The Barrie Home Inspector discusses the twelve most common items found during a home inspection. These are items that are commonly found during a home inspection but are listed in any order of importance.
1. Lot and Roof Drainage
Keeping water out of your house in one of the most important areas to be considered in building design and annual maintenance checklists. Eave troughs collect large amounts of water, average is 160 gallons per hour, which is then directed down to ground level to be dispersed. This is where most systems have problems, from missing extensions to reversed splash pads, and it is important to ensure all water is directed away from your home. I have actually come across homes where the sump pump was pumping water out into the exterior corner of the house where the water ran right back down the foundation to be re-cycled again. Areas around foundations are prone to settling and should be built back up to ensure that any water will flow away from home.
2. Foundations
The primary function of the foundation is to transfer the load of your house unto your footings. Water can enter your home through cracks and holes in your foundation. Cement block foundations are required to be parged and then coated with damp proofing product to prevent this. Poured concrete foundations are required to have form holes sealed to prevent water entry. Minor cracks in foundations can be attributed to settlement of building or shrinkage cracks which would appear in poured concrete foundations. Any crack in your foundation is a potential source of water entry into your basement. If your area has excellent drainage and surface water is not an issue then sealing your cracks yourself could be an option, if not then a professional will seal poured concrete cracks using injected foam or epoxy for around 3 to 600 dollars. Sealing with epoxy will make the cracked area stronger than surrounding untouched area. Horizontal cracks in basements are stress cracks and usually should be inspected by engineer to ensure safety of the home.
3. Cladding
There are many types of cladding used in homes today, we are going to discuss brick veneer and vinyl siding, the most common types of cladding used in new homes in Barrie, ON.
Brick – There are two common types of brick in use today, clay and cement bricks, clay being the most expensive and more durable of the two. The most common defects in brick are caused by poor workmanship and settling of the house or foundation. Checking the brick work for cracks in mortar is very important part of your home inspection. Finding cracks prior to moisture and freezing damage occurring can drastically reduce the amount of work required to repair problem. Corbelled brick corners are an area where cracked mortar is very common but is an easy fix. Step cracks usually indicate a structural type problem is present and deeper investigation is required. Home owners can cause damage to bricks by building planters which allow soil to contact brick, this will result in spalling of brick face and eventually the brick will crumble and require replacement.
Vinyl Siding – This product has proven to be an attractive and low maintenance alternative to brick. If not properly installed vinyl siding can come loose which will make it very susceptible to damage. Properly installed siding has to be able to expand and contract without warping, this is done by not hammering in nails tightly and the fastening slot will allow siding to expand and contract with changing temperatures. Washing your vinyl siding spring and fall is also a good idea as this will help prevent staining from air borne contaminants. Vinyl siding is susceptible to cracking, especially in winter months when cold temperatures can make it extremely brittle.
4. Windows
Windows come in all sizes and shapes with many different types of opening models. We are going to concentrate on mainly the casement style window, as this is the type of window, which commonly has defects. Casement windows commonly have problems with the cranking mechanism. Stripped windows cranks are commonly found on windows in children’s bedrooms and are mainly due to the fact that in the winter these windows tend to freeze up and then when the crank is operated, a stripped mechanism results.
Broken seals in thermal units are another common defect found in windows. Windows around 15 years, and older, are usually found to have problems with leaking thermal units. There is a process that involves inserting tiny one-way vents into these units which can eliminate the moisture problem and save you money. The “R” value of windows is not so high that this procedure would create a huge heat loss.
Then there is the common defects in windows, which can include, no caulking, cracked glass panes, improperly trims, sagging headers above windows, require painting and last but not least cracked or rotting wood.
5. Roof
We are going to concentrate on asphalt or fibreglass shingles as this is by far the most common type of product used in new homes today. Shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years depending on quality of product and environment that they endure. Shingles on south side of home usually fail first due to greater exposure to sun and UV radiation. Proper venting is a very important factor that can greatly affect the life of your shingles. Building code requires 1 square foot of vents for every 300 square foot of roof. Ensuring adequate venting is important part of home inspection, a lot of homes have inadequate soffit venting due to insulation preventing continuous movement of air. This allows moisture and heat to build up in your attic and will dramatically reduce life of shingles. Inspecting flashing, valleys, skylights, vents and eave trough are another important factor of your home inspection. Ensure your inspector has a ladder and walks your roof if he is able.
6. Furnace / Air Conditioning
Furnaces have an estimated life span of 15 to 20 years and this can vary greatly with maintenance being the biggest factor in extending life of your furnace. Your furnace cannot have any holes, be rusted through in any area and must be hooked up to an approved venting system. If connected to a “B” vent, a one-inch clearance must be maintained from combustibles, which also includes insulation. Check your flame color, yellow flames indicate incomplete combustion which may be fixed with a simple tune up from your furnace technician. Many furnaces have no cap for filter cover which allows for both heat and cold air to escape into your basement. Your HVAC duct should be taped using metallic duct tape to block any areas where air is escaping from your system. Humidifiers are a common cause of water source for damaging furnaces; they become clogged and overflow allowing water to enter body of furnace causing premature failure of unit.
Central air conditioners are essentially a sealed unit. Using a temperature gauge can determine if unit is operating at a level that is acceptable. I use 58 degrees F as a bench mark in testing in hot weather. This ensures that unit will maintain your home at a comfortable temperature. All lines and insulation are checked for any damage or required replacement.
7. Electrical
The number one concern for homeowners and insurance companies is aluminum wiring. Installed in the early seventies as a substitute for high price copper, aluminum has generated a lot of negative press, some maybe not deserved. Knowledge of aluminum wire is required to be disclosed by the home seller. Consequently some people are creatively hiding aluminum wiring. This might involve installing wire so insulation covers all exposed wire and running copper from main panel to junction boxes where it is connected to the existing aluminum wire.
