Outside faucets, also referred to as spigots or hose bibs, are installed near an outside wall to prevent injuring people or damaging the faucet with lawn and gardening equipment. However, a homeowner may extend a faucet 16 to 18 inches from the mounting to hang a hose or to earn a faucet more accessible in areas with thick shrubs or plants. Extending an outside faucet provides a home-improvement enthusiast an opportunity to apply basic plumbing skills.

Switch off the water supply valve to your house. Open the faucet and allow the water at the line to escape.

Loosen and remove the faucet at the water pipe with a flexible wrench fitted just behind the bonnet and handle.

Wrap vinyl plumber’s tape clockwise on the threads at both ends of the galvanized pipe used to the extension. Thread 1 end of the pipe into the water pipe where the faucet was removed. Tighten the pipe clockwise with a pipe wrench.

Thread the galvanized coupler on the outer end of the extension and then tighten it with the pipe wrench.

Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads at the bottom of the faucet. Thread the faucet into the outer end of the coupler and tighten it with the adjustable wrench, stopping when the grip is facing upward.

Close off the grip on the faucet. Turn on the primary water supply to the house. Turn on the faucet for five seconds to clear the water. Turn off the faucet and check the new links for drips. Tighten any links, as essential.

See related

If you are bored of having to remember to turn your lights on at dusk and then off again in the early hours, a timer could give an easy and inexpensive method to automate your home’s lighting needs. Because timers turn lights on and off automatically depending on your programmed schedule, they can also add a layer of security for your home while helping to keep your electricity costs in check. Best of all, installing a timer isn’t any more difficult than installing a regular single-pole switch.

Removing the Existing Switch

Switch off the circuit breaker that’s delivering power to the switch you’re planning on replacing with the timer. If you don’t have someone helping you with the task and your breakers are not labeled properly, you can turn the light switch on (make certain the light is functioning) then turn off person breakers one at a time till you become aware of the light turn away. As soon as you have the circuit breaker off, then remove the switch plate cover and test the switch with a noncontact voltage tester to confirm that the circuit is away.

Remove the top and bottom screws which secure the switch to the wall box.

Pull the switch from the box carefully by drawing on the top and bottom tabs of the switch toward you.

Loosen the two terminal screws on the switch and then disconnect the wires. Bend the cable that was attached to the upper side screw terminal toward the top of the box (the load cable) and the cable from the underside terminal toward the base of the box (the line cable). Loosen the green ground screw on the switch and then disconnect the ground cable from the switch.

Installing the Timer

Snip off the bent ends of the wires in the wall box with the cutting tool on the cable strippers. Locate the appropriate sized stripping channel on the cable strippers and strip off a 3/4-inch piece of insulation from the end of each cable so you’ve got a fresh lead to utilize.

Connect the ground cable on the timer to the ground cable coming from the wall box. If the timer does not possess a preinstalled ground cable, then connect the ground cable from the wall box to the ground screw to the timer.

Pull the neutral wires from the wall box and remove the cable connector that’s securing them together. Connect the white wire from the timer to the other white wires and then secure all of them together with the cable connector. Make sure the connector is on tight and that no copper is visible. Wrap electrical tape tightly around the port in which it matches the wires for added protection. Push the neutral wires back into the wall box.

Connect the black cable on the timer to the line side cable (the one bent toward the base of the box) and then secure them tightly together with a cable connector. Wrap the connector with a strip of electrical tape in which the wires leave the connector.

Connect the red cable on the timer to the load side cable (the one bent toward the surface of the box) and then secure them tightly together with a cable connector. Wrap the connector with a strip of electrical tape in which the wires leave the connector.

Push the wires into the box so that you may match the body of the timer comfortably within the wall box. Secure the timer to the wall box with the included screws.

Install the timer’s wall plate and then timer dial up (if it features one) as instructed. If the timer version includes a dial, you can schedule it prior to turning the electricity back on, but if it is a digital timer, then you will have to restore power to the circuit before you’re able to program it.

