The Able Handyman

First of all discuss with your family members and you might write down the reasons for you to buy a home. Keep all reasons in your mind.

Money

You should first work out how much you can afford to spend for your home. It is determined by your income and your current monthly income. In order to calculate this you can use:

• Online Calculators

• Lenders to whom you can consult and find out for sure.

Home Buying Programs

There are many loan programs available. Since you are a first time home buyer learn about all the programs so that you can choose a suitable one. The program may differ from one state to other. There may also be programs sponsored by your state or local government or other organizations. A few notable programs may be:

• Homeownership for public housing residents.

• Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program

Shop for a loan

You should save money by doing your homework. Talk to several lenders, compare costs and interest rates, and negotiate for getting a better deal. Try to consider and get pre-approved for a loan. There are many websites from which you can get this information. Make sure to check out any first time home buyer programs available in your area.

Make an offer

You can consult a real estate agent since you are first time home buyer. Discuss the process with your real estate agent. If the seller counters your offer, you may need to negotiate until you both agree to the terms of the sale.

Get a home inspection

Make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.

You should not be deceived since you are first time home buyer.

Homeowners Insurance

This is very important. Shop for homeowners insurance. Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance. Be sure to shop around in order that you might find the best rate.

Get Your Finances in Order

Study the loan programs available by lining up your financing. By doing your homework, you will know exactly how much you can pay and what it will cost you.

• Order a Free Credit Report
• Find a Lender
• Determine a Down Payment
• Consider FHA Loans
• Get a Pre-approval Letter

Learn How to Avoid Home Buying Mistakes

As a first time home buyer you should not do any mistakes. The best way to avoid making a mistake is to learn from the mistakes others have made. Buying a home in a desirable location is your best defense. Start your search online and find first time home buyer tips and avoid blunders.

 Installing ceiling tiles is not a difficult task. Simply follow these steps shown and you’ll have the ceiling installed in short order. Since the standard ceiling tiles will not need to be cut, those should be installed first. Once the grid is installed, you'll begin to cut the ceiling tiles.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Tape Measure
• Utility Knife with fresh blades
• Straight Edge – can be a strip of wood, or even a long level
• Goggles or other eye protection
• Enough ceiling tiles to complete the job.

Step 1 – Measure the tile

The first thing that you need to do is to get the measurements for the pieces to be cut. Once you measure each section, subtract 1/8” from the measurement. By doing this you will make each of the ceiling tiles that you cut easier to install.

Step 2 – Marking and Cutting the Ceiling Tiles

You now need to make you cutting marks on the front of each of the ceiling tiles. Use a straight edge to draw your lines between the points that you have marked. Make sure that your utility knife has a new blade in it. This not only makes the ceiling tiles easier to cut, but it is also a safety factor to consider.

• Place the tile on a flat, level surface, with something underneath it to protect the surface that you are cutting on from damage.
• Starting at the point furthest away from, place your knife on your marked lines and slow pull the knife towards you. On the first pass, use only enough pressure to score the tile, and go slowly enough that the utility knife does not leave your cutting line.
• Repeat the step another time, perhaps 2 more times, each time adding a little more pressure to the utility knife to make it cut its way through the ceiling tile.

Step 3 – Install the Ceiling Tiles

You may find that some of the ceiling tiles will require multiple cuts, or even angle cuts. If this is the case, simply follow the same procedure to make your cuts. The most important thing is to take your time so that you end up with nice clean cuts for a beautiful finished look. As always, remember that safety comes first.

Acoustic ceiling tiles are a great choice for reducing room noise in a room. It will also reduce the noise filtering in or out of a room. Another great use for suspended acoustic ceiling tiles is to hide plumbing or electrical workings and leave easy access if needed. Improvements have been made over the years and acoustic ceiling tiles are more sound proof and more attractive.

Industry Changes

Acoustic ceiling tiles are no longer the boring, institutional, functional ceiling tiles. It is time to change the way you think of acoustic ceiling tiles. The industry has had to change with the times. We can now find decorator acoustic ceiling tiles to fit any room décor. They now come in several styles and colors.

