Tag Fixtures Repairing & Maintenance

Most swimming pool builders claim that their companies are founded on the principals of providing fun, affordable and safe pool systems but it is totally different when you deal with one that continues to be the industry leader in water facility installations and product innovation, pool circulation systems and water play pool products. Never scrimp on your financial budget when it comes to building your family’s dream pool instead work with a contractor that is affiliated with numerous manufacturers in the pool and spa construction industry to bring your endeavor together for the most innovative and cost effective system.

Brilliant pool contractors employ a team that can shape and fabricate anything from a large scale commercial pool with all the modern enhancements to a residential pool with a few simple fittings and decorations. The beauty of choosing a renowned company for your pool building plans is that you get a support team that has many years of experience in both commercial and residential pool design and installation. For these professionals, swimming pool or spa design and procurement is only half the battle of completing a project as well as tendering free technical support full turnkey services.

Pick a company that boasts of hundreds of aquatic facility installations under their belt, working with fresh or saline water systems and pool circulation systems in both the commercial and residential markets from design to complete set up as well as provide any service in-between. You can be sure that the installation crews are certified workers that are highly trained and ideal staff for water applications. Because of their extensive experience you can be assured that nobody can match their efficiency and their quality of workmanship plus your pool will be backed by a general liability policy with proficient operations coverage.

Choosing a swimming pool company that meets all of your needs and wants can be a real challenge since there are numerous firms to choose from and of course, you would want to be certain you’re acquiring the best deals. Only a pool building company that offers a wide assortment of pool materials and accessories including equipment will meet your need for a one-stop shop for swimming pool construction products. Be sure to select a company that offers chemicals, covers and fixtures, too.

Industry experience is also a fundamental thing to take into account for the reason that their many years of experience have earned them the buying power with its suppliers hence they can keep prices low and the savings are passed on to customers. This characteristic may be a challenge to find, but it’s vital because a business that packages their own supply brands can offer them to would-be swimming pool owners at much lower prices than contractors that have to pay a supplier.

Swimming pool builders that package their own products also offer fresher pool and spa chemicals than those that buy from other vendors. Pool preservation can be perplexing, so you require experts in the swimming pool supply industry to answer your issues about water problems, sanitation, water pH balance, cleaning, repair and many other problems. By dealing with a professional company, you are guaranteed of their impeccable customer service.

Source by Raine Gilbert Tucker

A growing concern in Canada is the efficient use of the energy resources we have available to us. Issues such as our shrinking supplies of natural gas and electricity, pollution in the air, and greenhouse gas emissions are compounding to a problem that is quickly on the rise. This growing concern affects all energy consumers, whether you’re a tenant renting a unit or a homeowner who owns a home or a condominium.

Common Energy- and Water-Wasting Problems

Air Leakage

Wind drafts can enter your home through walls, floors, windows, ceilings and doors that have cracks and holes. This can cause problems during the winter, where your home would be cold and drafty, resulting in more heat being consumed to keep a desirable temperature. Homes that are drafty are more prone to problems with noises outside being more audible. In the summer, your home can get hot and sweaty, and more A/C would be consumed in order to have that cool temperature that is so needed in the hot summers. Both of these scenarios can make your home more expensive and lead to excessive consumption of energy when it really isn’t required.

If the interior partition walls, floors, and ceilings of your home have cracks and holes in them, it can cause a flow of air throughout out your home, and into other units if you live in a building.

Odours, noise, tobacco smoke and pests can move throughout your house or to neighboring apartments if there are small gaps. The cooled or heated air will tend to move in unexpected ways and eventually leave your home or building.

To achieve optimal air temperature and humidity in your home or unit, the reduction of air leakage is important.

Ventilating, Heating, and Air condition systems and Maintenance

To ensure your ventilating, heating, and air conditioning systems are using the least amount of energy, one must maintain the systems so it is always working in an efficient manner. This leads to less services and repairs in the system, which help you SAVE MONEY!

Windows and Doors

Use the Heat from the Sun

In the winter months, one can always use the FREE HEAT from the sun to keep your home in a desirable temperature.

o Blinds and curtains on the south-, west- and east-facing windows will have the most amount of sun shine, therefore keeping them open will help bring in the most amount of heat.

o You can also close radiator valves, and turn down your thermostat so your heater is not working during this time. Remember to put thermostat back up when the sun stops shining into the room.

o To keep the heat in your apartment at night, close your blinds at curtains.