Restore power to the circuit by turning the circuit breaker back on, and test your timer installation to be certain everything works properly.

See related

When making or remaking a lampshade, the material you choose for the job matters immensely. Some fabrics may burn, melt or discolor when hot, so it’s important to choose materials that can withstand a heat without damage. The internal liner material, such as a pressure-sensitive styrene, is actually the component which can help safeguard the outer material from heat. The bulb is every bit as important — when the wattage is too large and you are utilizing an old incandescent bulb, it could pose a fire hazard.

Inner Liner Material

Inspect different lampshades at your house or in a store, and you will discover that the inside looks different in the outer lampshade covering. This internal lining helps provide a strong yet flexible arrangement for the lampshade material while at the same time protecting it from heat emitted by the bulb. Pressure-sensitive styrene, also referred to as glue styrene, is that the substance used for the inside of several lampshades. This type of styrene is available at many craft stores or through lampshade provide shops.

The Outer Fabric

The very best fabrics for making your own lampshades are those made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. Pick a fabric which can be ironed; otherwise, it wo not look smooth once you adhere it to the styrene. Don’t use synthetic fabrics or some types of thin silk which can discolor in the warmth of the iron or even the warmth of the bulb.

Non-Traditional Shades

Rather than the normal fabric shade on a wire frame, just about any substance which will not melt, burn or overheat may be used, such as a kitchen colander, cheese grater or even panes of stained glass. Make your own artificial capiz shell chandelier shade from discs of wax paper attached to strands of ribbon, secured to a wire lampshade ring or embroidery hoop. Massive cans such as olive oil or even imported pasta sauce cans may also be used after punching holes in order to allow light through.

Bulb and Socket Factors

Ultimately, your colour is only as secure as the bulb and socket assembly paired using it on the lamp. Check the light socket for a tag which specifies that the maximum bulb wattage considered secure for the socket; choose a bulb of the exact same or a lower wattage than recommended on the label. The lower the wattage, the heat emitted by the bulb. If building a lampshade from materials such as rice paper which may burn high heat or if near a flame, then pick only low-wattage bulbs that emit only a small amount of lighting. Select an LED bulb as a low-wattage option to a traditional incandescent bulb for yet another safe choice.

See related

Even when you’re overwhelmed by your debts, foreclosure isn’t inevitable. The Making Home Affordable application of the government provides help for those who’ve already fallen behind, and for homeowners struggling to keep up with their mortgage obligations. Even with assistance, some homeowners might not have the ability to escape foreclosurebut others might find the authorities has thrown them the lifeline they want.

Types

Many programs are included by making Home Affordable. The Home Affordable Refinance Program works to refinance mortgages at prices that are lower. The Home Affordable Modification Program modifies mortgages for homeowners, even when they are currently in default or foreclosure. Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives gives incentives to lenders to let a homeowner sell a home in foreclosure than having a black mark. The Home Affordable Unemployment Software helps homeowners lower their mortgage payments.

Time Frame

A number of the Home Affordable programs will eventually expire. For instance, the Home Affordable Refinance Program is set to expire on June 30, 2011. The Home Affordable Modification Program will close on Dec. 31, 2012.

Considerations

The various kinds of Creating Home Cheap require homeowners to qualify for aid. To take part in HARP refinancing, for example, you should be current on your mortgage payments, your loan must be backed by the government-sponsored Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac businesses and you have to be reasonably able to pay off the new, refinanced payments. For HAMP, the credentials include being able to record that you cannot afford your payments. They have to take part in HAMP if your lender manages loan to any Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. There are incentives for creditors who do not deal with the two businesses.

Pro Insight

The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides free counselling for homeowners who aren’t convinced of their alternative that is very best. HUD also provides guidance for dealing with scam artists preying on distressed owners with solutions .

Obstacles

Check to find out if the company is listed on the Making Home Affordable website for a participant if your creditor won’t help. If the lender is recorded, or Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae owns or guaranteed the mortgage, contact your lender or talk to a HUD-approved counselor for advice. Request a counselor if the creditor is not engaging.

