How To Clean Brick

Is your brick siding covered with hard water stains from your lawn sprinkler? Here's how to clean them and make the bricks look new again.



Hard water stains on brick walls can be as tenacious as an uninvited fly at a picnic.  Generally, they're composed of calcium carbonate and you'll need an acid based cleaner to get rid of them.  However, don't use murk attic acid because it can stain or bleach many colors of brick and cause aluminum window frames to corrode.  Instead, several brick cleaners are available that because of special buffers, work well without the staining problem.  Your local brick dealer probably carries these products.  But if not, ProSoCo and Diedrich technologies offer reputable cleaning products.



When you clean the brick, remember that you are using an acid based product and follow all precautions and directions.  After cleaning your brick, avoid some future headaches by sealing it with a siloxane or silane based sealer.



Best of luck cleaning your brick!



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How To Replace A Vacuum Belt

When your vacuum starts to lose cleaning power, requiring multiple passes to get an area clean, or the self propolsion loses its zip, chances are you need to change the vacuum agitator belt.  After only a few months of use, most vacuum belts stretch out enough to slip, causing the agitator to spin more slowly.



Replacing the belt is quick and inexpensive.  New belts are available from a vacuum parts supplier.  Belts come in numerous brands and sizes, so bring the old one to the store for a guaranteed match.



Fifteen minutes, two screwdrivers and a new belt are all you'll typically need to complete the job.  The cover on your vacuum may be held on by other arrangements of clips and screws.



After removing the cover, install the new belt.  Once the new belt is on and the agitators back in place, turn the agitator by hand to make sure the belt spins smoothly, without rubbing or binding.  Reassemble the bottom cover and test run the machine.



Best of luck replacing your vacuum belt!



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How To Silence A Squeaky Floor

To fix a squeaky floor under carpet, locate the floor joists with a stud finder, then drive in a trim head screw through the carpet, pad and subfloor, and right into the floor joists.  Be sure the top inch of the screw doesn't have threads or the subfloor won't suck down tight to the joist.  I like trim screws because screws with larger heads pull down and pucker the carpet.  If that happens, back out the screw and drive it back down.  Keep adding screws until the squeak stops.



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How To Fix A Shutoff Valve

There's nothing worse than starting a sink or toilet repair only to find that the shutoff valve won't shut off.  Some shutoff valves are easy to replace.  For those that aren't, turn off the main water valve, remove the packing nut, and then unscrew the stem and take it to the hardware store to find a replacement washer.  Clean any grit out of the valve body and pop on the new washer.  The valve will work like new.



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How To Stop Door Drafts Around Entry Doors

Learn how to remove old, damaged weather stripping around a steel entry door and replace it with new magnetic weather stripping and a new door sweep.



With heating costs going through the roof, here's an easy way to keep heat from slipping out your doors too.  Take 30 minutes and replace the weather stripping and door sweeps around your steel entry doors.  Plan to do this project on a warm day since you'll have to remove the doors.  Steel doors use a compression style strip for the hinge side and a magnetic one for the knob side and top.  But look at the door and confirm the style of weather stripping on all three sides and the type of door sweep before you head to the store.  You'll find a replace,net weather stripping in a variety of lengths and colors at home centers and hardware stores.



To remove the door, close it and use a hammer and a pin punch or a thin nail to tap out the door hinge pins.  Turn the knob, open the door slightly and lift it off the hinges.  When you rip out the old weather stripping, you might find that it's tacked into place with small brads from the manufacturer.  Leave them in place after removing the old weather stripping an you'll damage the door jamb.  The shear off the shanks inside the groove with an old chisel or drive them deeper into the groove with a screwdriver.  Press the new magnetic weather stripping firmly into the groove on the knob side and top of the door frame and do the same with the compression strip along the hinge side.



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How To Insulate Your Garage Door

You can shrink your energy bill and create a more comfortable work environment by insulating your garage door.  Here are some tips and hints for this money saving DIY project.



Types Of Insulation

Here are the 3 different types of insulation that you can use.

- Reflective foil insulation
- Foam board
- Batt insulation



Types Of Garage Doors

Depending on your type of garage door. here is what I would recommend using.

Steel:  Use any kind of insulation
Wood Frame And Panel:  Use rigid insulation, consider using two layers
Flat:  Use foam board or reflective insulation

You can buy a kit for any of these materials and install them yourself with a tape measure, straight edge, and utility knife.  If you don't want to buy a kit, you can buy reflective foil insulation in bulk rolls and cut them to fit.



Measure

For any insulation, make sure to measure your garage door panels and cut the pieces of insulation to fit.  You can attach insulation to the garage door with liquid nails or plastic clips.  Doing a second layer of foam board will increase the effectiveness of the insulation.



Apply Weather Stripping

Once you are finished installing the insulation, apply double lip weather stripping to seal the space between the bottom of the door and the floor of the garage.



Best of luck insulating your garage door



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How To Make An Easy DIY Outdoor Movie Screen

Going to the drive-in movie is always such a blast, but the closest one is quite a bit away. nSo we decided that we wanted to bring the fun home, so not only only could we watch one whenever we want, but we can also invite over friends and family to join in on the fun.  Want to make your own DIY outdoor movie screen?  This project is super simple, and the best part is that it all comes apart for storage in minutes. The entire screen cost around $50, so this plus the projector may have been one of the best gifts.



You'll Need:
4-  ten foot long pieces of 1 1/2 inch pic pipe
2-  45 degree elbows (that fit 1 1/2 inch pipe)
4-  T fittings (that fit 1 1/2 inch pipe)
8-  10 inch spikes
1-  full size white sheet
6-  pieces of 3/4 grosgrain ribbons, 18 inches long each
-  sewing machine
-  compound miter saw (or handsaw to cut pipe)



The 7 foot pieces go at the top and bottom, the 3 foot pieces are the legs, the 2 foot pieces are the "feet" that holds it all up.



Drill holes in the pipe at an angle towards the center to help the stakes get enough stability to hold up.  Before you drive it into the ground, be sure to see your sheet.



The sheet is the screen part, and it's fairly easy to install.  I used the top he, and turned it down one fold, then ran a switch close to the edge to make a pocket for the top of the frame.  I put it onto the frame, then measured where it needed to be he,med on the bottom, then took it back off the frame and ran another pocket for the bottom.  Sewing it just s tiny bit small means the screen will stretch out nicely and help against wrinkles.  Before putting it back on the frame, I sewed the ribbon on the sides at the top, bottom and middle, by folding the ribbon in half and stitching it down to create tabs to tie it to the sides of the frame.



Best of luck with your Outdoor Movie Screen



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5 Ways To Master Your Social Media Strategy

Social media has changed the businesses market themselves online.  It has forever altered how they interact, respond and meet customer needs.  If you are in business, whether you are a large or small company, social networking is your online connection to customers and potential clients.



It's an opportunity to turn your fans, followers, readers and subscribers into raving fans and ultimately , marketing evangelists.  Social media offers visibility unlike any other marketing medium.  Given the power of social media, wouldn't you agree that it is critically important for businesses to not only get social, but implement strategies and processes that support scalability, efficiency and successful social engagement? I would say Yes!



Know Your Target Market

Social media usage varies from one demographic to the next.  Take the time to research and understand exactly how, when and why your target audience is using social media.



Take The Time To Craft Your Content

Before diving in and creating content online, carefully think through the message and goal of each post.  Whether it is a Facebook post or blog article. every word you write should support your end goal.



Create A Cross Platform Strategy

The most successful companies leveraging social media are expanding their influence to several platforms.  Apart from being on Facebook and Twitter they're enriching their brand with Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, blogs and LinkedIn.



Keep Your Branding Consistent

When setting up accounts on different social media networks, make sure your logo, color scheme, fonts, and graphics are consistent.



Mix It Up

Don't just stick with the same old "Picture with a caption" format.  The best social media strategies mix up tactics when it comes to posting, whether the content is a link, image or text only.



Best of luck mastering your social media!!



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8 DIY Hacks To Create Your Dream Apartment

Just like any home, your apartment is always a work in progress.  Here are 8 ways to maximize your space and bring your dream apartment to life.