Always keep in mind that closing blinds and curtains can lead to water to form on windows in the form of condensation. This is a problem because the window frames and surrounding surfaces can get wet and damaged. This leads to mold to begin growing in the window frames and surfaces, and can eventually threaten the tenant’s health. One good way to avoid this problem with condensation is to wipe up any water as soon as you see them on the window, and ensure you don’t leave your curtains closed for long periods of time. Also remember running your kitchen and bathroom fans longer can help the situation. Finally, if the condensation problem continues on your windows, it safe to keep the curtains open until the problem is solved, particularly if you want to avoid mold growing in your home.

Keep the Heat in During the Winter

Some people think opening up windows in the winter when it gets too cold is a smart way to adjust temperature without working the heating system. However, the heat you are allowing to leave your house is heat YOU HAVE PAID FOR! Also, with the cold air coming in, the heater begins to work harder. So best practice when it is too hot in the house, go ahead and turn off your thermostat and wait for the temperature to adjust accordingly.

One problem that could be causing your home to be extra hot during the winter is the overheating that may occur from the sunshine coming into certain rooms in your home. Best practice here is to close your drapes or blinds in the rooms that are being overheated. Living in a building may mean you are sharing a central boiler, in which case you can alert management your unit is too warm. This will lead management to adjust the boiler controls or provide you with more information on how you can adjust your heating system to reduce the heat in your home.

Dealing with the Heat in the Summer

During the summer months of the year, the best way to keep your home cool is to keep the blinds and curtains closed. During the day, the hot humid air coming into your home through an open window can have a negative effect on your desired temperature. So on hot humid days, keeping the windows closed would actually help. Cooler air is more apparent in the early morning, evening, and night times, so leaving your windows open during then would help with achieving desired temperatures.

Reduce Air Leakage

Window and door joints: DIY

Trim adjacent walls and caulk any open joints you find between windows and door frames.

Window and door weatherstripping gaskets: DIY

Take a look at your windows and weather stripping gaskets and make sure they are in good condition and intact. If the gaskets are worn or flattened, it is better to replace them. Indicators such as drafts, moving drapes or blinds, or rattles in the wind mean there is a leakage problem in the windows and/or doors.

Things to remember before you begin air sealing work:

· Make sure you have the necessary permission from your building management.

· To efficiently hide the caulk joint with paint (when necessary), purchase paintable latex caulking.

· Remember when using spray foam that some foams expand very quickly and can create damage on nearby surfaces and overall make a mess.

Floors and Walls

Reduce Air Leakage

Floor-wall baseboard joints: DIY/Contractor

Examine the exterior wall-floor joints and caulk any visible cracks you may see. Remember that you can only do this in instances where the baseboard trim, or wall, can be safely caulked to a floor surface that is rigid, such as tile, concrete, or wood. Due to this fact, its always best practice to do these repairs during renovations.

If the baseboard or quarter-round trim has to be removed and replaced, you can apply caulking between the wall surface and floor, which would then be covered by the baseboard. If you do decide to move forward caulking the joint between the baseboard or quarter-round trip and the floor, you need to first apply a strip of masking tape on the floor. 3 mm (1/8 in.) is a good distance from the wall along the wall-floor joint to be caulked. Once you have finished applying the caulking, remove the tape to help produce a clean caulked joint.

Electric wire penetrations: DIY/Contractor

Take a look at wire penetrations behind electric baseboard heaters and make sure they are sealed. To do this, you need to get a contractor to come by and disconnect the power and temporarily remove the baseboard heating units. Most of the time, there is a hole in the exterior wall where the electric wire serving the heater is found. This hole can be foamed, or caulked depending on the size. This is a great opportunity to sweep up or vacuum any dust or debris behind the baseboard or the baseboard heating elements. This will improve heat transfer.

Electric switch and outlet cover plates: DIY

Find your electrical panel and turn off the electricity to all the outlets you plan on working on. Purchase CSA-approved air sealing gaskets and install them behind the cover plates of light switches and electrical outlets, focusing on those found on exterior walls. CSA-approved air sealing gaskets are made to be used under electric cover plates and are found at most hardware stores.

To stop drafts that may come through holes in the outlet, insert child safety plugs into the outlets.

Pipes, wires and ducts: DIY

Locate pipes in the walls and floors, under sinks in the bathroom and kitchen, and behind toilet fixtures so you can caulk and seal around them. The pipe, duct and wiring penetrations in utility closets and other common spaces can also be sealed. Use caulking or spray in foam to seal these areas. Alternatives such as tape, rags, and fiber glass insulation are not effective.