See related

Anywhere it rains, it may flood. Homeowners insurance does not offer any protection against flooding damage, but the National Flood Insurance Program provides it to homeowners in areas where the national government considers a flood risk exists. Property owners taking out mortgages in high-risk areas need to buy flood insurance if they obtain national mortgage support; even if they don’t, most lenders will need it to secure their investment from the home. The average coverage costs less than $570 annually, according to the NFIP.

Build or remodel your home to elevate the living areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency calculates the”base flood elevation” for different areas. By upping your home higher, and departing ground level for storage or garage area, you are going to reduce the risk of flood damage and decrease insurance premiums, based on FEMA. Building on a greater part of the property as opposed to a low-lying area may be enough to really make a difference.

Elevate the utilities. Raising the air conditioning valve, water heater and furnace above the base flood elevation decreases the chance of damage, which will lead to reduce insurance premiums.

Give openings in the foundation walls to the flooding. If the flooding waters strike the bottom of your residence hard enough, they can undermine the dwelling areas. When there’s an easy method for the water to flow through, it will cut the harm and insurance premiums.

See related

Refinancing a house that has a equity loan alongside a standard first mortgage is somewhat more challenging than typical refinancing. Equity loans are designed to be second mortgages, listed after the initial or purchase money mortgage loan. If a homeowner pay off her mortgage an equity loan, by default, could develop into a first lien. But when refinancing a present mortgage, a homeowner should get cooperation from her house equity lender if she would like to keep her house equity loan.

Refinancing Purposes

Homeowners typically refinance mortgage loans for one of two primary explanations. To begin with, when mortgage rates decline under a homeowner’s recent loan rate, some will substitute their present loan with a new lower-rate mortgage, saving money using a smaller monthly payment. Second, homeowners desiring funds for improvements, investments, education or other important purchases frequently opt for a”cash out” refinance, increasing their former mortgage loan balance but generating new cash for themselves.

Refinancing Basics

Mortgage refinances involve a replica of the whole application procedure, because the borrower is requesting a completely fresh loan. All income, asset, credit and employment information must be verified, and a completely documented appraisal must be carried out. The house’s fair market value (FMV), according to the evaluation, is vital to a refinance. While refinancing is not a problem during a rising real estate market, during a time of decreasing values it could be hard. The employer’s credit and financial stability should be equal to or even better than his position when the existing mortgage loan was approved.

Factors When a House Equity Loan Exists

If a refinancing homeowner want to pay off an present equity loan or home equity credit line (HELOC), she confronts couple of challenges if the house’s FMV supports both loan payoffs. But if she wishes to keep her equity loan or HELOC, she must get the home equity lender’s approval. Moreover, the lender should sign a subordination agreement, which claims that the home equity loan will stay busy and in”second place,” junior to the new first mortgage made by the refinance.

Potential Issues

HELOCs, or equity loans, can pose difficulties during a refinancing. Based on the borrower’s financial and credit history, home equity lenders may or may not want his existing loan repaid through the refinancing. As with credit cards and many line-of-credit loans, HELOC lenders typically retain the choice of reducing credit maximums or eliminating future borrowing for just about any reason. Home equity lenders typically reserve the right to require loan payoff, regardless of the standing (up so far or delinquent) of the present account. Lenders working out the payoff choice may force homeowners to ask that a cash-out refinance, which might offer less favorable terms than a straightforward rate-and-term refinance.

Borrower Options

Refinancing a mortgage when a home equity loan also exists may leave homeowners with few options. Much is dependent on the house’s documented FMV, which might determine the odds of a reasonable creditor’s willingly executing a subordination arrangement, permitting the house equity loan to stay in 2nd place though it was listed prior to the mortgage. Lenders on the other hand have two options: subordinate and allow the house equity loan to continue as is, or mandate payoff from the homeowner. Borrowers retain the choice to pay off the outstanding balance of their home equity loan should they see no additional need for this.