Adding pony panels, which allowable and recommended, is a great way of expanding your main panels resources. I came across one pony panel, full sized 100 amp, which was powered off supply cables in switch box. This panel was noted in listing as an asset! There are a myriad of minor electrical problems to be checked in your home. Another main panel observation is that many people rather than add a breaker just attach two or more wires to an existing breaker, this is a not permitted and is a potential fire risk. Open junction boxes, missing covers, wiring contacting heat ducts and un-supported wiring are common defects noted on majority of inspections.
8. Plumbing
The other half of the keeping water away from your house equation is your interior plumbing system. Lack of caulking and sub-standard products or workmanship is also a big offender when it comes to keeping your house dry. Galvanized pipe is another item that insurance companies may be concerned about. Galvanized pipe tends to corrode from the inside out leaving no visible signs of impending failure, which tends to make insurance companies a little nervous about insuring homes with galvanized plumbing.
9. Insulation
Homes today have a much higher insulation R-value than older models, the standard for your attic insulation is R-32. Coupled with vapor barriers this is a very important part of your homes building envelope. Many homes have lots of insulation but it has been compromised by workmen installing products such as pot lights and never remedied. The un-suspecting homeowner never realizes the loss of heat and release of moisture that is taking place. I have inspected homes where there has been sun rooms added on and for two or more years that complete area has not had any insulation.
Vermiculite insulation is receiving a lot of attention due to asbestos hazard. Most vermiculite was produced from Libby mine in Montana and contains asbestos. There is some type of vermiculite that has no asbestos risk, which can only be determined by laboratory testing. Homeowners are obligated to disclose any vermiculite insulation that they know of. This is another area where your home inspector can help and possibly save you a lot of money and headaches.
10. Mould or Mold
We are addressing both Canadian and American mould or mold problems, eh!
Mold has been a inspection headliner for quite a number of years. Mold is present everywhere, outside, in your home and sometimes even in the wood you are building with. Moud requires three items to grow, they are; warm environment, protein supply (paper on drywall will do) and moisture. As you can see if you have any water or moisture problems in your home for any length of time then you probably have mold somewhere in your home. That is why it is so important to keep water out of your home and control the water you do have in your home by the proper use of exhaust vents, HRV units and humidity control.
11. Structural
The structural component of your home includes all the items that comprise the supporting elements of your home, which include but are limited to; footings, floors, foundation, walls, columns and piers and roofing system. Visual inspection involves looking for cracks, missing supports, under-sized support construction, twisted or cracked beams, joists, rafters, trusses or support members. Consider your structure as the exterior and interior framework that encompasses your home. Defects in this system can be considered serious and should not be taken lightly as you whole home depends on this system.
12. Miscellaneous
Here is a quick list of some of the items that I have come across that might not have been discussed above:
Septic tanks – Water pooling at the end of your bed or signs of effluent leaking are sure signs that you have some kind or septic bed problem. Buyer beware!
Chimney – Masonry chimneys can be visually ok but not approved for type of appliance you are using. Wood stoves and fireplaces usually require WETT cert for insurance.
Caulking – Any two different surfaces that are exposed to weather should be caulked. For example your window and siding should always be caulked.
Trees – Ensure there are no dead trees on property that might damage your house or any of your neighbor's property. Also trim branches away from any siding or roofing product.
Concrete Steps – Must be either cantilevered or on frost footing.
Handrails – Required to be 900 mm high in most exterior applications.
Decks – If over 23 5/8 inches (600mm) from ground are required to have guards & handrails.
Basement Bedrooms – Required to have separate exit on same level or window that is minimum area of 0.35 M2 with no dimension being less than 15 inches (380 mm).
Bathrooms – shall have either exhaust fan or opening window.
Hot Water Heater – Safety Pressure valve shall have vent directing blow-off to floor.
Garages – Required to have fume barrier and auto door closure if interior door installed.
These are just some of the common types of defects encountered during a residential home inspection, there are thousands of items that could possibly be identified.
Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspector
Roger Frost is a professional home inspector who has been a registered builder with HUDAC and is also a member of the Ontario Building Officials Association. He has obtained all five building certification courses for Part 9, the House, which covers every aspect of building a home and also has some Part 3 Code courses for Commercial inspections. The Barrie Home inspector also offers Free Wett certification with every inspection. Call 705-795-8255 anytime 24/7 to book your "Risk Free" home inspection.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Frost
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
8 Signs Your Home is Out of Control -- and What to Do About It
It happens without warning. One day you notice your home has turned into a collage of papers, junk, and stuff – everywhere. You’re not alone. Today more than ever it seems that the flotsam and jetsam of living, like the waves of an ocean, continually beat at our doors, flooding our houses with all manner of stuff until our homes are bulging at the seams. A typical home is now cluttered and dirty to the point of exhaustion -- yours.
All this accumulation also makes going home, or being at home, fill us with a sense of dread because we’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things surrounding us. Once islands in the stream, many homes are often now just as jumbled, crowded, dirty, and chaotic as the public places we try to escape from. Housekeeping and cleaning house is not the greatest of fun, but it is vital to our well-being.
Recently a study by the UCLA Center for Everyday Lives of Families found that families are overscheduled, child-dominated, and cluttered. The study touched on something that’s become a common problem in most households today: too much stuff. And all that stuff, makes us feel out of control.
Could your home be out of control?
If you have a perfectly ordered home or just don’t care about the state of your surroundings, then having an out of control home isn’t a problem. But, if the thought of your home raises your blood pressure to an unhealthy level or spending time there would make you rather have your teeth drilled, then you do have a problem – and you may have a home that’s out of control.