·         Acoustic ceiling tiles now come in different textures. They can be manufactured to look like stucco, or slate. They also have different patterns that can join to make an ordinary ceiling spectacular. The possibilities are now almost endless.

·         With the popularity of home theaters, game rooms, offices etc. acoustic ceiling tiles are being rediscovered, so to speak. Some home theaters are very lavish rooms. Sound quality is important to get theater quality sound in your home. A child's play room or game room also needs some sound control. The new styles of acoustic ceiling tiles will fit any room.

Choose carefully

When choosing your new improved acoustic ceiling tiles think about the room they will be installed in. Will the new tiles cover or replace existing ceiling treatments? If you are just covering an existing, dry wall, popcorn typical ceiling, interlocking ceiling tiles will cover the old ceiling very nicely. These interlocking tiles have a drawback. It is hard to replace a single tile. These tiles lock together and are hard to take apart and put back together properly. 

If you are completely tearing down an old suspended ceiling, improvements made is acoustic ceiling tiles will make installation of new, decorator suspended ceiling tiles a breeze. Suspended acoustic ceiling tiles are the most popular as they are very easy to install and change. They can also hide unsightly duct work or plumbing in a basement, while allowing easy access in case repairs are necessary.

When choosing style and type of acoustic ceiling tiles, consider the environment of the room you want to install a new ceiling tiles. Acoustic ceiling tiles come in a wide variety of styles and materials. Choose the style and material that will compliment and have the desired sound proofing. If you are installing in a kitchen, be sure that the acoustic ceiling tiles are washable. If you like to change your room color often, make sure the type of ceiling tile can be painted. Some cannot be painted. Paint will fill holes and affect the sound proof quality.

With the improvements in acoustic ceiling tiles, any room can be sound proofed and look great too! Make choices that will fit the room and your taste.

Linoleum is durable and is available in colors and styles to compliment any life style or design. Regular cleaning of your linoleum is an easy task. Just simply cleaning your linoleum can keep it beautiful for years.

Mandatory Information

Always keep these 2 things in mind:

·         Every time you clean your linoleum, sweep any loose, possibly abrasive material off of the entire surface.

·          Always remove your boots or shoes before walking on your linoleum floor.

These tips will keep that just waxed looked without all the work!

You Don’t Need Harsh Cleaners!

Proper cleaning of your linoleum can keep you from the back breaking task of stripping and re-waxing. The easiest way to keep that just waxed shine is to sweep damaging particles often. Clean regularly with a mop and warm water. Wipe up excess water with a dry mop or absorbent, lint free cloth. For that extra clean, use simple mixture of a few drops of environmentally friendly dish liquid and warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse and a lint free cloth. Following these tips will extend the life of your linoleum and keep heavy stripping, waxing, and cleaning to a minimum.

Your new marble countertop is beautiful! With proper care, it can last for years. It is easy to keep that countertop looking new.

What should not be done

Marble is a soft, porous material. There are some things you should not do when cleaning your countertops.

·         Do not use regular cleaners that you may already have. These could cause dulling and damage.

·         Do not use anything abrasive. Even the “soft” type cleaners have abrasive compounds that can damage the surface.

Clean the correct way. Keep it beautiful for years

It is simple to keep your countertops is quite easy. Wipe spills quickly with warm, soapy water.  Use 4 cups warm water to 3 tablespoons baking soda. Dampen your cleaning cloth with the mixture and wipe the entire surface. Leave it for at least 2 hours. Follow with a wipe down of clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Occasional sealing with a top of the line stone sealant will keep the surface looking new for years.

Should your countertops become dull, try a little of your child's chalk! Just crush some chalk to powder, dip a damp cloth in the dust. Wipe it one like you would apply wax to your car. Dry for a couple minutes. Use a fresh water rinse followed by a soft dry wipe down.