See related

When real estate changes hands, there are tax factors. The federal government and state authorities set various laws requiring buyers and sellers to pay taxes to the real estate transactions. Laws vary from one nation to another, and many legislation provide exceptions that allow buyers and sellers to avoid paying income tax on transactions when certain conditions apply. Knowing your tax obligations requires a good look at the kinds of tax laws that exist.

Federal Income Tax Reporting Laws

The Internal Revenue Service allows people to exclude from income all or part of a gain from the sale of a main residence. To qualify, the property must be where the taxpayer lived for the previous two decades. Sellers are allowed to exclude up to $250,000 of a gain. The amount is increased to $500,000 for married couples who file joint returns. The IRS does not require the gain to be reported if the entire gain is excluded. If all or a portion of the gain does not qualify for exclusion, then it must be reported as taxable income. The IRS requires the income to be reported on Schedule D. Federal tax laws don’t allow a vendor to subtract losses on the sale of the main home. Federal tax laws allow people to maintain the exclusion on two separate homes.

State Withholding Law

In most states, real estate sales must be reported through state income tax filings when specific conditions apply. As a general rule, the primary condition is that sellers have received a gain on the sale of real estate. A gain is determined depending on the selling price as it is related to the cost for which the seller got the home. Generally, that is via purchase. In some cases, however, sellers must pay the complete quantity of the selling price since the home has been obtained free of price. This is the case when homes are transferred through quitclaim deed and wills. Exceptions include Florida, in which there’s no state income taxation. In California, state law requires withholding of 9.55 percentage of the entire sale price for people. An exclusion is provided for properties that sell for less than $100,000. For businesses, the withholding amount is 8.84 percent. Banks and financial companies are required to pay 10.84 percentage, and S corporations have to pay 13.05 percent. To ensure payment of this tax, the buyer of the home actually pays the amount due. The seller then records a kind with his earnings taxes saying the quantity of his gain or loss on the sale of the home.

Transfer of Ownership Laws

When property changes hands, many legislation apply that determine if the owners of their house are required to pay tax in their new advantage. The Internal Revenue Service sets federal legislation requiring taxation to be paid on property when people die and their assets are dispersed through wills and trusts. The federal estate tax law requires tax to be paid on property when the entire value of this estate is over a predetermined figure. As of August 2010, the estate tax provided the exemption for the first $1 million of their estate’s worth. Amounts past that are taxed at 55 percent. The IRS employs a fair market value figure to appraise the worth of real estate. The IRS also has laws for gifts of real estate. The donor pays tax on the present when equal worth is not received in return. In 2009, the first $13,000 of a gift of real estate has been deducted from the gift tax. Married couples are allowed to exclude $26,000 for properties they jointly own. The speed of this present tax fluctuates dependent on the amount to be taxed. The taxation on a gift of real estate worth less than $10,000 is 18 percent. The taxation on a gift of real estate valued at greater than $500,000 is taxed at 35 percent, the maximum rate.

See related

With fall weather, I’ve been appreciating jewel-toned colours popping out all over the place. I thought it’d be joyous and fun to bring daring peacock blue indoors, causing me to have a little love affair with peacock-themed home decor in the process. Come check out the unlimited ways to create your home as pretty as a peacock! — Sasha from Lemonade Makin’ Mama

Design Public

DwellStudio Peacock Pillow, Azure – $80

Classic but still refreshing, this would update my neutral sofa well.

Contemporary Wreaths And Garlands – $30

I love the colours in peacock feathers. If you do too, consider hanging this peacock feather in almost any room for a luxe touch.

Etsy

Peacock Blue Cloth Dinner Napkins by Mona June

I anticipate placing a fairly table, and I would love to sponsor a small gathering and utilize these bright-peacock-blue patterned fabric napkins. They’d add an enjoyable pop of color to my ordinary, white dinner plates.

Etsy

Peacock Archival Print of Original Watercolor by Eva Forest

This inexpensive print offers the perfect pop of peacock colors and will be fairly framed and matted above a desk.

Etsy

Teal Peacock Feather Print by EE Harrison Art Studio – $9.99

I adore the simple feather silhouette print, and the background colours may be customized upon request.