An out of control home is a source of frustration, embarrassment, and tension. So where do you start if this describes your home? The first step in learning how to cope with an out of control home is to recognize the signs. Only then can you address the problem.
The 8 Signs You Have an Out of Control Home (OOCH)
1. It’s messy.
Anything that can be straightened up in five minutes or less does not qualify as messy. A truly messy house has been hit by more than its fair share of bombs: toy bombs, clothes bombs, paper bombs (magazines, mail, and other piles of paper), dirt bombs (general dirt and debris), pet bombs (hair, smell, food), collectible or hobby bombs, etc. And, the mess is everywhere: the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, the bedroom.
2. It’s disorganized.
No one can find anything, from the car keys to last year’s tax returns. A disorganized home is one where too much time is spent looking for things, and where you have doubles or triples of everything because when you couldn’t find what you were looking for, you went out and bought another to replace the one you couldn’t find.
3. It stinks.
The smell can come from the puppy training on the new carpet, the moldy smell from the roof leak, the cat box that’s never changed, or the trash that everyone forgets to take out.
4. It’s dirty.
This is that garden-variety filth that makes you hope no one will ever come to visit. It’s the ring in the toilet, the dust bunnies the size of Dallas, and the cobwebs hanging from the ceiling that wave gently in the breeze. The dirt is pervasive and ground in.
5. It doesn’t work.
This is a home where the furniture is broken, the bed sags in the middle, things don’t work like they should, and repairs that need to be made drag on for months or years. It’s not truly functional and lots of things have “work-arounds,” such as pliers to turn on the washing machine because the knob fell off.
6. It’s anxiety-producing.
Does the thought of going home make you feel anxious? If you’re happier at work or in places other than home, then chances are it’s because your home is out of control. It makes you uptight because it’s dirty, disorganized, or messy – or all three. And, when you’re there, you can’t relax and you often find excuses to go somewhere else to unwind, such as at the movies or driving in the country.
7. You avoid having visitors.
If you feel panicked when the doorbell rings then you’re living in an out of control home. Guests should be a welcome sight in the house and you should feel confident enough to invite visitors in.
8. It’s cluttered.
If every square inch of your home is covered with something, then you’ve got too much stuff. There’s got to be some open space somewhere in your home because open space give us a “visual rest.” Look at interior design magazines and you’ll notice the homes pictured in them because there isn’t stuff everywhere to distract you.
Most houses have out of control areas
Of course not all homes are out of control, but many homes suffer from one or more Out-Of-Control-Home (OOCH) symptoms, or they have an Out of Control Area (OOCA). These are areas such as the laundry room or garage that tends to get out of control, and most every home has one. But, regardless of whether your home is truly OOCH or OOCA, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You can take steps to bring your house back to order and get it under control.
The 8 Steps to Get Your Home Back in Control
1. Declutter and straighten first.
Take a trash bag with you to each room, throwing away anything you no longer want or that doesn’t work. Take another box with you from room to room for items you want to donate.
If you have paper bombs, clothes bombs, and toy bombs that have gone off in your house, get these under control. Handle the paper by throwing it away, recycling it, or filing it. Get the clothes picked up and put in the wash, folded or hung up. Next, corral the toys, throwing away what’s broken. And practice saying “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Next, don’t forget to contain yourself. It’s easy to work in the living room, pick a toy for your child and wander into that room and then start working there. This is important: Stay focused on the task and the room at hand or you won’t get anything done.
2. Clean second.
Now that the mess is handled and everything is picked up, it’s time to get down to serious cleaning. Thoroughly clean each room, including the kitchen and laundry room, and don’t forget to sweep porches and walkways outside. Get kids to clean the baseboards, windowsills, and clear the cobwebs from the corners of ceilings. Go from one room to the next and don’t leave until each room is completely cleaned.
Lastly, schedule some hired help and have your carpets and upholstery steam cleaned. Steam cleaning does not use soap, which can make carpets get dirtier faster and actually attract more dirt. This will also make your home smell better, too. Schedule this at least once every year. If your house still smells musty, air it out or consider having your heating and air conditioning vents cleaned.
3. Repair what’s broken.
The house is decluttered, clean, and now it needs to work. Fix broken panes of glass, leaking faucets, or repaint water stains on the ceiling. Put your husband on the job while you’re cleaning or decluttering.
4. Edit your stuff.
Collections and knick knacks everywhere is what’s classified as clutter. Clutter is a problem because of the emotions associated with it. For instance, many people feel guilty about getting rid of things because certain items were gifts or were inherited.
But the first rule of clutter-busting is that you have to absolutely drop-dead love something in order to keep it. If you just can’t part with something, then don’t. Put all the items you can in a box and then put it into storage. Then once you’ve forgotten about all those guilty feelings, you can put the items in a garage sale, donate them, or just throw them away.
In short, if your house is overrun with family pictures on every inch of wall space, an explosion of sports memorabilia, or a porcelain pig collection that won’t end, for example, pare them down and then find one central spot to display these items rather than spreading them all over the house where they can make you feel overrun.
5. Create visual space.
Clear as many items as possible off the floor, off the tops of dressers, countertops and nightstands so your home will have plenty of clear space. You know how a hotel room makes you immediately want to go flop on the bed? That’s because it’s clean and clear. Clearing away excess stuff will give your eyes -- and your mind -- a rest.
6. Get pets under control.
If possible, evaluate your pet’s impact on your home. Do what you can to create a living situation where both you and your pets are happy, but not where one of you is at the expense of the other. Many homes are controlled by pets to the point that woodwork is scratched, the home is damaged, every surface is covered with hair, and there is an unpleasant odor in the home.
