and if you need to sell during a down cycle, you might have to settle for less than you'd like. Do you have other types of investments? Do you have stocks, bonds, annuities, and other types of income-generating investments? It's a good idea property management lawyers to be diversified. When one asset class is down, others might be up. While rental real estate can be a great investment, it's also a good idea to invest in stocks and bonds. Income from dividend stocks and bonds can cushion the blow of vacancies and other problems. Being a landlord isn't for everyone. Rental properties can be a good way to generate income in retirement, but being a landlord isn't for everyone. If you are young and have many years until you retire, then you should try your hand at rental properties. You'll be able to figure out if being a landlord is the right move for you, and you will have a lot of time to turn the property cash flow to positive. Joe Udo blogs at Retire By 40 where he writes about passive income, frugal living, retirement investing, and the challenges of early retirement. He recently left his corporate job to be a stay at home dad and blogger and is having the time of his life. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/21/rental-property-investment_n_3117873.html |
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