Amazon

Paperproducts Design Paradise Peacock Dessert Plate – $29.99

The close-up image of a thorough peacock feather has been preserved on these very small dessert plates. Imagine how amazing your desk would look with these scattered around.

Etsy

Resuable Wall Stencils, Peacock Feather Set by Royal Design Stencils – $69

Enjoy the dramatic announcement this peacock stencil set makes.

Design Public

Thomas Paul Scandia Peacock Canvas Pillow – $74

I fell pretty hard with this contemporary spin on a peacock. I adore the simple image and minimal colours.

Pottery Barn

Peacock Mirror – $1,399

I could easily find this in my hallway, but it would be fantastic over a mantel with candlelight flickering against it as well.

Amazon

Edible mini peacock feathers — it might not get cuter than that.

West Elm

Alphabet Trays – $8

I’ve loved monograms for, and these tiny, peacock-hued plates using their vintage typesetter font letters will be ideal for desktop bedside jewelry. They’d even make a beautiful gathering on the wall spelling something out.

Garnet Hill

Groovy Hourglass Quilt – $168

I could easily cozy up using these peacock-inspired quilt stains and slim down in a fantastic book on the upcoming chilly fall day.

Pier 1 Imports

Peacock Salt & Pepper Shakers – $12.95

I thought these salt and pepper shakers were darling. They’d be very sweet on a kitchen window sill.

Macy’s

Trina Turk Bath, Blue Peacock Shower Curtain – $59.99

This would be an enjoyable addition to my kids’s shared bathroom. The pieces of bright, happy color make for a very casual and fun appearance.

Contemporary Candles – $15

Add a little glam to the mix by lighting this bejeweled peacock candle.

FRONTGATE

Brass Peacock Sculpture – $225

I’m fairly sure my kids might attempt to ride this particular sculpture, but it’s very tasteful and would look great beside a bookcase spilling over with good notes.

Macy’s

Edie Rose by Rachel Bilson Dinnerware, Peacock Salad Plate – $15

Soft, watery colors make these plates simple for ordinary use. They’d make a fun announcement hung on a dining room wall and grouped together with additional patterned plates.

Contemporary Curtains – $34.95

Shimmery drapes studded with a golden peacock feather print are sure to create any space look lavish and grown-up.

Jonathan Adler

Peacock Platter, Menagerie – $295

I really like the simplicity of this platter. Mod and wash, it would look whimsical on a tabletop.

Ballard Designs

Sanctuary Giclee Prints – $399

This artwork is loved by me. The warm tones are absolutely wonderful for the fall and would complement a workplace area or dining room in a beautiful way.

Next: Color Guide: How to Utilize Teal

See related

There’s not any doubt that dots are in fashion nowadays. For me, they’re always in fashion; I don’t think I’ve ever met a dot that I didn’t like. There’s just something irresistible, happy and peppy about polka dots.

Polka dots could be incorporated on your decoration in big and small ways, and occasionally it’s the tiniest of dots which add the largest punch. Here are my 20 selections for incorporating polka dots to your house. — Trina from La La Lovely

John Lewis

Dualit Emma Bridgewater NewGen Toaster, 4-Slice, Polka Dots – GBP 225

A polka dot toaster might be on the top, but not to the polka dot enthusiast. This little toaster would be perfect for a holiday home where life is not so serious. It makes me happy just looking at it, but I am even more happy knowing that it makes toast!

Etsy

Sweet Small Polka Dots Creamer by The Cupcake Kid – $19

The imperfect, handpainted blue dots make this yummy small creamer perfect. It would make serving coffee and tea sweeter.

Terrain

Polka Dot Hand Towel – $28

This polka dot pattern is really airy and light. I would love to brighten up my powder room with these hand towels.

PBteen

Painted Dot Airgo Armchair – $199

This is just the chair to perk up a dull office space. The dots are certain to pack a punch on the longest of workdays.