7. Organize your home.
Create areas for coming and going where keys, backpacks, purses, wallets, mail, and other needed items can be placed. This area should have a trashcan where you can sort mail, and a small hanging basket where bills that need immediate attention can be placed.
Then, work on organizing bill-paying, files, warranty booklets, and all the little areas of your home that get cluttered, such as medicine cabinets, home offices, desk areas, pantries, laundry rooms, garages, spice cabinets, and so on.
8. Keep at it and involve everyone.
This is probably the most important step for getting – and keeping – a home under control. A home that’s under control is not something that happens once and then it’s done, like taxes. Keeping your home in order is more like exercise or taking vitamins. You have to keep at it. Keeping a home in control is a process, not an event. I have to tell myself all the time don’t put it down, put it away.
It also takes commitment on everyone’s part. My pantry is an OOCA in my home mostly because an orderly pantry is important only to me. But, a family meeting was called so that everyone does their part at keeping the pantry orderly. It will also keep us from having five boxes of raisin bran or three bags of marshmallows.
Bringing your home into control is a wonderful way of bringing a sense of accomplishment and order back into your life. It will also save you money because you won’t purchase multiple items because you can find what you’re looking for. It will also help you create a home that is your refuge and where you enjoy spending your time. Lastly, it will make you proud to live there and have guests over. Now, let’s get to work!
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine and is the cleaning editor at Bellaonline.com. Both sites focus on how to improve your life by improving your surroundings. Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free report, 16 Feng Shui Secrets for More Prosperity. Log on at http://www.redlotusletter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Weber
All this accumulation also makes going home, or being at home, fill us with a sense of dread because we’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things surrounding us. Once islands in the stream, many homes are often now just as jumbled, crowded, dirty, and chaotic as the public places we try to escape from. Housekeeping and cleaning house is not the greatest of fun, but it is vital to our well-being.
Recently a study by the UCLA Center for Everyday Lives of Families found that families are overscheduled, child-dominated, and cluttered. The study touched on something that’s become a common problem in most households today: too much stuff. And all that stuff, makes us feel out of control.
Could your home be out of control?
If you have a perfectly ordered home or just don’t care about the state of your surroundings, then having an out of control home isn’t a problem. But, if the thought of your home raises your blood pressure to an unhealthy level or spending time there would make you rather have your teeth drilled, then you do have a problem – and you may have a home that’s out of control.
An out of control home is a source of frustration, embarrassment, and tension. So where do you start if this describes your home? The first step in learning how to cope with an out of control home is to recognize the signs. Only then can you address the problem.
The 8 Signs You Have an Out of Control Home (OOCH)
1. It’s messy.
Anything that can be straightened up in five minutes or less does not qualify as messy. A truly messy house has been hit by more than its fair share of bombs: toy bombs, clothes bombs, paper bombs (magazines, mail, and other piles of paper), dirt bombs (general dirt and debris), pet bombs (hair, smell, food), collectible or hobby bombs, etc. And, the mess is everywhere: the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, the bedroom.
2. It’s disorganized.
No one can find anything, from the car keys to last year’s tax returns. A disorganized home is one where too much time is spent looking for things, and where you have doubles or triples of everything because when you couldn’t find what you were looking for, you went out and bought another to replace the one you couldn’t find.
3. It stinks.
The smell can come from the puppy training on the new carpet, the moldy smell from the roof leak, the cat box that’s never changed, or the trash that everyone forgets to take out.
4. It’s dirty.
This is that garden-variety filth that makes you hope no one will ever come to visit. It’s the ring in the toilet, the dust bunnies the size of Dallas, and the cobwebs hanging from the ceiling that wave gently in the breeze. The dirt is pervasive and ground in.
5. It doesn’t work.
This is a home where the furniture is broken, the bed sags in the middle, things don’t work like they should, and repairs that need to be made drag on for months or years. It’s not truly functional and lots of things have “work-arounds,” such as pliers to turn on the washing machine because the knob fell off.
6. It’s anxiety-producing.
Does the thought of going home make you feel anxious? If you’re happier at work or in places other than home, then chances are it’s because your home is out of control. It makes you uptight because it’s dirty, disorganized, or messy – or all three. And, when you’re there, you can’t relax and you often find excuses to go somewhere else to unwind, such as at the movies or driving in the country.
7. You avoid having visitors.
If you feel panicked when the doorbell rings then you’re living in an out of control home. Guests should be a welcome sight in the house and you should feel confident enough to invite visitors in.
8. It’s cluttered.
If every square inch of your home is covered with something, then you’ve got too much stuff. There’s got to be some open space somewhere in your home because open space give us a “visual rest.” Look at interior design magazines and you’ll notice the homes pictured in them because there isn’t stuff everywhere to distract you.
Most houses have out of control areas
Of course not all homes are out of control, but many homes suffer from one or more Out-Of-Control-Home (OOCH) symptoms, or they have an Out of Control Area (OOCA). These are areas such as the laundry room or garage that tends to get out of control, and most every home has one. But, regardless of whether your home is truly OOCH or OOCA, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You can take steps to bring your house back to order and get it under control.
The 8 Steps to Get Your Home Back in Control
1. Declutter and straighten first.
Take a trash bag with you to each room, throwing away anything you no longer want or that doesn’t work. Take another box with you from room to room for items you want to donate.
If you have paper bombs, clothes bombs, and toy bombs that have gone off in your house, get these under control. Handle the paper by throwing it away, recycling it, or filing it. Get the clothes picked up and put in the wash, folded or hung up. Next, corral the toys, throwing away what’s broken. And practice saying “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Next, don’t forget to contain yourself. It’s easy to work in the living room, pick a toy for your child and wander into that room and then start working there. This is important: Stay focused on the task and the room at hand or you won’t get anything done.