Exterior vent and conduit penetrations: DIY/Contractor

Find the exhaust and supply-air grills, plumbing penetrations that are accessible from your balcony area, and electric boxes (the outside lights and plugs on balconies) and caulk the openings around them. Also check your exhaust fan when it is off, and make sure that hinged dampers that are found in the exterior vent hoods are fully closed.

To ensure your own safety, please do not attempt to access areas that are not easily reachable from your balcony, and always consult a professional for this nature of work.

Bathroom and Kitchen

Make Sure Exhaust Fans are Working Efficiently

Check your bathroom fans, range hoods, and range hood filters and see if the house and grill coverings on them are clean. If they aren’t, go ahead and wipe them down. Also, check the fan blades you can reach and see if they are dust free and clean. In some buildings, the exhaust fans will duct through the exterior wall of a unit (rather than it being through a rooftop fan). If your unit is designed like this and you can safely and easily reach the exterior hoods on the balcony, make sure they are clear and the dampers are fully open when the fans are running and fully closed when the fans are off. If a damper is restricted from freely moving, this can result in a restriction of airflow, which then can cause the fan to run longer and use more energy to keep the bathroom or kitchen properly ventilated.

An optimal situation is when the bathroom exhaust fan runs long enough to remove moisture and odours but does not unnecessary exhaust heated indoor air. To achieve this, get a contractor to install a timer in the exhaust fan.

Reduce Air Leakage

Bathroom and exhaust fans: DIY

Locate the exhaust fan that is causing the air leakage. Take some foil duct tape and seal or caulk the gap between the fan and its surrounding ceiling area. The gap is easily seen and accessed by removing the ceiling grill on the exhaust fan. Finally, when you place the ceiling grill back on, the sealed joint will be hidden.

Some homes have an exhaust grill connected to a central exhaust system that is found in the bathroom. If this is the case, it may be possible sea the exhaust duct to the surrounding wall by removing the grill. If this is not possible, at least seal the gap found between the wall with paintable caulking and the grill.

Bathtub surrounds: DIY

Take paintable, mold resistant caulking to your bathtub and caulk it and its surrounding enclosure to ceiling areas and adjacent wall. Always remember, you may need to get permission from your building management or owner if you are renting.

Fix Leaky Faucets and Toilets

Take a look at this statistic: if your faucet drips at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste just about 200 Liters of water per week. That is a ton of water wasted for no good reason at all.

You won’t have a problem locating leaky faucets. Now a leaky toilet can be much more difficult to find. A quick way to check is to see if the toilet’s flapper valve needs to be replaced. To see if the valve needs to be replaced, put a couple of drops of food coloring in the water storage tank. Now let the toilet sit for at least 30 minutes and check the colour of the water in the bowl. If you see the water in the bowl tinted with the color, the valve may need to be replaced. After performing this check, avoid coloring your tank and bowl by flushing the colored water down the drain.

Getting a plumber or getting your building manager to make the repair is the best way to go. However, if you feel you can do the repairs yourself, then fixing a leaky faucet or toilet will consist of replacement flapper that is compatible with the make and model of your toilet. Using non-compatible flappers can cause leaks.

Install Low-Flow Shower Heads and Other Water-Conserving Devices

To reduce the amount of water that is flowing through showerhead fixtures and faucets while maintaining acceptable water pressure, install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. These will help conserve water and help you save money while ensuring you receive the same amount of water. While you are using soap or shampoo, you can stop the water with ease by installing on-off valves. This practice can help you save energy and soap along with water.

Install Low-Flush Toilets

Take this fact in: Most older toilets use between 20 and 26 L per flush. The more modern toilets use 6 L per flush to do the same job effectively. Also important to note is that toilets tend to the biggest water user in a home.

The best option would be to install a dual flush toilet, one flush for liquid waste, or the full 6 L flush for solid waste. Although, just installing a low flush model (6 L) will yield immediate savings.

Lighting

Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

To get high quality, energy efficient lighting, consider purchasing and using fluorescent tubes and energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Fluorescent lamps last 6 to 10 times longer and are 75-80 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs. You can purchase CFLS that are made in the same shape and size as traditional bulbs. You can also get them in different lighting levels and colors.

The energy and money that is saved over their much longer lifetime, fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps are worth the extra money you have to pay when compared to purchasing incandescent bulbs.

ENERGY STAR is a label that you can look for when purchasing these types of products. Make sure you dispose of fluorescent lighting products in a proper fashion because the tubes contain mercury.