Battery Powered Tools

Battery powered tools have become increasingly popular as technology progresses and the battery life becomes longer and longer. Taking proper care of the tools will make them last longer and give you years of use.

Proper Care

Following these steps will help your batteries to last longer and have your tools ready to use when you need them:

• Recharge the batteries regularly after use. Be careful though not to overcharge them. Also carefully read manufacturer’s instructions about recharging. While many batteries do not develop a “memory”, some still do and if it’s not fully discharged before you begin to recharge it, it may weaken it prematurely.
• Place tools in a safe location. There’s nothing worse for your battery powered tools if they are knocked over and hit the floor!
• Keep them out of the reach of children. Just because they are battery powered tools doesn’t make them any less dangerous!

Build a Patio Porch Swing

A patio porch swing can be the source of many hours of enjoyment for the kids and adults too. These swings can be built many different ways and the method that you choose will depend on several different factors.

Which Type

There are a couple of basic types of patio porch swings:

·     Hanging Style – This style can only be used if your patio is covered.

·     A-Frame Style – This style can be used whether your patio is covered or not.

Once you have decided on the basic style of how you want the patio porch swing built, then we move on to the plans and required materials. Most plans will give exact requirements of the materials needed all the way down to the hardware required for the project. Beyond that, you’ll have to decide which type of finish you want to put on the swing and you’ll need the necessary brushes and other tools for that as well. Remember that if the swing will be exposed directly to the weather, you will want to finish it accordingly.

Step 1 – Choose Your Materials

You already know the quantity of materials that are needed, but you have to make a decision as to the type of wood that you want to use. One of the key considerations is whether or not the patio porch swing will be directly in the weather or not. If it is, then you will want to select materials that are better able to withstand adverse weather conditions. The sales clerk will be in a position to be able to tell you which wood will fare best in your situation. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

Step 2 – Select the Location for Your Swing

The next thing to do is find a suitable location for your patio porch swing. Clear the area and make sure that you have plenty of room to work. Lay out your materials according to size as well and then, following the instructions on the plans that you selected, begin making the necessary cuts and getting the lumber ready for assembly. Begin the assembly of your lumber as well and you will begin to see the swing take shape. In a relatively short period of time the swing will be fully assembled and you can move on to the finishing of the swing.

Step 3 – Finish the Wood

Once you have fully assembled the swing, it’s now time to finish it with the color of paint or stain that you have chosen. Lay a tarp or canvas or something similar out on the patio and maneuver it under the patio porch swing. Make sure the swing is completely on top of this tarp to prevent any paint or stain from getting on the patio floor. It’s much better to put several coats on the patio swing rather than putting on one thick coat. It will dry much more quickly and smoother this way. You also avoid the possibility of any runs that way.

Replace a Lamp Cord

When you replace a lamp cord it’s a pretty basic task, but it still has to be done with care to be sure that all connections have been properly made.

What Is Needed

You’ll need a couple of basic tools. A screwdriver and a utility knife with some extra blades should do the trick.

Step 1 – Unplug the Lamp

The very first thing you need to do when you replace a lamp cord is unplug the lamp (of course) and remove the light bulb from the unit. You’ll also unscrew the socket from the lamp in this step as that is where the connections are made.

Step 2 – Remove the Wires

Remove the wires from the socket bottom and pull them off the screws. When you replace a lamp cord, you do not have to take the screws holding the wires all the way out. Just loosen them enough so that the wires come off the ends. You can now pull the old cord out of the bottom of the lamp.

Step 3 – Insert New Wire

Now feed the new wire that you are using to replace the lamp cord through the bottom of the lamp and push it in until you are able to get it from the top of the lamp. Pull it in far enough that you have plenty of room to work with it.

Step 4 – Strip the New Wire

Now strip about an inch from the top of each of the 2 ends and attach it to the bottom of the lamp socket. Be sure that there is no way for the 2 wires to come in contact with one another which can create a shock hazard, and reassemble the lamp. Your project to replace a lamp cord is now complete. You can safely plug it into the wall to test its operation.