2. Clean second.
Now that the mess is handled and everything is picked up, it’s time to get down to serious cleaning. Thoroughly clean each room, including the kitchen and laundry room, and don’t forget to sweep porches and walkways outside. Get kids to clean the baseboards, windowsills, and clear the cobwebs from the corners of ceilings. Go from one room to the next and don’t leave until each room is completely cleaned.
Lastly, schedule some hired help and have your carpets and upholstery steam cleaned. Steam cleaning does not use soap, which can make carpets get dirtier faster and actually attract more dirt. This will also make your home smell better, too. Schedule this at least once every year. If your house still smells musty, air it out or consider having your heating and air conditioning vents cleaned.
3. Repair what’s broken.
The house is decluttered, clean, and now it needs to work. Fix broken panes of glass, leaking faucets, or repaint water stains on the ceiling. Put your husband on the job while you’re cleaning or decluttering.
4. Edit your stuff.
Collections and knick knacks everywhere is what’s classified as clutter. Clutter is a problem because of the emotions associated with it. For instance, many people feel guilty about getting rid of things because certain items were gifts or were inherited.
But the first rule of clutter-busting is that you have to absolutely drop-dead love something in order to keep it. If you just can’t part with something, then don’t. Put all the items you can in a box and then put it into storage. Then once you’ve forgotten about all those guilty feelings, you can put the items in a garage sale, donate them, or just throw them away.
In short, if your house is overrun with family pictures on every inch of wall space, an explosion of sports memorabilia, or a porcelain pig collection that won’t end, for example, pare them down and then find one central spot to display these items rather than spreading them all over the house where they can make you feel overrun.
5. Create visual space.
Clear as many items as possible off the floor, off the tops of dressers, countertops and nightstands so your home will have plenty of clear space. You know how a hotel room makes you immediately want to go flop on the bed? That’s because it’s clean and clear. Clearing away excess stuff will give your eyes -- and your mind -- a rest.
6. Get pets under control.
If possible, evaluate your pet’s impact on your home. Do what you can to create a living situation where both you and your pets are happy, but not where one of you is at the expense of the other. Many homes are controlled by pets to the point that woodwork is scratched, the home is damaged, every surface is covered with hair, and there is an unpleasant odor in the home.
7. Organize your home.
Create areas for coming and going where keys, backpacks, purses, wallets, mail, and other needed items can be placed. This area should have a trashcan where you can sort mail, and a small hanging basket where bills that need immediate attention can be placed.
Then, work on organizing bill-paying, files, warranty booklets, and all the little areas of your home that get cluttered, such as medicine cabinets, home offices, desk areas, pantries, laundry rooms, garages, spice cabinets, and so on.
8. Keep at it and involve everyone.
This is probably the most important step for getting – and keeping – a home under control. A home that’s under control is not something that happens once and then it’s done, like taxes. Keeping your home in order is more like exercise or taking vitamins. You have to keep at it. Keeping a home in control is a process, not an event. I have to tell myself all the time don’t put it down, put it away.
It also takes commitment on everyone’s part. My pantry is an OOCA in my home mostly because an orderly pantry is important only to me. But, a family meeting was called so that everyone does their part at keeping the pantry orderly. It will also keep us from having five boxes of raisin bran or three bags of marshmallows.
Bringing your home into control is a wonderful way of bringing a sense of accomplishment and order back into your life. It will also save you money because you won’t purchase multiple items because you can find what you’re looking for. It will also help you create a home that is your refuge and where you enjoy spending your time. Lastly, it will make you proud to live there and have guests over. Now, let’s get to work!
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine and is the cleaning editor at Bellaonline.com. Both sites focus on how to improve your life by improving your surroundings. Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free report, 16 Feng Shui Secrets for More Prosperity. Log on at http://www.redlotusletter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Weber
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Success Tip From Yachting - Try To Fix The Problem Yourself
At 28, Ellen MacArthur is a world record holder. In 2005, she broke the speed record for sailing solo non stop around the world.
As a reward and to recognize her great achievement, she was made a Dame, the equivalent of receiving a Knighthood. Like a true 'knight', she is already looking round for her next challenge.
Recently, I saw some of the video diary that Ellen MacArthur had kept during her record breaking solo voyage round the world.
The videos showed clearly how she had overcome fear and fatigue to achieve her dreams. They showed her sheer determination in the face of adversity.
Her honest and emotional reaction to adversity and her courage in overcoming it unites people behind her. She was constantly supported on the voyage by emails and phone calls and then had an overwhelming reception when she arrived home.
Years of preparation had gone into the trip before she even reached the start line.
She made good progress at first but there were bad omens on day six. Her main generator was using too much oil. She spent days trying to make it work properly.
In the process, she burned herself and electrocuted herself in the over heated generator room. This was the closest she got to calling off her trip.
Eventually she sat down and thought: Is there anything else I can do? There was no engineer available.
Eventually,the thought came to her that the generator is air cooled. It needed cold air to keep going. She found a way to use a hose to get cold air to the generator and it worked.
She had solved her problem on her own because she had to and no one else was available except Neptune himself and he is not always helpful.
There was no let up. One problem after another showed up. As soon as she had fixed the generator the weather turned bad.
She then reached the southern ocean. This was already a great achievement but this is the most perilous ocean on the planet. Ellen was again pushed to breaking point.
The wind was unstable. Large hailstones and snow rained down on her and the yacht. She commented: "These are the worst conditions I have ever sailed in. The last three days have been hell."