Appliances

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

20 percent of your household energy consumption are due to your appliances, with refrigerators and clothes dryers being the most consuming. When replacing or purchasing electronic equipment and new appliances, consider the energy consumption of the appliance when also looking at the price. Again, look for the ENERGY STAR ratings for electronics, office products and small appliances, while you look at the EnerGuide labeling on large appliance. In most cases, these labels will provide information on how much energy is going to be consumed by the appliance when it is in use.

Front loading washing machines use upto 40 per cent less water and 60 per cent less energy than top lop loading machines. They also require less detergent. Finally, front loading washing machines are capable of removing more water from the laundry, which means the clothes need less time to be dried, and therefore drying appliance will be used less. This will lead to more savings for you.

Keep Your Refrigerator in Good Condition

Old refrigerators tend to use more energy than required if they are not looked after accordingly. The following are a few ways to keep your refrigerator maintained:

· Once a year, clean the evaporator coils under, or on the back of the refrigerator. You can always refer to the owner’s manual.

· Make sure the door closes firmy against the gasket. You can clean the gasket with soap and water if it is damaged or dirty.

· When storing food in the refrigerator, let the food cool first.

· Always make sure the door is properly closed at all times, and don’t leave the it open for long periods of time.

· Don’t let freezers build up more than six mm of frost, and reguary defrost the freezers to keep them working their best.

Use Your Clothes Washer and Dryer Efficiently

1 – Reduce the number of loads

Fill the washer to save energy and water. When organizing your laundry, make full loads and avoid overloading the washer or dryer. Overloading leads to clothing not being properly cleaned and will take longer to dry.

2 – Use cold water for clothes washing

When using just cold water, use detergents that are formulated for strictly cold water. Only really dirty clothes need to be washed in hot water, and if this is required, separate your laundry into hot water loads and cold water loads. This will help reduce hot water energy use.

3 – Group similar fabric types together before drying them

Grouping similar fabric types before drying them will sometimes help save energy. For example, dry permanent press shirts can be dried in lower dryer temperature.

4 – Air-dry outdoors

By using a drying rack on your balcony to air dry clothes, you can save electricity that will add up in the long run. Make sure you don’t try air drying your clothes indoors because this may cause moisture issues.

5 – Keep your clothes dryer lint-free

Cleaning the lint from the dryer’s filter after every load to reduce clothes drying times and energy use and can be a serious fire hazard. There may also be another lint trap located along the dryer duct. If this trap needs to be cleaned, do so.

This may not be apparent but increased drying times also increase your air conditioning requirements in the summer, adding up to higher electricity use. Check to make sure the vent damper in the dryer is lint free and open and shut easily when the dryer is turned on and off. Do this only if your dryer vent hood is visible and accessible to you. A duct cleaning contractor may be needed if your vent hood is clogged with lint.

Heating System

Clean and Service Your Heating System

Fan-coil units: DIY/Contractor

Your system works harder and uses more energy to provide comfort to your home when your fan-coil filters aren’t clean. So check your fan-coil filters and wipe any debris that may have been accumulated.

Depending on the type of filter installed and how quick it gets dirty, you may have to change or clean the filters every 1-3 months.

To remove dust build up in the supply and return air grills, use a vacuum. Grills that have adjustable louvres should be open when cleaning.

This next step should be done by a professional. Get the coils in the fan coil unit vacuumed and cleaned annually.

Repair any noise fan motors or water leaks.

Hot water/steam radiators and convectors: DIY

Radiators should be vacuumed several times a year. If possible, gently vacuum the coils or heating elements after removing the radiator cover.

When it comes to around the radiator, avoid placing furniture and heavy drapes where they block the movement of the room air.

This tip is for systems that have thermostatic zone valves that control the heat output from the radiators. You can confirm that the system works properly by resetting the thermostat and observing changes in the temperature of the radiator.

Furnaces: DIY/Contractor

Depending on the type of furnace filters installed and how quickly they get dirty, you may need to change or clean them every 1-3 months.

To remove dust build up in the supply and return air grills, use a vacuum. Grills that have adjustable louvres should be open when cleaning.

Contact a service contractor or building management if you have noise fan motors.

In order to have a furnace that is in good working order, service it on an yearly basis.

Electric baseboards: DIY

Ensure that curtains or furniture do not block electric baseboard units and that the room air can move freely around it.