1.  HeadBoard-  Want to have a comfortable and stylish bed without breaking the bank? Making your own headboard is the perfect solution.



2.  Pallet Coffee Table-  Clutter can make your home feel super crowded.  Luckily, a pallet coffee table has great storage that'll help your place feel nice and spacious.



3.  Sheer Drapes-  Sheer white drapes not only let natural light in, but they can also trick your eyes into thinking your home has more depth.



4.  Herringbone Bookcase-  Organization can transform your apartment to look way bigger than it actually is.



5.  Pulley Lights-  Repurposing what you already have is a great way to save.  Light up your imagination with this idea.



6.  Wi-Fi Router Cover-  This type of cover helps get rid of clutter, thus making your apartment feel loads bigger and more airy.



7.  Lightbulb Vase-  Instead of spending big on a fancy new vase, use those of light bulbs to contain your flowers.  It'll help you save money while also adding a colorful burst of florals to your home.



8.  Mason Jar Planter-  Wondering what to do with those old mason jars?  Instead of throwing away your dollars an fresh herbs, plant your very own!



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11 Real Life Tips For The First Time Home Buyer

Youre finally ready to make the big step and put a down payment on a house. Before getting overwhelmed with the process, there are a few important things to take into consideration and remember while out on the house hunt.



Getting Started

Get Approved-  It's really smart to be pre-approved with your mortgage so you know how much you can spend and you can be competitive with the bidding.  And share that number with your realtor so they only show houses that are a fit for your budget.



Demo Right-  Know the rules about addition in your city, which might change the way a small house looks if it sits on a big lot.



What Do You Really Need-  Make a list of the things you don't need and share it with your realtor.



Budget Right-  Just because you're approved for a certain amount doesn't mean that number actually fits your budget.  Before even thinking about seriously putting an offer on any home, take a look at your monthly financials to determine how much of a mortgage you can really take on.



While You Are House Hunting



Location-  Buy for the neighborhood, and then the house where you live by is key.  It's better to have the worst house on the best block than the best house on a bad block.



Chill Out-  Just remember it's a few stressful months out of your life and once it's done, you'll hopefully not have to do it again for a while.



Clock The Miles-  Do a mock commute before you commit.  Your commute time is a major factor.



Don't Stop Looking-  Continue to look on Zillow, MLS, and even the Sunday paper on your own, even after you start working with an agent.



Close Right-  Ask about closing costs up front.  This way you'll know how to budget when making an offer.



After Buying Your Dream Home



Refinance-  Even after a few months of blissful home ownership, you can look into refinancing.  This process isn't scary and a lower mortgage is totally worth it.



Save Payments-  Set yourself up with at least three months of mortgage payments so you are prepared if something happens in the future.



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Easily Fix Pet Claw Marks

Mask shallow claw marks and scratches in wood doors with stain and varnish.  Gel stains work well for matching the existing finish.



Dogs and cats still haven't figured out how to open doors, but that's never stopped them from trying.  Painted doors can be spackled and repainted to hide the damage, but natural wood doors can be more of a problem.  However, if the scratches aren't too deep, you can usually mask the damage with stain and varnish.



Sand the damaged area lightly, feathering the sanding into the surrounding undamaged area.  Wipe off all dust.



If you don't have the original stain or finish, find a matching stain at a paint store.  Gel stains work best.  Buy a small piece of matching wood and experiment with it first, or bring a photo of the door to the paint store for help.  Start with a lighter stain, it can always be darkened.  You can also buy a few different colors and blend them or streak them together.



Wipe the scratched area with a rag dipped in thinner to keep the stain from looking blotchy.  Put a small amount of the gel stain on a rag, then dab a little on a dry brush.  Wipe excess stain on the rag.  Drag the brush lightly along one edge and quickly wipe it dry to see how the color looks.  Leave the stain on longer, apply additional costs or blend in other colors to darken it.



If the stained area looks to dull after it dries, lightly spray the area with clear finish, feathering it into the surrounding area.



Best of luck removing those pet marks!



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3 Common Building Code Violations

Prevent accidents and make your home safer by fixing these 3 common code violations.



Missing Or Defective GFCIs

Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor (GFCI) protection is required for outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, garage and for all outdoor circuits.  It cuts power to a circuit if it detects a current changes, protecting against electrical shocks.  Test for the presence of GFCIs by plugging in a GFCI receptacle tester into an outlet in each of these areas.  It'll detect whether there's a GFCI on the circuit and other wiring problems, such as reverse polarity and open grounds.



Handrails Without Returns

Codes require handrails to have "returns" meaning they need to turn and end at the wall.  Returns keep items such as sleeves and purse straps from getting caught on the end of the rails and causing a fall.  Handrails need to be placed 34 to 38 inches above the nose of the stair treads and must be 1 1/4 to 2 3/8 inch thick.



Improper Bathroom Venting

Bathroom exhaust fans should vent to the outside, either through the roof or the side of the home, not into the attic.  Stick your head into the attic to see how yours is vented.  Venting the warm, moist air into the attic can cause rotting in the roof framing and sheathing and may not properly rid the bathroom of moisture, leading to mold and mildew.



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How To a Replace A Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer

Quick and easy fix for a leaky kitchen sink basket strainer.  Replace the basket strainer yourself in just an hour and save the cost of a visit from the plumber.



Test For The Leak

Fill up the sink with water and touch a facial tissue between the bottom of the basket strainer and the sink.  If the tissue picks up any water, you've got a leaky basket strainer.



Loosen The Coupling Nut

Loosen the coupling nut at the base of the strainer basket with a slip joint pliers and slide the nut completely off the threads.  If the basket spins, hold it tight.



Unscrew The Locknut

Use 16 inch slip joint pliers or spud wrench to unscrew the strainer locknut.  If the entire basket spins, insert the handles of a plier into the strainer grate from above and stick a screwdriver between the handles to hold it still.  Reach over the front of the sink, or have an assistant hold the screwdriver from above.  If you can move the drainpipe out of the way, you can insert the pliers handles up into the strainer grate from the bottom to get a better handle on it yourself.



Apply Putty And Reset The Basket

Roll plumbers putty between your hands into a rope the size of a pencil and wrap it around the lip of the drain opening.  Press the strainer firmly down into the putty, add the rubber gasket, friction ring and locknut under the sink and retighten the locknut.



Best of luck replacing and/or repairing your strainer basket!



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How To Replace A Torn Window Screen

Remove the screen (on its frame) from the window.  It usually pops out, or it may be held in by clips. Place it on a flat surface and use a screwdriver to pry it off the spline, the strip of rubber or plastic that holds the screening in the frame.



Align the new mesh on top of the frame, keeping the grid straight.  With scissors, cut the replacement screen to the size of the frame.  Cut a small square from each corner to prevent the material from bunching where the edges meet.



Starting in one corner and working your way up one side, push the screen into the channel with the convex end of the spline rolling tool.  The goal is to achieve a slight indentation, no need to jam it in.



Before moving on to another side, insert the spline.  Use the concave end of the spline rolling tool to push the cord into the channel over the top of the screen, hold the screen as you go so it doesn't bunch.  Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining sides.



Push the spline into the corners with a screwdriver.  Cut the spline into the corners with a screwdriver.  Cut the spline overhang with scissors.  Use a utility knife to trim the excess screen around the frame.



Keep in mind, a pro charges around $75, plus $14 for supplies.  DIY cost is about $10.50 for supplies.



Best of luck repairing your screen!



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3 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How To Do

You don't have to be a professional handyman to tackle every little thing that goes wrong at home.  Here are 3 of the most common household problems.



Clogged Toilet

There's a pretty good chance that at some point in your home owning lifespan you will need to deal with a clogged toilet.  Don't panic.  You can more often than not resolve the problem yourself with a little plunger know how.  First off, a toilet plunger is not the same as a kitchen sink plunger, a toilet plunger has a higher rounded dome with an extended flange on the underside that fits into the toilet bowl drain.  Before you begin, you'll want to make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber top of the plunger.  If there isn't enough water, don't flush the toilet, it will overflow.  Instead, collect some water from the tub faucet in a bucket and use that to fill the bowl.  Place the plunger over the drain in the bottom of the toilet and with a downward thrust, invert the rubber cap to force air into the drain.  When released, the plunger will create a vacuum. sucking up air and water with it.  If a single plunge doesn't work, try it again and again.  If the problem persists, you may need to pick up an auger, a snake like device that can be threaded through the drain by a crank handle to loosen the blockage.