She reached the end of her tether many times. She described how she felt:
"You can't deal with anything else. You can't. But you have to. No one can help you. There is no one there. You are on your own. No one can help you. Being scared at sea is pointless. Panicking does not help. No one will answer your calls. There is no one there."
Christmas day came when she was 11,000 miles from home in very rough seas. Her best Christmas present was getting out the other side of the bad weather. She rang her family but was unable to talk for very long.
By day 49, she felt she had gone beyond endurance. However she was now past the half way mark. At one point she gashed her head. She told her video diary: "I am so, so tired. I am absolutely exhausted. Sleep deprivation is torture".
Every day, it seemed like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. One problem followed another. The track on the main mast was damaged. Guess who had to fix that.
"Everytime I try to sleep, I wake up sweating and like I've been in a fight."
She then headed north for the equator. She gave Neptune a gift (her necklace) as tradition demanded. But Neptune did not appear to appreciate the gift. The wind dropped slowing her down.
Eventually, however, she crossed the finish line after 71 days at sea. She had broken the record by about a day and a half. A flotilla of small boats welcomed her and escorted her into port. She was overwhelmed and elated:
"The support really did make a difference. Nothing can prepare you for that sort of reception."
What impressed me most in her account was her realization that she had to solve her own problems. This made her dig deep and solve them.
Maybe we all need to try harder to solve our own problems before we get on the phone for help. We could surprise ourselves.
Even if we can easily get help, it is worth having a go first ourselves. We may well succeed on our own and this will build our confidence in our own powers. Even if we don't succeed we will learn more when help arrives.
We will understand the problem more clearly and, therefore, understand and appreciate the solution far more.
If Ellen MacArthur managed to get round the world on her own in a state of exhaustion and fear, we can probably manage to fix one or two of our own problems without immediately calling for help.
About the author
John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams.
They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.
The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! - Acronyms, Stories, And Pictures...Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles"
The book can be found at this URL: http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php
The book uses acronyms, stories and pictures to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them.
You are welcome to publish the article above in your ezine or on your website so long as you do not alter it and keep in the words about the author and the 36 Laws.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Watson
As a reward and to recognize her great achievement, she was made a Dame, the equivalent of receiving a Knighthood. Like a true 'knight', she is already looking round for her next challenge.
Recently, I saw some of the video diary that Ellen MacArthur had kept during her record breaking solo voyage round the world.
The videos showed clearly how she had overcome fear and fatigue to achieve her dreams. They showed her sheer determination in the face of adversity.
Her honest and emotional reaction to adversity and her courage in overcoming it unites people behind her. She was constantly supported on the voyage by emails and phone calls and then had an overwhelming reception when she arrived home.
Years of preparation had gone into the trip before she even reached the start line.
She made good progress at first but there were bad omens on day six. Her main generator was using too much oil. She spent days trying to make it work properly.
In the process, she burned herself and electrocuted herself in the over heated generator room. This was the closest she got to calling off her trip.
Eventually she sat down and thought: Is there anything else I can do? There was no engineer available.
Eventually,the thought came to her that the generator is air cooled. It needed cold air to keep going. She found a way to use a hose to get cold air to the generator and it worked.
She had solved her problem on her own because she had to and no one else was available except Neptune himself and he is not always helpful.
There was no let up. One problem after another showed up. As soon as she had fixed the generator the weather turned bad.
She then reached the southern ocean. This was already a great achievement but this is the most perilous ocean on the planet. Ellen was again pushed to breaking point.
The wind was unstable. Large hailstones and snow rained down on her and the yacht. She commented: "These are the worst conditions I have ever sailed in. The last three days have been hell."
She reached the end of her tether many times. She described how she felt:
"You can't deal with anything else. You can't. But you have to. No one can help you. There is no one there. You are on your own. No one can help you. Being scared at sea is pointless. Panicking does not help. No one will answer your calls. There is no one there."
Christmas day came when she was 11,000 miles from home in very rough seas. Her best Christmas present was getting out the other side of the bad weather. She rang her family but was unable to talk for very long.
By day 49, she felt she had gone beyond endurance. However she was now past the half way mark. At one point she gashed her head. She told her video diary: "I am so, so tired. I am absolutely exhausted. Sleep deprivation is torture".
Every day, it seemed like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. One problem followed another. The track on the main mast was damaged. Guess who had to fix that.
"Everytime I try to sleep, I wake up sweating and like I've been in a fight."
She then headed north for the equator. She gave Neptune a gift (her necklace) as tradition demanded. But Neptune did not appear to appreciate the gift. The wind dropped slowing her down.
Eventually, however, she crossed the finish line after 71 days at sea. She had broken the record by about a day and a half. A flotilla of small boats welcomed her and escorted her into port. She was overwhelmed and elated:
"The support really did make a difference. Nothing can prepare you for that sort of reception."
What impressed me most in her account was her realization that she had to solve her own problems. This made her dig deep and solve them.
Maybe we all need to try harder to solve our own problems before we get on the phone for help. We could surprise ourselves.
Even if we can easily get help, it is worth having a go first ourselves. We may well succeed on our own and this will build our confidence in our own powers. Even if we don't succeed we will learn more when help arrives.
We will understand the problem more clearly and, therefore, understand and appreciate the solution far more.
If Ellen MacArthur managed to get round the world on her own in a state of exhaustion and fear, we can probably manage to fix one or two of our own problems without immediately calling for help.
About the author
John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams.
They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.
The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! - Acronyms, Stories, And Pictures...Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles"
The book can be found at this URL: http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php
The book uses acronyms, stories and pictures to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them.