It is good practice to clean electric baseboard heaters at least on an yearly basis. You can do this by first deactivating the heater by turning off the electricity at the circuit breaker in your unit/home electrical panel. If possible clean the fins found under the cover panels. Remove dust build up by vacuuming around and in the baseboard unit. Make sure you do not damage the electrical element or fins. After doing this thorough clean, put the panel back, and turn the electricity to the heater back on.

If you want to make sure your thermostat works properly, start by setting it and then setting it low to hear a click. Depending on the setting thermostat, the baseboard unit should warm up and cool down. If you are not getting a change, contact a service contractor or building management.

Set Your Thermostat Back

You can lower your heating bill by lowering your thermostat. 20 degrees Celsius is a quite comfortable temperature.

13-15.5 degrees Celsius is a good temperature to leave your house at night or when you are away from the house.

for more comfort and convenience, you can purchase and install a thermostat that can be programmed to turn up the heat of the house when you are getting up in the mornings or when you are returning home from work. When your not home, the thermostat lowers and raises automatically at preset times during the day and week. Remember though, programmable thermostats only work when set properly and used accordingly.

The number of people in the home, the amount of moisture being produced from bathing, showering, laundry, and cooking, the use of bathroom fans and kitchen range hood, and the window and wall insulation values should all be considered when setting your thermostat back. You can maximize how far you set your thermostat back by using your bathroom fans and range hood as efficient as you can.

Keep in mind that you may find more condensation on your windows if you turn down your heat. Long periods of condensation can result in water pooling on windowsill and forming in concealed spaces in the exterior walls or roof spaces. This is amplified when you close your blinds and drapes at night. This can lead to damaged surfaces, carpets, finishes, draperies and lead to the growth of mold. So always keep an eye on your windows and exterior wall surfaces for condensation when you are turning back your thermostat, and always keep an eye out for mold. You can reduce condensation by turning the thermostat up and achieving warmer levels of temperature.

Air-Conditioning System

Buy an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner

A correctly sized energy efficient air conditioners helps save energy and money while keeping your home cool. A rating called energy efficiency rating (EER) is found on air conditioners; an air conditioner with an EER of at least 11 is the best type to purchase, although you will face a higher cost. This cost will be covered and more savings will occur because of the less amount of electricity you end up using with these models. If you want less noise and a better forming air conditioner, it is best to buy one with high quality.

An air conditioner with too much cooling capacity will not operate properly, leading your home to feel cold and humid, and will end up using more energy and will cost more to operate. When picking out an air conditioner, small ones tend to run more efficiently and provide the cooling your home requires.

Use Your Air Conditioner Efficiently

Whether you have an AC system, or a window mount unit or permanent through-wall systems, the following tips will help reduce air conditioning electricity use:

When you are out of your home, turn thermostat higher or turn off your AC system.

Clean and remove window air conditioner filters every month

If you have a vent on the window mount or through wall AC that leads “fresh air”, close it so you’re not cooling outside air. Open the vent only when your home gets stuffy.

Shading helps improve air conditioner efficiency use in your home and reduces energy use. So to achieve this, if possible, install your window air conditioner in north facing or shaded windows.

To keep out heat and humidity, keep curtains, windows and blinds closed.

To supplement air conditioners, or as an alternative to air conditioning, install ceiling fans. If you can find ENERGY STAR rated ceiling fans, get them because they usually use very little electricity.

To help reduce space heating energy use, remove the AC if it is a window mount model and store it during the winter. After storing the AC, you can seal an insulated panel in place of the AC or replace the window pane.

Reduce Air Leakage

Window and through-wall air-conditioning units: DIY/Contractors

Using caulking or spray in foam, seal joints around the through wall or window mount AC units. Insert a foam backer-rod if the joint is wider than 3 mm to prevent the caulking from flowing into the joint. Make sure you do not block pipes or openings that are intended to drain condensation from the AC outdoors.

To stop drafts that go through the units themselves, apply plastic sheets over top of the through wall or window AC unit. Remember to use a removable tape. To ensure the tape does not damage the surface when you are removing it in the spring, find a surrounding surface that will not get damaged.

Water Heaters

Turn Down the Water Tank Temperature

A good temperature to have your gas or oil fired hot water tank at is 46-49 degrees Celsius, so adjust the faucets on your water tank accordingly.

Remember not to set your electric hot water tanks below 60 degrees Celsius. There are thermostatic mixing valves that are recommended so the water that is being delivered to tubs, showers and faucets do not exceed 49 degrees Celsius to avoid scalding.