Power Outage

The loss of power is one of every homeowners worst fears.  That's why it's always good to have a working flashlight on hand.  Rather than keeping one in a kitchen drawer or on a workbench, keep several in various rooms of the house.

If you've lost all power, look outside to see if your neighbors are dark as well.  If so, this is a utility company that should be reported immediately.  If it appears that yours is the only house that is affected, you'll need to go to the electrical panel or fuse box that controls the power to your house.  Use the flashlight to see if one of the circuit breakers has tripped, it will be the one breaker pointing in the opposite direction.  Flip the switch and the power should return.  If you have a fuse box rather than a circuit breaker, you'll need to locate the blown fuse.  It will be the one blackened and darker than the others.



Fireplace Care

There's nothing like a warm fire to take the evening or morning chill out of the house.  But fireplaces as desirable as they are, do require routine care and maintenance.  While some issues, like soot buildup and chimney repair, require the services of a pro, every homeowner should be able to make sure the flu and damper are in good working order, and, at the very least, should know how to dispose of ashes safely.  To accomplish the latter, begin by brushing the ash into the center of the hearth.  Scoop the material into a metal container with a lid, and place it outside away from the house and any combustible materials, such as leaves.  Let the ashes sit for two weeks before disposing of them.  Some gardeners like to use cold ash for fertilizer, so perhaps you can put your ashes to similar good use.  It's always advisable to have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a pro once a year.



Best of luck with your home and the repairs that may come up!



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This Stain Remover Even Gets Rid Of Blood Stains

This may sound awful, but it's something that most of us will encounter at one time or another.



Most usually just wash the sheets, blankets, etc. and don't use stain remover on them because they're bedding and no one really sees them but this time I wanted to see if I could get the stain totally out of the sheets and the pillow.



Ingredients:
1 part baking soda
1 part hydrogen peroxide
1/2 part water



Mix all ingredients together and place in a spray bottle.  Generously apply to the blood stain.  Allow it to work for several minutes and then rinse using water.  Wash as usual.



Spray the remover on the stain and let it set for 5 minutes.  Rinse off the pillow after and re spray and then rinse again before placing in the washing machine.



Best of luck!



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How To Repair Rotted Wood

Use at polyester filler to rebuild rotted or damaged wood.  You can mold and shape it to match the original wood profile.  It takes paint well and won't rot.



If you've ever done any auto body repair, you've probably worked with two-part polyester filler.  Minwax high performance wood filler is one brand formulated for wood repairs, but a gallon container of bonds or some other brand of two part auto body polyester will also work and may be less expensive for larger fixes.



The process for repairing wood is much the same whether you're using polyester filler or epoxy.  Instead of epoxy consolidate you'll use high performance wood hardener to solidify and strengthen the wood fibers.  Polyester begins hardening faster than abatron wood epoxy.  Depending on the temperature, you'll have about 10-15 minutes to work before the filler starts to harden.



Also, unlike wood epox, polyester tends to sag when you're doing vertical repairs.  One trick is to build a form and line it with plastic sheeting.  Press the form against the filler and attach it with screws.  Then pull it off after the filler hardens.  Or you can wait until the sagging filler reaches the hardness of soap and carve it off with a putty knife or chisel or shape it with a surform plane or rasp.  Most medium to large repairs will require at least two layers of filler.  Complete the repair by sanding and priming the filled area and then painting.



Best of luck repairing your rotted wood!



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How To Make Homemade Eggnog

Homemade eggnog is so delicious.  I'm not exaggerating when I say it is so much better than store bought!  Some store bought egg nogs are overly thick and sugary sweet.  This homemade eggnog is just unbelievably fresh and creamy and it only takes minutes to make.  Traditional eggnog is made with raw eggs which give it a rich and delicious flavor.  In this recipe use pasteurized eggs found at my local grocery store to be extra safe.



Use a stand mixer to shorten the mixing time, but you can use a hand held mixer or just a whisk and big bowl as well.  While the mixer is mixing the egg yolks, stream in sugar until well combined.  Mix until light yellow.  Stir in milk, heavy cream, vanilla and nutmeg.  Try this with freshly grated nutmeg.  A micro plane is inexpensive and perfect for grating nutmeg as well as Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.



Ingredients:
4 egg yolks, from pasteurized eggs
1/3 cup of sugar
2 cups of whole milk
1 cup of heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly grated nutmeg



Instructions:

1.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix egg yolks on medium speed
2. Slowly add sugar just until well combined.  Eggs should be a light yellow color
3.  Scrape down sides of bowl as needed
4.  Turn mixer to low and add in milk, heavy cream, vanilla and nutmeg
5.  Chill and serve


I hope you enjoy your eggnog!



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Advice On How To Finish Drywall

Making the joints in freshly hung drywall disappear behind a smooth, flawless taping job will try your patience.  Many problems such as slow drying compound, crushed drywall edges and protruding screw heads interrupt the smooth, efficient flow of your work.  Other little problems like scuff marks, dips and ridges won't show up until the dust clears and you prime the walls with drywall primer.



Check For Underdriven Screws And Nails

Slide a 6 inch drywall knife across all the fasteners.  A tell tale click will alert you to any that are left protruding above the face of the drywall.  The problem often occurs along corners.  Drive screws in with a Phillips screwdriver.



Tap Nails Slightly Below The Drywall Face

The curved face of the hammerhead should set the nailhead in a shallow dimple, but the nailhead shouldn't break through the paper or crush the stiff drywall core.  A special drywall hammer is ideal for this, but a regular hammer will do if you're careful.



Trim Away Loose, Torn Paper With A Sharp Utility Knife

Cut the paper away from tears and soft spots where the gypsum core is crushed.  This allows drywall compound to reach and solidify these weak areas.  A loose or torn paper surface will come back to haunt you when it causes bubbles later or pokes through the final finish.



Spray A Stain Blocking Primer

Prime rough and torn areas to consolidate loose paper fibers and seal in chemicals that can bleed through and stain the finish coat of the paint.  Ventilate the room well and wear a vapor absorbing painters mask when using solvent based primers.



Nail Metal Corner Bread

Leave a 1/8 inch gap along each flange as a pocket for drywall compound.  You should be able to run your taping knife along the bead and the drywall surface without hitting a nailhead or scraping against the flanges.  Use a single length of bead for each corner.  Otherwise, you'll get a bump or crease where two pieces join.



Fill Deep Gaps At Drywall

Setting compound unlike regular compound hardens rapidly and doesn't shrink.  You can begin your taping as soon as it hardens.  You buy it powdered and mix it with water.  It's available with a 20, 45, or 90 minute hardening time from most stores that sell drywall materials.  Be sure to buy the sand able variety.  Avoid the 20 minute stuff, it will harden in your pan.



Shave Off Bulges In Setting Compound

Shave off lumps and sags in setting compound with your taping knife when the compound firms up a bit, to about the consistency of bar soap.  Deeply filled areas sometimes flow and bulge before they harden.  Once it hardens, setting compound is difficult to sand down.



Fill Gaps Around Electrical Boxes

Fill any gaps larger than 1/8 inch.  Shut off the electrical power at your main panel first, before pulling out electrical switches or receptacles to fill around their plaster ears.  Make sure the power is off by touching the neutral and hot wires with a voltage tester.



Best of luck finishing your drywall!!



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How To Drain Your Water Heater

Most water heaters employ a large, insulated holding tank to ensure there's plenty of hot water at all times for different purposes throughout the home.  Over time naturally occurring minerals in the water as well as sand and grit flushed from municipal water lines can settle in the bottom of the tank. This sediment build-up can potentially reduce the efficiency and capacity of your water heater.  It can also plug the drain and interfere with ongoing maintenance leading to early failure.