You are welcome to publish the article above in your ezine or on your website so long as you do not alter it and keep in the words about the author and the 36 Laws.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Watson
Do And Don't In Meeting For Civil And Structural Engineer
Reading level: Beginner
It is common that having a meeting in any circumstances. The meeting is organised for solving some problem arise before, during and after project commence. Matters discussed vary and will not have any fix agenda for discussion. Therefore, as an engineer, he must with his own professionalism to attend and resolve matters arise for a project. Below are some recommendations that what should do during meeting.
1. Do prepare some home work before attending a meeting. It is good to has read through the minutes about coming meeting. Get prepare project information for answering during meeting. Never attend a meeting without knowing agenda of a meeting.
2. As an engineer, the answer of any matter is important. In order to make any discussion, he has to judge it properly before answering any queries arise. In proper answer any queries will affect engineer’s reputation.
3. If engineer know the answer, then answer it with his knowledge. As for example when if public want to know whether a cracked structure beam is safe to use. As an engineer, he must either answer Yes or No. Do not answer it in such a way that may be safe or not safe. If he is not sure, he should answer it by saying he needs to check it first and forward the result later.
4. Whenever an engineer is not clear about a matter, do not commit anything to that particular matter. He either says that he has to refer back to certain person in charge and convey message back later.
5. It is quite often that engineer has to commit date line of project such as when a design is ready, when can start work, when tender drawings ready and etc. Therefore, it is important that engineer has to prepare these answers before attend a meeting. The answers of date line must be based on his own work forces. He must know when a design of a project can be ready, when a project can start, when tender drawings can be prepared. Such answers are based on his own working experience. Do not commit any impossible or unclear date line. When engineer keeps on giving broken promises, his reputation will be affected. Later will affect company reputation.
6. If client asking something that beyond engineer capability. One of the ways to deal with it by saying that he will be try his best to work on and forward it to client as soon as possible.
7. In the event that an engineer in charge cannot be attended a meeting, he is sending another person to attend it. It is good to brief the person who attends the meeting about matters that will arise during meeting. So this person will able to convey messages during meeting.
8. If engineer cannot attend a meeting and no representative. Engineer has to inform chairman about his absent and make apologise about his absent. Try to inform chairman about solution of matters for that meeting. Let chairman to convey message to other attendees.
9. Engineer has to always judge a particular matter that arisen for a project is under scope of works of engineer. He must make it clear during meeting. And direct the scope to right person in charge.
10. Whenever a particular matter is not engineer scope, do not intercept this matter in the meeting. If engineer really needs to help it, he must specific say that he is doing HELP for it. Otherwise, later and sooner this matter will become a scope of work for engineer.
11. In certain event that an engineer is rushing for time. He can request the chairman to go ahead with engineer’s agendas and make excuse from meeting after resolve these agendas.
12. Certain meeting will involve a lot of person. And meeting will time consuming. The meeting will take for few hours to finish. Some time, it only an agenda for engineer. Engineer can request chairman to move the agenda to the beginning of meeting and make excuse after the agenda. In the event that it needs engineer to attend certain agendas, engineer can talk to chairman to organise possible time for engineer to arrive. It for saving engineer time for waiting unnecessary time in the meeting.
13. In order to save time in meeting, engineer should avoid any queries need to resolve at site. Do not discuss in meeting because it needs to attend at site. Otherwise it will be double handling work. Try to resolve site matters at site, not during meeting. Whenever a matter has been solved. Do not discuss it in meeting. Engineer can highlight what is the solution of the matter.
14.Engineer has to justify that which matter is right to discuss in a meeting. As for example, a client consultant meeting should not discuss site matters. It is waste of time. Site matters leave it to technical site meeting.
15. Whenever, engineer is a chairman of meeting. He has to prepare meeting minutes in few days in advance. The minutes have to circular among attendees before meeting. It for reminder to attendees and let attendees have enough time for preparing necessary work for the meeting.
16. When engineer is a chairman, engineer has to always redirect the attendee’s answer to right direction. Do not let attendee answer un-related information about a matter in a meeting.
Chee is work as a civil and structural consulting engineer in Malaysia(12years). The article present http:\http://www.civilstructural.com.my
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chee_Shai_Choon
It is common that having a meeting in any circumstances. The meeting is organised for solving some problem arise before, during and after project commence. Matters discussed vary and will not have any fix agenda for discussion. Therefore, as an engineer, he must with his own professionalism to attend and resolve matters arise for a project. Below are some recommendations that what should do during meeting.
1. Do prepare some home work before attending a meeting. It is good to has read through the minutes about coming meeting. Get prepare project information for answering during meeting. Never attend a meeting without knowing agenda of a meeting.
2. As an engineer, the answer of any matter is important. In order to make any discussion, he has to judge it properly before answering any queries arise. In proper answer any queries will affect engineer’s reputation.
3. If engineer know the answer, then answer it with his knowledge. As for example when if public want to know whether a cracked structure beam is safe to use. As an engineer, he must either answer Yes or No. Do not answer it in such a way that may be safe or not safe. If he is not sure, he should answer it by saying he needs to check it first and forward the result later.
4. Whenever an engineer is not clear about a matter, do not commit anything to that particular matter. He either says that he has to refer back to certain person in charge and convey message back later.
5. It is quite often that engineer has to commit date line of project such as when a design is ready, when can start work, when tender drawings ready and etc. Therefore, it is important that engineer has to prepare these answers before attend a meeting. The answers of date line must be based on his own work forces. He must know when a design of a project can be ready, when a project can start, when tender drawings can be prepared. Such answers are based on his own working experience. Do not commit any impossible or unclear date line. When engineer keeps on giving broken promises, his reputation will be affected. Later will affect company reputation.
6. If client asking something that beyond engineer capability. One of the ways to deal with it by saying that he will be try his best to work on and forward it to client as soon as possible.