To keep the water warm, add an insulated cover over the hot water tank. If you have an electric tank, you can do this yourself. If it’s a gas and oil fired tank, get a qualified contractor to take care of it.

You should have your temperature safely reduced if your hot water is being provided by a central system that is hotter than 49 degrees Celsius. You can ask your building manager to reduce the temperature if this is a problem.

Turn Your Water Heater Down When You’re Away

If you plan to be away for a few days, you can turn your hot water tank down or off. If you are not going to be using the water, there is no point reheating it over and over again. Once you are back, your water in tank will be heated up in a few hours after turning it on and/or up.

Change your Habits

Turn Down the Heat Before a Party

If you are hosting a party, it would be smart to down your thermostat before they arrive. People generate heat, so once people start occupying your home, the temperature of your home will naturally rise. So if you turn down the thermostat BEFORE THEY COME, you won’t have to open the windows when the heat rises when the party begins and instead your home will get reheated by the body temperature.

Turn Off Lights, Electronics and Appliances

Always remember to turn off any appliances, lights or electrical equipment when you’re not using them. Remember that many of today’s products feature an “instant on” set up where the appliances are always ready to be turned. This means the appliance is not being turned off fully and so energy is being consumed.

“Phantom load” is when appliances such as TV’s, clocks, memory, timer, remote control power switch or a transformer continue drawing power even when they are turned off. Although these appliances only draw a small amount of energy when turned off, they do all add up to make a significant amount that is being wasted.

To make things easier for yourself, being able to turn off all your equipment with one flick would help. To do this use power bars to get together electronics such as audio systems, video systems or computers and its accessories. When you click the power bar off, you are fully turning off your appliances that may be “phantom loading”.

Use Your Appliances Efficiently

This is a neat idea when you are cooking. Using pot lids and containing the heat in the pot will help cook your food. When doing this, you can lower your heat settings.

When using your clothes washer and dishwasher, make sure you have full loads before cleaning (not overfilled) by running the dishwasher when it is full, you will be using less water and energy to wash dishes than if you do them by hand. Before placing your dirty plates in the washer, scrape the dirt off the plate before storing them into the dishwasher. Drying the dishes with air dry, and using the energy efficient drying cycle on the dishwasher will help save more energy.

Take the Stairs

You can reduce elevator energy consumption and get you in shape if you take the stairs rather than using the elevator.

Other Things You Can Do

Report Energy Hogs

Take not of equipment or system that are not running properly in your home or building, and get them fixed or report it to a building manager. Exterior doors and windows with worn or missing weather stripping should be fixed or replaced. Overheated parking garages and other common rooms and areas should have their temperature adjusted accordingly.

Source by Janakhan Raj

(1) HAND DECORATING

of ordinary objects pays well. Their value is often quadrupled. Prepared stencils and designs are available from hobby shops. You can work in attic or basement and need invest very little in supplies. Saleable items are initialled tumblers, stools, trays, jugs, boxes, waste-baskets, greeting cards, toys. Sell your work to gift shops on a sale or return basis.

(2) ADDRESSING AND MAILING SERVICE

This work can be obtained by writing or telephoning department stores, retail and mail order firms, addressing bureaux, and direct mail services listed in the telephone directory. You can advertise your service under “Employment” in local newspapers and in the telephone book.

(3) COLLECT AND SELL COINS

Coin collecting is booming. Supplying collectors is a profitable home business. Get to know values by reading books and catalogues. Buy carefully from reputable dealers and from private sources through classified ads in local papers. Sell through private contacts and mail order advertisements in “Coins” and other collectors’ and hobby magazines, and in “Exchange & Mart ” Weekly, under “Coins”. See No 113 on Home Mail Order Business . Combine with No 79.

(4) CORRESPONDENCE CLUB

Your income is from fees charged for people to join the club to receive the names of others who wish to correspond. In this home mail order business you cater for some special interest: hobbyists, coin or stamp collectors, booklovers, prize contest enthusiasts, writers. (5) PROFITABLE SEWING AT HOME

There is money in a home dressmaking service. It often pays to specialise. Some do well re-modelling old dresses, or making novelties or children’s wear. A sign in your window, a card on Y.W.C.A. notice boards and students’ bulletins, classified ads in the local newspaper and calls on dress shops and gift stores bring business.

(6) MAKING LAMPS AND SHADES

at home pays well, as they often sell for many times the material costs. Lamp shades can be made in home workshops from linen, plastics, silk, paper and parchment. Local public libraries have manuals on the subject. Outlets are gift shops and department stores. Co-operate with interior designers.