Sediment can interfere with burner efficiency in a gas water heater and can cause cracking and popping noises during heating cycles.  Depending on your water source and the mineral content, both gas and electric water heaters should be flushed of sediment every 1-2 years to ensure optimal performance.  Keep in mind, you may need to drain your water heater more frequently if your water source is a well or if your municipal water has higher than normal sediment content.



Turn Off The Water Supply

Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater



Turn Off The Water Heater

For a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.  For an electric water heater, turn off the electricity at the breaker box.



Attach Hose To Drain Valve

Near the bottom of the tank, locate the tank drain valve and attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve.  Be aware that some models may have a cover over the valve opening. Place the other end of the hose in a foot drain or on a driveway where it can drain safely.  If necessary, buckets can be used, but be careful not to be burned by the hot water as you work.



Open Hot Water Tap

Open a hot water tap nearest to the water heater, preferably on the floor above.  This alleviates pressure in the system, allowing water to drain quickly from the tank, much like removing your finger from the top of a drinking straw filled with liquid.



Open Drain Valve

Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain from the tank.  Again, the water will be hot, so use caution.  Once all water has drained from the tank, briefly turn the cold water supply on to the tank.  This will stir up any remaining sediment.  Repeat this process until the water runs clear.



Close Drain Valve, Refill Tank, Turn Water Heater Back On

Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and turn on the cold water supply.  The tank will begin to fail.  Go back to the hot water tap opened earlier.  Once cold water begins to flow from the tap, turn it off.  Turn the gas valve back on from the pilot position or turn the electricity back on to the tank.  Be sure to check the valve opening once it's closed to ensure there are no water leaks.



Best of luck draining and maintaining your Hot Water Heater!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Brand Your Social Media: Pinterest

Another favorite of mine is Pinterest.n It's the number one traffic generator to creative blogs/websites because Pinterest is bomb like that.


Profile Photo-  Again, just make sure ALL your social media profile images are the same photo.



Board Covers-  I bet you never even thought about branding your board covers before.  Well, folks I'm about to piss you off because I absolutely believe all of your 291 board covers should all be cohesive and synced with your overall branding.



Take a look at your own blog photos/design aesthetics.  Choose your boards covers carefully.  Use your blog colors and similar images in order to create a cohesive Pinterest user experience for your followers.



Best of luck with your pinning!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Brand Your Social Media: Instagram

This works best for all you design people out there.  Instagram is a goldmine for anyone who works in visual aesthetics.

Profile Photo-  I won't waste any more of your time than I need to on this, just make sure it's the same as all your other social media and your blog.

Instagram Photos-  A real Instagrammer has a consistent style that they stick to on Instagram.

Quotes/Product Announcement-  This is a little bit different from your regular Instagram photos because these are typically images that you have to create a photoshop or canva.n You always need to bring your blogs design aesthetics into these photos.n Use the same colors, fonts, etc.  I suggest creating a template that you can just go back to and edit each time you need a new photo.

Best of luck with your Instagram!

You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Brand Your Social Media: Twitter

My favorite, Twitter!  This may be surprising, but there's actually a lot that you can do with your Twitter in order to get it in sync with your brand.



Links-  When you log in to Twitter, click on your profile image in the top left hand corner of the screen.  When a drop down menu appears, go to settings then scroll down to the design option.



Twitter Photos-  If you use Twitter for blog promotion but you're not really utilizing images on Twitter, then you're really missing out,  I have seen first hand just how much adding a photo to your tweets increases reach and engagement.



I've also seen several bloggers simply use the same image from their blog on Twitter.  However, I don't suggest doing it that way.  Instead you should be creating images to share on Twitter while you create your blog images.



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Brand Your Social Media: Facebook

If you thought you were done after branding your blog post images, sorry.  Your brand needs to extend out into your social media.  The best way to have a cohesive brand that allows your readers to always know whether something belongs to you is to bring your blog's branding into your social media outlets.



I'll start by going over Facebook.  With over 1 billion monthly active users, Facebook is definitely the most popular social media.  So you want people who happen to stumble onto your blog/business's Facebook page to immediately know that they're in the right place.



Profile Photo-  Make sure that your profile photo is always the same photo as your main blog photo of you.  Your readers don't know you that well and might not be able to tell if you're the same person in two different images.  Just make it easy for them and use the same image across all of your social media channels.



Cover photo-  Just create a specific cover image that's 851x315 px and make your life a million times easier.  Keep it plain, simple and minimalistic.  However you choose to do this, just make sure your logo is somewhere in the cover photo.



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Find Roof Leaks

When you're trying to track down a leak, start by looking at the roof uphill from the stains.  The first thing to look for is any roof penetrations.  Items that penetrate the roof are by far the most common source of leaks.  In fact, it's rare for leaks to develop in open areas of uninterrupted shingles even on older roofs.  Penetrations can include plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers or anything else that projects through the roof.  They can be several feet above the leak or to the right or to the left of it.



If you have attic access, the easiest way to track down a leak is to go up there with a flashlight and look for the evidence.  There will be water stains, black marks, or mold.  But if access is a problem or,you have a vaulted ceiling, you'll have to go up on the roof and examine.



If the problem still isn't obvious, enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose.  Start low, soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.  Isolate areas when you run the hose.  For example, soak the downhill side of a chimney first, then each side, then the top on both sides.  Have your helper stay inside the home waiting for the drip to appear.  Let the hose run for several minutes in one area before moving it up the roof a little farther.  Tell your helper to yell when a drip becomes visible.  You'll  be in the neighborhood of the leak. This process can take well over an hour.n So be patient and don't move the hose to soon.



Best of luck finding your roof leak!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Fix Common Roof Leaks: Small Holes

Tiny holes in shingles are sneaky because they can cause rot and other damage for ears before you notice the obvious signs of a leak.  You might find holes,left over from satellite dish or antenna mounting brackets or just about anything.  And exposed, misplaced roofing nails should be pulled and the holes patched.  Small holes are simple to fix, but the fix is not to inject caulk in the hole.



Best of luck repairing small holes on your rooftop!



You can find more articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Fix Common Roof Leaks: Step Flashing

Step,flashing is used along walls that intersect the roof.  Each short section of flashing channels water over the shingle downhill from it. nBut if the flashing rusts through. or a piece comes loose, water will run behind it, and into the house it goes.  Rusted flashing needs to be replaced.  That means removing shingles, prying siding loose, and then removing and replacing the step flashing.  It's that simple.  But occasionally a roofer forgets to nail one in place and it eventually slips down to expose the wall.



Best of luck repairing/replacing your step flashing!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Fix Common Roof Leaks: Walls And Dormers

Water doesn't always come in at the shingled surface.  Often, wind driven rain comes in from above the roof, especially around Windows, between corner boards, siding and through cracks and knotholes in siding.  Dormer walls provide lots of spots where water can dribble down and enter the roof.  Caulk can be old, cracked or even missing between the corner boards and between window edges and siding.  Water penetrates these cracks and works its way behind the flashing and into the house.  Even caulk that looks intact may not be sealing against the adjoining surfaces.  Dig around with a putty knife to see if the area is sealed.  Dig at any suspect caulk and replace it with a siliconized latex caulk.  Also check the siding above the step flashing.  Replace any cracked, rotted or missing siding, making sure the new piece overlaps the step flashing by at least 2 inches.  If you still have a leak, pull the corner boards free and check the overlapping flashing at the corner.  Often, there's old, hardened caulk where the two pieces overlap at the inside corner.



Best of luck repairing/replacing your leaks!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com/our-blog.html

How To Fix Common Roof Leaks: Roof Vents

Check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones.  You might be tempted to throw caulk at the problem, but that solution won't last long.  There's really no fix other than replacing the damaged vents.  Also look for pulled or missing nails at the bases bottom edge.  Replace them with rubber-washered screws.  In most cases, you can remove the nails under the shingles on both sides of the vent to pull it free.  There will be nails across the top of the vent too.  Usually you can also work those loose without removing shingles.  Screw the bottom in place with rubber-washered screws.  Squeeze out a bead of caulk beneath the shingles on both sides of the vent to hold the shingles down and add a water barrier.  That's much easier than remaining the shingles.