Kontextür

Moondance Shower Curtain, Shades of Gold – $150

This gold-dot shower curtain is reason enough to get up in the afternoon. It’s so happy looking you might even end up getting a morning person after all.

Etsy

Soft Hand Woven Silk Velvet Ikat Pillow Cover by Sukan – $69.95

The big dots on this pillow add as much drama. It’s a small piece that is guaranteed to make an impression.

Lands’ End

School Uniform Girls’ Konserve Dot Cloth Sandwich Napkins, Electric Pink – $13

These fuchsia-dot napkins will make an everyday dinner an outstanding dining experience.

Mokkasin

Small Pongo Klippans Yllefabrik – EUR 395

Black and white polka dots are the ideal. I adore this reversible blanket. Both sides are equally pretty and interesting.

Anthropologie

Prestino Sofa – $12,000

This subtly dotted sofa is beyond gorgeous. It functions in pattern in the most neutral of ways. I’d love to get this little couch in my house.

Lands’ End

Dot Beach Towel – $35

Dotted beach towels are as cheery as cheery gets. Maintain a big stack of these for guests during summer time.

Etsy

Hand Woven Original Lumbar Silk Polkadot Ikat Pillow Cover by Sukan – $49.95

In my view, among the best combinations is the colour pink and polka dots. I’d use this pillow in any room to add a little bit of colour and layout.

Greenhouse Design Studio

Personal Polka Dot Cereal Place – $69

I adore the idea of having a specific plate and cup for milk and biscuits. I adore the idea of getting this particular set more.

Anthropologie

Colossal Dots Curtain, Coral – $138

These dotted curtains are really gorgeous. I like how airy and light they’re, and the colour is perfection.

Lenox

Larabee Road Platinum 5-piece Place Setting – $139

These polka dot location settings are fairly but not pretentious. I’d be happy to start a collection.

Nordstrom

Chelsea Plaza Tall Vase – $140

Flowers are fairly on their own, but I imagine that they are prettier in this dotted vase.

LEIF

Marbled Potpourri Pyramid – $43

This Marbled Potpurri Pyramid is so trendy. The circles make a polka dot pattern and allow all of the fragrance through. I’d like you for my bathroom.

delishgeneralstore.bigcartel.com

Paper Straws, Polka Dots & Hearts – $4.50

Pulling a little polka dot in the drawers is never a bad idea. These polka dot straws are enjoyable for children and grownups alike. They’d be just right for a party or some plain old moment.

Mia + Finn LLC

Yumi Duvet Cover – $280

This dotted duvet will cause you to want to stay in bed forever. The colours are subtle and sweet.

PBteen

Vintage Dottie Rug, Teal Blue – $99

I’d love to incorporate this carpet into a kids’ area. It’s so peppy and fairly.

PBteen

Ditsy Dot Ruched Drape – $59

These dotted drapes add a little additional something to dress up the windows on your property.

Next: 14 Designers Share Their Love of Stripes

See related

When you’re assembling your bed, you might realize that the bed maker used one of the two systems to connect the rails into your headboard and footboard. The rails may have hooks which fit into slots, or else they may have brackets for bolts. Either way, assembly is seldom an issue.

The Bolt-and-Bracket System

If the bed maker used the bolt-and-bracket system, you will see flat brackets attached to the ends of the rails and bolt holes in the headboard and footboard. On each side, slip a bolt during the headboard, connect it into the railing and then tighten the nut finger-tight; attach the rails into the footboard in the exact same way. The underside supports of the rails should face the middle of the bed. After connecting the footboard to the other ends of the rails, insert the rest of the bolts and tighten all the nuts with a wrench.

The Hook-and-Pin System

If your bed rails have hooks, you will see slots on the legs of the headboard and footboard. Turn the rails so that the hooks face down, and add one end of one rail to the slot to the leg of this headboard — the underside support of the railing should face toward the middle of the bed. Insert another rail into the flip side of the headboard, and then hook the other ends of both rails into the footboard. Push down firmly on the rails with your feet after you have made all four links to seat the hooks on the pins within the slots.

See related