(7) RENTAL BUSINESS

This has mushroomed into an attractive new business opportunity. People like to borrow, do-it-yourselfers rent professional equipment. Many men are doing well these days by acting as rental agents for all manner of things – power tools, trucks, cars, electric generators, etc.

(8) ANIMAL BREEDING

Pedigree dogs and other pets command high prices today. It is important to start with the right stock and keep to the instructions given in handbooks available at local public libraries. Two females mated at different times of the year could prove profitable. (9) BASKETRY AND CANE WORK

can be successful if you keep a good standard of workmanship. Use bright enamel paints for finishing and keep to standard designs and articles. Study the market and offer your products on sale or return to gift and novelty shops, stores, women’s exchanges etc.

(10) LOCAL NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENT

Suitable if you are a good ‘mixer’ and have good local knowledge and write plain English. Start by sending local editors specimen reports.

(11) CRITICISM OF WRITERS’ MANUSCRIPTS

Profitable if you are keen, have some flair, and study writers’ manuals. Advertise in “The Writer”, “Writer’s Review”, and “Writing”.

(12) RESEARCH SERVICE

Writers, lecturers, business companies and others need free-lance specialists to look up information which can be found in public and special libraries, museums and trade associations. Get work through classified ads in literary and writers’ magazines. Home operators can earn oe2.50 to oe3.00 per hour. Your local reference libraries will help.

(13) BUYING AND SELLING ON COMMISSION

Start with an outbuilding or store room until you can take a small shop. No knowledge of your goods is necessary. Take a commission of 15% to 25% on everything you sell. Suppose a customer brings in a table, chair, or camera for which he asks a certain price. When you have found a buyer you notify your client, who collects the cash and pays your commission. Your only expenses are for the space, and classified ads. Furniture, T.V. sets, cameras, typewriters, prams, sell well.

(14) IDEAS FOR CARTOONISTS

Cartoonists pay well for ideas and gags that suit their style. Write to cartoonists care of the magazines in which their cartoons appear.

(15) AT-HOME BABY SITTING

is an increasing in-demand spare-time activity. Mothers bring their child to the baby-sitter’s home, some taking seven or eight at once, charging by the hour, plus something extra if a meal is given. Combine with No 92.

(16) AGENCY SUPERVISORS

working from home are wanted by Buying Protection Services, 20 Gorham, Rottingdean, Brighton. BN2 7DP.

(17) INVISIBLE RE-WEAVING

This service is popular and rewarding because it salvages costly garments at considerably less cost than would be needed to replace them. There is particularly good scope in small community neighbourhoods.

(18) HANDBILL DISTRIBUTION

for business firms and other advertisers can be profitable. Door-to-door delivery can be arranged with senior school-children. Sales letters sent to department stores and other local advertisers can bring good results, also advertisements in “The Trader”.

(19) RUG AND FURNITURE CLEANING

is a growing business. In America especially, more and more people own and operate an ‘on location’ rug and furniture cleaning franchise, such as Service-master, 2117 North Wayne Ave., Chicago 14, Illinis. In England similar firms advertise in “Exchange & Mart”, “Sunday Times”, and “The Observer”.

(20) SELL MAGAZINES

This requires no office and it can be evening work. Write to publishers requesting the right to get subscritions. Approach schools, hospitals, offices and private people in their home and at their business. Solicit orders by telephone and direct mail advertising. Or concentrate on back numbers which can be bought and sold through advertisements in

(21) HOME MANUFACTURING

Many saleable products can easily be made at home, and sold through gift shops and other retailers.

(22) USED CRRESPONDENCE COURSES

at reasonable prices are in demand and several people in America are running this type of mail order business. They include second-hand instruction manuals and self-improvement books in their lists. Advertise under “Educational” in “Exchange & Mart”. Combine with NO 114.

(23) UPHOLSTERING AND FURNITURE REMODELLING

Once you have learned the “know-how” this can pay well. Public libraries have some good books on the subject and a lot can be learned from craft and hobby magazines. Many start with just a box of hand tools and some special equipment.

(24) WINDOW DRESSING

calls for, of course, artistic ability and skill with tools, plus imagination. It is advisable to get tuition in the subject at evening classes.

(25) MAKE PLYWOOD NOVELTIES

and sell through gift shops. Popular items: weather vanes, ships, squirrels, dogs, birds, row-boats, name and address backgroungs, picture puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, jewel boxes, comic plaques, doll furniture.