7. In the event that an engineer in charge cannot be attended a meeting, he is sending another person to attend it. It is good to brief the person who attends the meeting about matters that will arise during meeting. So this person will able to convey messages during meeting.
8. If engineer cannot attend a meeting and no representative. Engineer has to inform chairman about his absent and make apologise about his absent. Try to inform chairman about solution of matters for that meeting. Let chairman to convey message to other attendees.
9. Engineer has to always judge a particular matter that arisen for a project is under scope of works of engineer. He must make it clear during meeting. And direct the scope to right person in charge.
10. Whenever a particular matter is not engineer scope, do not intercept this matter in the meeting. If engineer really needs to help it, he must specific say that he is doing HELP for it. Otherwise, later and sooner this matter will become a scope of work for engineer.
11. In certain event that an engineer is rushing for time. He can request the chairman to go ahead with engineer’s agendas and make excuse from meeting after resolve these agendas.
12. Certain meeting will involve a lot of person. And meeting will time consuming. The meeting will take for few hours to finish. Some time, it only an agenda for engineer. Engineer can request chairman to move the agenda to the beginning of meeting and make excuse after the agenda. In the event that it needs engineer to attend certain agendas, engineer can talk to chairman to organise possible time for engineer to arrive. It for saving engineer time for waiting unnecessary time in the meeting.
13. In order to save time in meeting, engineer should avoid any queries need to resolve at site. Do not discuss in meeting because it needs to attend at site. Otherwise it will be double handling work. Try to resolve site matters at site, not during meeting. Whenever a matter has been solved. Do not discuss it in meeting. Engineer can highlight what is the solution of the matter.
14.Engineer has to justify that which matter is right to discuss in a meeting. As for example, a client consultant meeting should not discuss site matters. It is waste of time. Site matters leave it to technical site meeting.
15. Whenever, engineer is a chairman of meeting. He has to prepare meeting minutes in few days in advance. The minutes have to circular among attendees before meeting. It for reminder to attendees and let attendees have enough time for preparing necessary work for the meeting.
16. When engineer is a chairman, engineer has to always redirect the attendee’s answer to right direction. Do not let attendee answer un-related information about a matter in a meeting.
Chee is work as a civil and structural consulting engineer in Malaysia(12years). The article present http:\http://www.civilstructural.com.my
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chee_Shai_Choon
Monday, January 12, 2009
Structural Welding Certification Tests - Tips to Help You Pass
Structural welding certification tests are usually either 3/8" thick or 1" thick. Both thicknesses use a 1/4" thick backing strip and a 1/4" gap.
Unless you are lucky enough to be tested for a Fab shop, you will probably be required to weld 2 certification test plates, one in the vertical position (also known as the 3G position) and one in the overhead position (4G). When both vertical 3G and overhead 4G welding tests are passed, the welder is qualified for all positions.
The 1" thick test qualifies for unlimited thickness and the 3/8" thick welding certification plate test has a thickness limitation. Most people think the 3/8" is a bit easier.
Either way, there are a few things you can do that will improve your odds:
-The gap is usually 1/4", use it. Don't try to close the gap, remember that the bevels are only 22.5 degrees. You need that 1/4" gap to get a 1/8" rod in there.
-Clean the metal. That means the backing strip and both plates. Get all the mill scale off. Sure the stick will burn right through and sure you will not clean everything that well in the field but this is a test.
-Either chip and brush on every tie in or light right back up while things are still hot...one or the other.
-Keep all arc strikes within the bevel where they will be consumed with weld.
Ask the test shop supervisor what kind of things will fail you before the welding certification test begins. For example, how much grinding is allowed? What size rod is permitted on the root pass? Does he want to see the fit-up? It goes without saying that you need to have practiced before you even showed up. If it is allowed, get a piece of scrap metal and weld a little while to shake off the rust. Not off the metal, but off of you.
Try not to be nervous and focus.
Good luck Welder.
To read a very different perspective on welding certification along with plenty of welding tips and tricks read Jody Collier's page on Welding Certification and For TIG, MIG, STICK welding and a buttload of other stuff, visit http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jody_Collier
Unless you are lucky enough to be tested for a Fab shop, you will probably be required to weld 2 certification test plates, one in the vertical position (also known as the 3G position) and one in the overhead position (4G). When both vertical 3G and overhead 4G welding tests are passed, the welder is qualified for all positions.
The 1" thick test qualifies for unlimited thickness and the 3/8" thick welding certification plate test has a thickness limitation. Most people think the 3/8" is a bit easier.
Either way, there are a few things you can do that will improve your odds:
-The gap is usually 1/4", use it. Don't try to close the gap, remember that the bevels are only 22.5 degrees. You need that 1/4" gap to get a 1/8" rod in there.
-Clean the metal. That means the backing strip and both plates. Get all the mill scale off. Sure the stick will burn right through and sure you will not clean everything that well in the field but this is a test.
-Either chip and brush on every tie in or light right back up while things are still hot...one or the other.
-Keep all arc strikes within the bevel where they will be consumed with weld.
Ask the test shop supervisor what kind of things will fail you before the welding certification test begins. For example, how much grinding is allowed? What size rod is permitted on the root pass? Does he want to see the fit-up? It goes without saying that you need to have practiced before you even showed up. If it is allowed, get a piece of scrap metal and weld a little while to shake off the rust. Not off the metal, but off of you.
Try not to be nervous and focus.
Good luck Welder.
To read a very different perspective on welding certification along with plenty of welding tips and tricks read Jody Collier's page on Welding Certification and For TIG, MIG, STICK welding and a buttload of other stuff, visit http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jody_Collier
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