Best of luck repairing/replacing your Roof Vents!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Fix Common Roof Leaks: Plumbing Vent Boots

Plumbing vent boots can be all plastic, plastic and metal, or even two-piece metal units.  Check plastic bases for cracks and metal bases for broken seams.  Then examine the rubber boot surrounding the pipe.  That can be rotted away or torn, allowing water to work its way into the house along the pipe.  With any of these problems, you should buy a new vent boot to replace the old one.  But if the nails at the base are missing or pulled free and the boot is in good shape, replace them with the rubber-washered screws used for metal roofing systems.  You'll find them at any home center with the rest of the screws.  You'll have to work neighboring shingles free on both sides.  If you don't have extra shingles, be careful when you remove shingles so they can be reused.  Use a flat bar to separate the sealant between the layers.  Then you'll be able to drive the flat bar under the nail heads to pop out the nails.



Good luck repairing/replacing your plumbing vent boots!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Fix Popped Drywall Nails And Screws

Popped drywall nails and screws are common in old and new homes alike.  It's tempting to just pound the fastener back in and fill the divot.  But this is a short term solution.  To permanently fix the problem, drive a new nail or screw to reattach the drywall to the framing and remove or bury the old fastener.



Use lightweight sparkling compound to fill the damaged area.  It dries quickly, doesn't sag and is easy to sand.  Expect to apply two or three coats to a cover a large hole.  The drying time between coats will depend on how deep the hole is.  Use a fine sanding sponge or 100-grit drywall sanding paper to sand the patch before priming and painting.



Best of luck repairing that nail or screw!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Outshine The Competition Without A Real Estate Marketing Budget

Real Estate is all about your reputation these days.  Your brand and logo is you.  And that can make or break your business.  The great news is improving the way your reputation is perceived in the market is something you can do for free.



The best names in real estate almost always, spend next to nothing on advertising.  Yes, they have a website, blog and engage with people via their follow ups.  But they probably don't spend much on print ads or digital ads.


How are they succeeding?



Learn The Market-  It is really important to understand everything there is to know about your real estate market.  Sure, you can fake it to a certain point.  But eventually lack of cold-hard knowledge will get to you.  You can do this by reading articles, keeping up with local news, watching trends in similar cities, and most importantly writing.  It's easy to think you know something.  But when you have to write about it, you gain a completely different level of understanding.  Plus, you'll have a log that proves your knowledge to anyone online.



Find Your Opening-  After several weeks of reading, you'll start to find an opening or niche in the market.  This could be a specific area, neighborhood, type of property or anything really.  The key here is to find something you love.  And then pursue it with everything you know.



Make Connections-  Next, find the top influential people that area.  Make a list of 50 of them and start getting their contact information.  Then, take them out for coffee and follow up with them similar to the 33 touch system.  Add them on LinkedIn and other social networks.



Write A Blog Or Publish On LinkedIn-  Finally, it's time to prove your knowledge to everyone.  Blogging and websites give you the ability to prove your knowledge so easily.



Social Or Digital-  The next important thing is to be on social media.  Post daily, and post in Facebook groups.

Best Businesses To Start In A Small Town

Too many people these days are too content being a victim of circumstance crying "But there are no jobs".  Pick yourself up.  Dust yourself off.  Create your own job.  Regardless of your education, background or location, you have at least one in demand skill.  Same many of the best businesses to start in a small town require little, if any, startup cash.



Auto Detailing-  Many businesses today are mobile, meaning the business comes to the client as opposed to the other way around.  Auto detailing can be one such business.  Provided you have access to an electrical outlet and a hydrant you are good to go.



Baking-  So many people these days are making a great side income through specialized baking.  Many small towns would prefer to get their wedding, baby shower, birthday cakes, cookies and cupcakes locally as opposed to having to worry about making a special trip to the city on their big day and transport a delicate confection for miles.



Business Cleaning-  Homes are not the only thing in need of cleaning.  Inquire with local office buildings about their cleaning needs.



Elder Care-  This service can run the gamut from simply stopping by to check on your clients welfare each day to cleaning, cooking and running errands.



Mobile Locksmith-  Just because you live in a small town does not mean you don't lock yourself out of your car or house occasionally.  And many small towns do not have a locksmith.  With the know-how you could surely pickup a few extra bucks a month.


Pet Care-  Sitting, grooming and even taking Fido to his vet visits.



Photographer-  Families on a budget can't always afford that fancy photographer the next town over.  Brush up on your skills and offer inexpensive packages to seniors.



Best of luck with your small town business!


You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

What To Post On Pinterest

Pinterest is also an extremely visual social media.  However, if you were to choose between focus on Instagram and focus on Pinterest, I would tell you to lose Instagram and go with Pinterest any day.  Pinterest is more than just a social network these days.  It's a search engine.



Sure, I use google to search for things at least 47 times a day, but if I'm looking for an article or an image or another type of creative content, Pinterest is my go to. And since visuals are so important and I know that pinned items have been put there by a person who already thought this was a good article, there's already a bit of trust behind my searches.



PRODUCT PHOTOS



Are you hosting a webinar, releasing an ebook, or launching a podcast? create an image for it and pin it with a link to your landing page.



INFOGRAPHICS



These are eye-catching on Pinterest because they are so long.  If you have the means of creating an inforgraphic, do it.



BLOG POSTS + CURATED CONTENT



Sharing relevant and industry related content to your Pinterest is key, as well as sharing your own blog posts.  Just make sure that you're branding you're blog post images!



Best of luck with your pinning!!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

Improve Your Instagram Strategy

This platform is one that seems to come very easily to some and not quite so easily to others.  Since it has evolved into more of an artsy photo sharing platform rather than random iPhone photos, this takes a bit more work.  However, if you really put in the effort to take quality pictures, then you can easily gain a loyal Instagram following.



PRODUCT PHOTOS



Whether you're about to launch, already have or are just reminding your followers about your awesome products, Instagram is a great place to do this.  Whether you have a physical item or you're taking a screenshot of your beautiful landing page, Instagram is your place.



QUOTES



Although Instagram is obviously a great place to share quotes, you're going to want to be a it more strategic here.  This is the platform for you to head over to canva or open up photoshop and create your own quote templates.



Best of luck with your business Instagram Page!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

Boost Your Twitter Strategy

i personally think that Twitter is the easiest social media platform to use for business.  It's so easy to gain a following, interact with readers/customers, and use as a free promo tool.  Whereas Facebook has gone towards mostly paid advertising to get your page out there.  Twitter still has a ton of organic value as long as you're doing it right.

BLOG POSTS

Of course, just like your Facebook page, you want to share your own blog posts. mTwitter is awesome because you can do this multiple times a day.

CURATED CONTENT

However, Twitter is also your number one spot for shouting out friends and fellow business people.  In fact, you should be doing this even more often than promoting your own posts. main your tweets, all we get is a shortened link to the blog post.  Unless you're also sharing image that says the post title, I suggest including the title of the post in your tweet, rather than a vague caption.

QUOTES

Nice, inspirational moving quotes.  Rather than creating a visual image, though, Twitter is much more basic.  Simply share one of,your favorite quotes in your tweet, include the hashtag #QOTD and I guarantee at least two favorites.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Social media and content marketing is all about positioning yourself as an expert in your industry.  Do this by sharing relevant industry news.

Best of luck with your Twitter engagement!

You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Maximize Your Facebook Posts

All to often, bloggers and business owners go into their social media blindly.  They're not strategic with their posts, they post whatever and whenever something comes to mind, and then they just leave it at that.



If we want to have a successful social media strategy, we just can't let our social media go to the dogs.  We have to work for it.  Plan.  Strategize.  Spend some time to make it quality.  Schedule.  Interact.  The point is, you can't be all nilly willy with your social media.  It's a marketing tool for your blog or business, which means that it's serious and you need to make sure you're doing it right.



FACEBOOK:



We all know how to use Facebook.  I mean, most of us have been active users since way back in 2007.  However, Facebook pages need to be a bit more strategic.  You can't just post a million pictures of your cute kid, sappy song lyrics, or political rants on your page like you do on your profile.