How to Change a Faulty Electric Outlet

An electric outlet for one reason or another may need changed from time to time. Sometimes they just wear out inside and become loose, while other times an accident may cause them to become broken. In any case, the outlet must be changed for safety of no other reason.

What Is Needed

You’ll need to get a flathead screwdriver to change the electric outlet, and of course you will need a new outlet. Electric outlets are standard. When you see one that has four plug outlets, this is actually 2 electric outlets married together with wiring. Beyond that, they are standard depending upon the voltage they will be carrying such as 115, or otherwise known as 120, 240, etc.

Step 1 – Remove the Power Source from the Outlet

Remove the power source from the electric outlet by turning off the circuit breaker that goes to it. In the off chance that there are still fuses in place then simply remove the fuse. I like to advise people to put a tag on the breaker letting people know that you are working on the system and that is why the breaker is off or the fuse is removed.

Step 2 – Remove the Face Plate

Now you have to remove the faceplate from the electric outlet. In a single outlet, there will be a screw in between the two outlets. In a double electric outlet, there will be two screws to remove.

Step 3 – Remove the Mounting Screws

Now you have to remove the mounting screws from the electric outlet. There will be one screw at the top of the electric outlet and one at the bottom. Once again, if it is a double outlet, you will have to possibly remove them from the other side as well, but there is a possibility that you won’t. It depends on how long the wires are connecting them together.

Step 4 – Remove the Wires

Now you have to remove the wires from the electric outlet being replaced. In a standard outlet there will be the neutral wire (white) on one side and the hot wire (black) on the other side. There will also be a ground wire attached to it as well, unless the outlet is one of the old style electric outlets that do not have the ground attached to it.

Step 5 – Connect the Wires and Replace the Cover

Now you have to connect the wires to the electric outlet in the same manner that they were removed from the old outlet. Once you have done that, then replace the electric outlet into the electrical box in the wall. Mount the outlet using the mounting screws and then replace the face plate and attach the screw. You can now restore the power to the electric outlet and test it to ensure it is working properly.

How to Repair a Bathroom Faucet

Like anything else, your bathroom faucet, or at least the washers inside the faucet will wear and it will begin to drip. This one drip alone could run your water bill up like you wouldn’t believe, not to mention the fact that the dripping sound can become annoying. Here are a few tips on how to repair that leaky bathroom faucet easily and quickly.

First Things First

• The first thing that you want to do is turn off the water under the sink and close the drain stopper.
• Place some duct tape or other heavy type tape on the jaws of your pliers so that you don’t scratch up the fixture.
• Clear a spot so that you can lay out all the parts in the exact order that you removed them.

Step 1 – Figure out Which Type of Faucet You Have

Basically there are four different types of bathroom faucets on the market today. These types are:

• Compression – uses rubber washers to seat the valve
• Cartridge – Washer-less faucet. When it develops a leak, the o-rings must be replaced, or the entire assembly.
• Ceramic Disk – This one is a washer-less faucet as well, and like the cartridge type, if a leak develops then the o-rings must be replaced, or the entire assembly.
• Ball – The ball type is washer-less as well. Same with the others, if a leak develops either the o-rings must be replaced, or the entire assembly.

Step 2 – Obtain the Necessary Parts

Gather the parts that you need for the type of bathroom faucet that you have installed and then complete the steps under “first things first”.

Step 3 – Disassemble the Faucet

Take the faucet assembly apart. Most faucets today are the decorative type, and so the handles or knobs must first be removed. They are usually attached with a set screw in the back part of the handle.

Continue taking the assembly apart according to the type of bathroom faucet that you have. Make sure to lay the parts out in the designated area, in the order that you removed them from the assembly. This will be a big help when putting the unit back together. Make sure to take only one side of the bathroom faucet apart at a time.

Install the new parts, either washers or o-rings as the case may be and reassemble the bathroom faucet. Follow the same steps for the other side.