As a brand, you have to pay attention to what your audience likes.  Keep track of your insights, but keep in mind that these are typically the types of posts that do well on your Facebook page.



BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS



Followers love to see what things look like behind the scenes.  They love to see us work, they love to see how things are done, and they love transparency.  Not only that, but it gives your readers or customers a better clue as to who you are.  They can get to know who they're buying from and that helps to create brand loyalty more than anything.



QUOTES



Seriously, who doesn't love a good quote?  Your caption can be anything as simple as the quote reiterated or you can flesh out your ideas behind the quote a bit more.  Hell, it's your page.  This is one thing that I won't tell you how to do.



QUESTIONS



Posting regular statuses containing questions or trivia or even true/false questions do really well for Facebook pages.  I don't really have any great examples to show you, so just trust me on this one.




VIDEOS



Video is a gold mine on Facebook.  As of the latest algorithm change, video is the number one content that users see in their news feeds.  And since you can make your YouTube videos. auto play on Facebook, users aren't having to be sent to a third party website in order to watch your content.



I hope this article helps boost your Facebook page!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

Get Home Solar For Little To Nothing Down

A little known government program called the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit,coupled with the massive evolution of solar technology, have combined to make 2016 the best there has ever been to consider solar for your home.  This program allows Americans to install solar on their homes for shockingly low cost, and reduces their electricity payments by an average of $1,560 per year.



But there's a catch:  Like most government programs, this tax credit is likely temporary, and is currently set to expire on December 31, 2016.



A Middle Class Stimulus Package



Unknown to many, the residential renewable energy tax credit, is targeted towards the middle class.  If you own your home, and your electricity costs are over $100 a month on average then you most likely qualify.  Basically, the government wants you to have the benefits of solar power, which puts more money in your pocket, creates jobs in America, and helps fight climate change.  There are several options to take advantage of these incredible incentives, which utilities hate.  Here is why:


-You can now get solar with no upfront costs thanks to home solar loans
-$0 down lease and PPA programs use the incentives to give you low electricity rates
-Upfront purchase provides immediate payback with zero interest and 70-90% lower electricity costs



Solar Has Never Been Cheaper



In fact, solar is about 99% cheaper than when the technology was born.  You wouldn't have bought a computer when it was first invented, or in its first iterations, because you would have had to mortgage your house to do so, and it's processing power is now eclipsed by today's most basic smartphone.



If you are interested in more information about going solar and live in the Fresno, California area we recommend contacting Pacific Solar Company



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Stop Leaks In Plumbing Joints

The best time to fix a plumbing leak is before it happens, by properly connecting water supply and waste line fittings.  Learn the tricks that pros use to make leakproof connections.



Use Two Types Of Teflon On Threaded Joints



Connections that rely on threaded pipes and fittings are prone to leaks if they're not sealed with either Teflon tape or Teflon pipe joint compound.



Start by wrapping the male threads with Teflon tape.  With the end of the threaded pipe facing you, wrap the tape clockwise.  Usually three layers is enough.  Once in a while, you'll run into a loose fitting that requires four or five wraps.  Stretch and tear the tape to complete the wrap.



Spread a thin layer of Teflon pipe joint compound over the tape.  If you're working with plastic pipe, choose Teflon pipe joint compound that's compatible with it.  The. start the threads by hand before tightening the connection with wrenches.  Wipe away the excess.



Choose Flexible Supply Tubes



The skinny copper or chrome supply tubes used to connect faucets and toilets are tricky to cut, bend and align.  But you don't have to put up with them.  When you're replacing a faucet or toilet, use flexible supply hoses with a braided covering instead.  They have rubber gaskets at each end and don't require much force to seal.  They're available in many lengths and are flexible enough to fit almost any configuration.  The only trick is buying a connector with the correct size nuts on the ends. Take your old tubing and the nuts on each end along with you to the store to be sure of an exact match.m Start the nuts carefully and hand tighten.  Avoid over tightening.



I hope this article will help you with any possible plumbing leaks you may have!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Prepare For A Home Inspection (Home Buyers)

Home Buyers:



A typical homebuyer assumes that the purpose of a home inspection is to catch any major structural problems before going through with a purchase.  Avoiding a money pit is one reason to hire a home inspector, but savvy homebuyers can get more value than that from the building inspection.



Choose The Right Home Inspector



Most buyers work with a home inspector recommended by their realtor,mouth homebuyers should also ask for recommendations from appraisers, attorneys and lenders.  Or, another great way that more and more homebuyers are choosing to find home inspectors is via online research by themselves.



Buyers should ask when they can expect the report after the inspection and ask to see an example of the report.



Before the inspection, buyers should write down observations they have made when visiting the house that they want the inspector to review.  I recommend that people visit a house two or three times before they make an offer and that they go in the daylight and at night because you notice different things depending on the lighting.



The more preparation the buyer does, the better it usually goes. Buyers should ask the neighbors if they know anything about the house or of any problems.



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Prepare For A Home Inspection (Home Sellers)

Home Sellers:



I see it every day.  Sellers who don't take the time to ensure a smooth home inspection and who pay for it in the long run.  A little preparation can ensure sellers have great home inspections.



Our Home Inspectors typically arrive 15-30 minutes early to the home inspection appointment
so that they are professionally set up and ready to go when you arrive.  I can't tell you how many times I've been greeted at the door a half hour before everyone is set to arrive by a person who looks as if they're freshly out of bed.



If a seller does this, they are about two hours late for his presentation.  On inspection day, the house should preferably be empty of the owners and their presence.  The home should also be clean and pets should be removed or crated.



If something isn't working properly, don't try to hide it.  We will find it.  Buyers get very suspicious when sellers deliberately try to conceal defects.  They immediately see you as dishonest and wonder what else you're hiding.  It's not worth losing their confidence over a minor defect.



In addition, make sure the location of attic and crawlspace hatches are identified and are easily accessible, as a home inspector we don't mind moving small objects out of the way but would prefer not to.  This is strictly out of respect for the seller and their belongings.



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Fix Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets work hard, and all that,opening and closing creates a variety of problems.  Most are inexpensive and easy to fix, so take a day and plow through them, it will be like having a new kitchen.



Build A Shelf That Won't Sag



Don't bother replacing a sagging shelf with another 1/2 inch thick shelf or it will end up sagging too.  Instead, cut a new shelf from 3/4 inch plywood.  Make it the same length and 1 1/2 inch narrower.  Then glue and Brad nail 1x2 rails along the front and back of the shelf, flush with the ends.  The rails give the shelf additional support so it won't sag, even if you load it up with heavy cookware.  Apply a polyurethane finish to match your other shelves.


Replace Worn-Out Drawer Slides



Lubricants won't fix damaged drawer slides, they have to be replaced.  This is a common problem on silverware drawers and other drawers that carry a lot of weight.  Buy new slides that are the same, or nearly the same, as your old ones.  Then it's just a matter of swapping them out.  You'll find a limited selection of drawer slides at home centers, but there are dozens of online sources.  These sites also sell the plastic mounting sockets that attach to the back of the cabinet to hold the slides in place.



Silence Banging Doors With Bumpers



Doors and drawers slam loudly against wood.  That's why most have "bumpers" near the interior corners to cushion the impact and reduce the noise.  But the bumpers sometimes fall off.  Get new ones at home centers.  Peel off the backing and stick the bumpers in place.  They're available clear or with felt, and in different thicknesses.  Use bumpers the same thickness as those on adjacent doors.



Fill In Stripped Screw Holes



When the screws in your hinges or drawer slides turn but don't tighten, the screw hole is stripped.  That can prevent doors and drawers from closing properly.  Fix the problem with glue and toothpicks.  Start by removing the hardware.  Then apply a drop of wood,glue to the ends of toothpicks and cram as many as will fit into the holes.  Wipe away any glue that drips out.  A let the glaze dry, then use a utility knife to cut the toothpicks flush with the cabinet or drawer.  Reinstall the hardware, driving the screw through the filled hole.



I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

19 Creative DIY tips To Improve Your Home

Owning a home can be tough, but here are 20 house DIY tipsmthatnshould make life a lot easier.



1.  Use old doorknobs for hanging towels



2.  Use an extra shower curtain rod for extra storage



3.  Hide your spare key in a medicine bottle with a piece of a pine cone glued to the end.  Then bury it.



4.  Display bracelets on a paper towel holder to keep them organized



5.  Dry erase marker on glass makes for a great alternative to ugly white boards



6.  Use old drawers for creative shelters



7.  Use a shelf when storing narrow items in deep storage spaces.  A phone book also works.



8.  You can use an old laundry basket for polka dot walls



9.  Tie some eucalyptus to your shower head.  It will make an amazing fragrance with the steam.



10.  Wine racks make great towel holders



11.  Foam noodles in your garage can save your door and the wall



12.  A shoe organizer is perfect for the pantry



13.  Plastic hangers make great storage for your cords



14.  Use two coat hangers to hang your ironing board


15.  Hide your router



16. A cheap cd tower turned on its side makes for a great bathroom organizer



17.  Magazine racks are great for can storage



18.  Use a drink dispenser if you're tired of looking at that ugly tide bottle



19.  When you paint a room, put some extra paint in a baby jar and keep it handy for quick touch ups.



If you liked this article you can find more online at www.echomeinspection.com

Fast Ways To Save For A Down Payment

The housing market is improving according to the National Association of Home Builders.  High demand coupled with low mortgage rates spells "buying" for many families.  If you are among them, planning for a down payment is high on the priority list.  Review the following fast saving methods.



1.  Create A Buying Budget



The housing crash of 2007 was the worst in U.S. history, motivating mortgage lenders to reinstate 20 percent down-payments as a standard buying requirement.  Unfortunately, these restrictions forced many buyers out of the market.



2.  Research Your Options



In addition to saving for a down-payment, don't forget to take advantage of local and federal housing programs, which may reduce your need for a large down payment.  These include:



-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
-Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
-The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)



3.  Cut Spending



The average budget carries some flexibility, and now is the time to use it.  Maximize savings by:



-Downgrading your needs
-Lowering your interest rates
-Reigning in entertainment



4.  Consider Getting A Part-Time Gig



5.  Redistribute Your Assets



I hope this article has helped you.  You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

Simple Ways To Generate Real Estate Leads

Generating leads is a monster topic in real estate.  So I'm going to break down a major social media lead generation secret.  Real Estate is a super competitive, tough industry. mYour competition is always growing and can steal your business from you if you don't stay on top of,your game.



Generate Real Estate Leads Through LinkedIn Crawling



There is a cool feature on LinkedIn that is rarely used.  Have you ever gotten an email from LinkedIn with everyone who's viewed your profile in the past 7 days?  You probably have.  The best part?  LinkedIn has a great target demographic. Most of the individuals on there have professional careers and are likely home buyers and sellers.



What if your name and face could go out each and every week to individuals on LinkedIn?  Well it can!  It's called "LinkedIn Crawling". What is LinkedIn crawling you ask? It is where my computer automatically visits 400 profiles of target customers in one day.  This means 400 people a day are notified about me.



Here are several other ways I've found generate Real Estate leads:



-Run bing ads
-Sit on a board of a local organization
-Volunteer at a big event
-Theme your months marketing promotions around big events
-Sponsor a class at an underfunded school
-Organize a group of business owners and hold a fundraiser
-Host a silent auction at a house and give the money to charity
-Start a meetup.com group
-Start a LinkedIn group and post original thoughts in it daily with a minimum of 300 words
-Start blogging daily and challenge yourself to make each post better
-Buy breakfast for the local firefighters
-Organize a neighborhood safety awareness program
-End all of your cold calls asking people what you can do for them
-Post flyers on the doors of every house in the neighborhood
-Take out an ad in the local newspaper
-Give away post-it's with your name on it
-Hand out business cards wherever you go
-Hand out pens as well.  These actually stay with people longer.



These are just a few great ideas to generate leads. If you know other ways, please leave us a comment!



If you liked this article you can find more online at www.echomeinspection.com

4 Mistakes To Avoid As A Real Estate Investor

There is a learning curve with everything in life.  Mistakes arenwhatnusually separate those who succeed and those who move on to other ideas.  Sometimes it is luck or a mentor that saves an individual from those ever present land mines.  Sometimes it is reading an article that connects with them.



This Is Not A Hobby



Real Estate investing is a serious business filled with experienced people, both professional and not so.  If not taken seriously, you risk damaging opportunities before you even get started.  Just like any other industry and business, it is about building a brand.  To start, you need a business card.  Leave them everywhere on bulletin boards in coffee shops, garages and anywhere else you can pin them up for free.



Websites, blogs, and articles can also help you get your name out there.  Connect with the other business people in your area.  Use Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to start building a web presence.  You also need to set yourself apart from the a,amateurs by setting up an LLC, getting a Federal Tax ID number and opening a business checking account.



Education Is Key



Everything you need to know in Real Estate investing does not end with your first purchase.  Sometimes the key to getting an edge on your competition is keeping a breast of all new trends, strategies, and techniques being used in this business.  Keep reading blogs, websites, articles and books in real estate investing.



Don't Forget Technology



Some Real Estare investors are old school. They still work through paperwork, rifle through through court documents and carry everything they need to know in their notebook.  This may work for them, but in some cases, they have no idea what opportunities are going right by them.  92% of all sales start online.  You need to create a website and use the Internet to search for opportunities.



Real Estate Agents Are Not The Enemy



Realtors are not uneducated investors, and often uncover opportunities in their daily business.  Yes, there are commissions involved, but it may be worth the fee.   Finding the right realtor who understands what you are trying to do can be a very worthwhile relationship.



I hope this article has been helpful!  I wish you the best of luck in your Real Estate Investing business!


You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

3 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting A Business

Recently, someone asked me what I would counsel them to consider before starting a home business. As I thought about this, I came up with a few questions I think everyone should ask themselves before they start a business.



1) Am I Truly Passionate About This Idea?



If you want to be successful, your business idea must be your own.  It can't be a great idea that someone else told you that you should do.  It needs to be your brain child, something you are wholeheartedly excited about and in love with.  Because, believe me, you're going to need that passion on those long and hard days when you feel like giving up.



If you're wanting someone else to give you a big leg up with getting a business started, I can almost guarantee you that you're not going to be successful.  Because successful business owners take initiative.  They are out there putting in the back-breaking personal effort to make things happen.  They aren't expecting someone else to spoon-feed them their success.



2) Can I Afford The Start-up Cost?



I believe strongly that you should never go into debt to start a business.  Otherwise, you're beginning with a noose around your neck.  If you don't have the money needed for the start-up costs, I suggest that you either go back to the drawing board and downsize your idea, or that you save aggressively for six months in order to have the cash necessary to cover all of the start-up costs.  Ideally, you'll want to be able to cover the first three to six months worth of costs with your savings. without even making a profit.



3) Am I Willing To Fail?



If you jump out there and start new things, you are going to fail at least some of the time.  Expect to succeed, but willingly accept failure.  Not every business idea is going to be a home run.  In fact, most of them won't be.  However, success is almost guaranteed to those who are willing to try, try again.  Even if your first or third idea doesn't work, you'll eventually land on something that will be a success. Don't give up!



I hope this article has helped anyone looking to start a new business.  I wish you the absolute best of luck!


If you liked this article, you can find more online at www.echomeinspection.com

Create A Killer Google+ Profile

Google+ has Been round for a while, but most of us are still a little unsure about how to use this platform effectively.  Before we dig into everything that can be done to market or grow a business on the platform, we'll have to learn how to create a profile on Google+.  A killer "about" section can highlight your best work, let others get to know you, help you gain new followers, and drive traffic to your site.



Unlike other social networks, the Google+ profile feels a bit overwhelming.  There are a lot of boxes and options to select.  It's more like setting your personal Facebook profile than setting up any other social media profile you started for your business, except instead of sharing cute photos of your cat or annoying photos of your breakfast plate, you'll be sharing your blog posts, products and best content.



Name:  Google wants you to use your own name for your Google+ profile.  If you use your business name instead of a real name, you could be banned.



Custom URL:  Take advantage of the chance to make a custom URL out of your profile name.  Again, this is great SEO juice when people are searching for you online.



Cover Photo:  Some sources recommend making your cover photo very similar to your blog cover, and the branding you use everywhere else.  I believe this makes sense for small sites and brands who are just getting started.  Make your brand feel familiar and cohesive.



Tag line:  Theoretically, this should be short and to the point.  You can view it as your manifesto or a statement of how you can help people.  However, it can also be very helpful to include some keywords you'd like to target.



Introduction:  The best way to think about your introduction is to view it like your about page.  Share a little bit about you, but mostly, share how you can help others.  Use bullets and lists to make this section easier to read.  Use natural language.  Don't forget to highlight the topics you love to cover the most and link to several places on your site.



That wraps up the main components of your Google+ profile.  But we haven't even scratched the surface on how to actually use Google Plus to promote your business, blog content, or incredible products.



I hope this article has been enlightening to you!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Fix Scratched Hardwood Floors

Howard Restor-A-Finish is NOT a full house refinishing system.  It is great for spot touch ups as a temporary fix.  I've used it on small surface scratches throughout the house and the results have been pretty spectacular.



There is nothing to remove scratches that are really deep other than thorough sanding and refinishing.



First you puddle a bit of the restor-a-finish on the floor on top of the scratched area.  You should choose a color close to the shade of your floors.



Then use a paper towel to rub it into the floor, paying close attention to working it into the scratched areas.



Then use a dry paper towel to rub over the area several times.  I passed over it three times with a clean towel each time.



As mentioned earlier, this method is less effective for the deeper scratches.  But for the smaller more superficial scratches this is a great way to restore scratches on hardwood floors.



I hope this has helped you!



If you liked this article, you can find more online at www.echomeinspection.com

Tips For Real Estate Photography

With more and more people jumping on the real estate train every day, the market is beginning to get very saturated with Realtors.  This causes those who want to be successful in the business to offer a higher quality service to those who hire them.  One way realtors can do this is by offering professional images of their listings.  Not only does it make their service look more professional, but it also helps sell houses more quickly because better pictures online usually means more foot traffic at the listing.



1. Be Professional


Real Estate is a very professional business, and a realtors image is the product they sell.  As a photographer, your job is to be an extension of their image by being on time, looking neat, and offering an outstanding product.  That being said, when you go to meet with a realtor or one of their clients, make sure you are presentable and are dressed in at least business casual attire.



2.  Do Your Research



Before you start shooting, take note of the typical,pictures other realtors use for their listings.  This will give you an idea of where to start in the home and which images are the most important.  I also like to collect our local home owner magazines and go to the book store to get interior decorating magazines for inspiration on how to stage homes.  There are also a myriad of shows on TLC and HGTV that help.



3.  Stage The Room Before You Shoot



When a potential home buyer is searching for their future abode on the multi list, there are a few things that are generally the most important.  You always want to make sure the curb appeal of the house is on display.  If the home isn't visually appealing from the front, do your best to get a new angle and suggest they manicure the lawn, plant some flowers, etc. Before you start taking the pictures.




I hope you liked this article!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Create A Social Media Strategy

If you're starting from square one, it might feel equal parts thrilling and overwhelming.  You know what you want to do and why.  You can see that others have climbed the social media mountain; but you've got very few ideas how to get there yourself.  This plan is sort of a road trip.



Step 1:  Which Soical Media Sites You Should Use



Sure, it's all social media, but Google+ and Twitter might as well be Mountain Dew and Pepsi.  Each network is unique, with its own practices, own style and own audience.



You should choose the social networks that best fit your strategy and the goals you want to achieve on social media.  You don't have to be on them all--just the ones that matter for you and your audience.



Step 2:  Fill Out a Your Profile Completely


A completed profile shows professionalism, cohesive branding, and a signal to visitors that you're serious about engaging.  Profiles require both visuals and text.



Step 3:  Find Your Marketing Voice And Tone


The temptation at this point might be to jump right in and start sharing.  One more step before you do.  You should spend time coming up with marketing personal and debating the finer points of your mission statement.



Step 4:  Pick Your Posting Strategy


What's the ideal amount to post per day?  How often should you post?  When should you post?  What should you post?

It depends, much of the social media experience is about your individual audience and niche.  What works for you might not work for me, and you never know until you try.



Step 5:  Analyze, Test, and Iterate



The more you post, the more you'll discover which content, timing, and frequency is right for you.  Most major social networks will have basic analytics, built in to the site; its just a little easier to seek and find this information from an all-encompassing dashboard.



Step 6:  Automate, Engage, and Listen



The final piece of a social media smarts ting plan involves having a system you can follow to help you stay on top of updates and engaged with your community.



How did you develop your social media strategy?  Best of luck to you!!



If you liked this article, you can find more online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Lay A Subfloor

Before installing a tile floor, a subfloor and underlayment is necessary.



Tools Amd Materials:
- T-Square
- Drill
- Pencil
- Circular Saw
- Chalk Line
- Cement Board
- Plywood
- Deck Screws



Step 1:  Mark The Cut Lines


Use a T-square to mark the cut lines on the plywood



Step 2:  Cut The Plywood


Cut the plywood to size, running the circular saw across the width of the board



Step 3:  Mark The Joist Locations


Using the original subfloor nails as a guide, mark the floor joist location on the wall to know where to insert the screws.



Step 4:  Lay The Plywood


Lay the plywood in place on the floor



Step 5:  Insert The Deck Screws


Run a chalk line off the floor joist to mark the wall.  Then, drive deck screws every 8 inches along the line



Step 6:  Attach The Cement Board


Bring in the cement board and lay it down on the plywood.  Screw the cement board into the plywood about every 6 inches.



I hope this article has been very helpful to you!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Refinish Wood Chairs

Hello, I am excited tomb ensnaring this project with you.  I will teach you how to refinish wood chairs the easy way, without sanding or stripping.



Materials Medded:
- Ultra Touch-up Marker
- Wax Wash Remover
- Wiping Wood Stain
- Brush Tip Graining Marker
- Satin Polyurethane
- Water And Vinegar Cleaning Solution
- Paper Towels
- Latex Gloves



1). Start by cleaning the chairs very well with a water and vinegar cleaning solution that I made myself.  Then I cleaned them again using mohawk's wax wash remover to ensure that any wax finish that may have been on the chairs was totally removed.  Simply spray it on and wipe off. The spray does have some fumes, so work outside if possible.



2) Touch up the worn edges with the touch-up marker.  This is the easiest part.



3) Next, it's time to stain.  You can paint it on with a foam brush and wipe it off almost immediately with paper towels.



4) If there are drip marks, use the brush tip Graining marker to camouflage them.



5) Finally, I applied a coat of oil based stain polyurethane to each chair.



With about 3 hours of work, antique and worn chairs can be given new life.



I hope this article has helped you and wish you the best of luck with your refinishing projects!



You can read similar articles online at www.echomeinspection.com

How To Remove Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be so stunning when it goes on, completely change the look of a room.  Add so much color and texture and interest to a space.  But getting it off can be another story.



If you have ever removed wallpaper before, you may know that there are generally three parts to the process.  Top layer, under layer, and glue remnants.



The first part is to remove the top paper later.  So,sties you get lucky and that rips off in a nice big sheet. mOther times you are not so lucky.  And the wallpaper rips off in small chunks and you're have to keep going for what seems like forever.



This is step two in the process.  Go out and buy s home right steam machine multi-purpose power steamer.  Read the enclosed booklet and follow the instructions for the steam machine to fill/heat.  Once the water is heated up, start at the top of a section, and work your way down, holding the steam paddle on each section for about 10 seconds.  The instructions recommend longer (and the longer the better).



My best advice is to get a system going:  steam from the top down, allow it to saturate and then once the orange light goes on and the steamer needs a break, use that time wisely by scraping, and then go ahead and re-steam again once the orange light goes off.



The washing is the third step in the process and is to remove all the excess glue that may have been left behind the walls.  The best way to do this is to use TSP, scrubby and warm slightly soapy water.



We hope this system helps you out as much as it did me!!



If you liked this article you can find more online at www.echomeinspection.com