(26) JUVENILE CLOTHING EXCHANGE

Many women in the suburbs of London and other cities run a children’s clothing exchange, where mothers exchange children’s unwanted, out-grown garments for others and pay an exchange fee. This project can be combined with the sale of boys’ and youths’ wear such as shorts, T-shirts etc., of your own make, or from wholesale suppliers listed in “The Trader”.

(27) BOOK INDEXING Indexing books for non-fiction publishers is pleasant, profitable work. The technique can be learned from handbooks in public libraries. Work is obtained by writing to non-fiction publishers listed in the “Writers and Artists Year Book”.

(28) DANCING LESSONS

Needs skill and a gift for teaching. Local classified ads bring pupils. Teach in your own home at first. Special classes for middle-aged people pay well.

(29) HANDWRITING ANALYSIS

This is a service which can be profitably advertised with classified ads in magazines and newspapers. The skill can be acquired from manuals on graphology.

(30) REMINDER BUREAU

With such a service you undertake for an annual fee to remind people of birthdays, wedding anniversaries, dates for payments, etc. You get your customers through “Personal” ads in “Sunday Times” and “Observer”.

(31) RAISING RABBITS

has the advantage of three markets: selling fur, breeding stock, and meat. This project can be started in a large backyard free from local restrictions against raising animals. Get “know-how” from local library.

(32) ENTERTINING in the form of singing, recitations, magic, dancing, doing a comedy act etc., calls for skill in your particular line, and a “way” with an audience. To get bookings it is necessary to become well known in your area by giving benefit performances for charitable affairs, hospitals and orphanages. (33) EMBROIDERING

beautifully decorated cigarette cases, velvet compacts, pin cushions, baby dresses etc., is profitable. Sales are through gift shops. Get “Embroidery” magazine which advertises opportunities and a correspondence course from Embroiderers Guild, 73 Wimpole Street, London W.1.

(34) DRAW CARTOONS FOR MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

Cartoons are well paid today and there are some excellent handbooks and correspondence courses on the subject. Some cartoonists do well by specialising in supplying industrial magazines with cartoons. Markets are listed in “Writers and Artist Year Book”.

(35) DECORATED CANDLES

These are good sellers to gift shops. Study craft magazines, visit gift shops, and try to turn out something different.

(36) PART-TIME PUBLICITY WORK

You supply public relations help to small businesses in your area, arranging press parties, preparing news releases, arranging interviews, etc. Know-how can be obtained from handbooks on public relations at your public library.

(37) MAKING & SELLING HANDMADE SHELL DECORATED JEWELLERY

For this home business you need artistic ability, finger dexterity and knowledge of the market. Handbooks give full information. Sell through friends, neighbours, church groups, members of women’s clubs, gift and novelty shops, dress shops and beauty salons.

(38) DOG TRAINING

If you have the gift for it and the necessary know-how from books on dog training you can get this kind of profitable work with regular advertising in the local press. This can be combined with the sale of dog requisites.

(39) BOOK-KEEPING SERVICE

Local newspapers often contain part-time vacancies, or you can approach grocers, service stations, clubs, public houses and various retailers who may need a home book-keeping service, rather than a more expensive firm of accountants, to help prepare and maintain tax forms and records.

(40) MANUFACTURER’S REPRESENTATIVE AT HOME

This means calling in independent and chain retail stores of all kinds and soliciting volume orders. You handle no merchandise but send the orders to the factory which then ships the order direct to the retailer. There is no selling door-to-door to consumers. You need no office, only a telephone and some stationery.

(41) WOODWORKING

using 3/8″ or 1/2″ plywood, is profitable if you can make such items as attractive bedside cabinets and kitchen fixtures, and charge not more than 100% above the cost of the materials. Consult your local library for books.

(42) A MENDING SERVICE

for single men, business girls, school-teachers, professional people and over-worked housewives can pay well. Advertise at week-ends in the classified section of your local newspaper. This work can be combined with some other sewing.

(43) RAISING CANARIES, BUDGERIGARS AND PARAKEETS

You need a sunny room, starting with one or two pairs of birds. Sell the offspring to friends, neighbours and local pet stores.

(44) MAKING AND SELLING FOODS

This pays handsomely. Items in demand are cakes, jams, jellies, maple syrup, apple cider, cheese, cookies, candies, etc. Sell through gift shops, tea rooms, hotels, grocers, and by small classified advertisements in national Sunday newspapers and women’s magazines. It is usual to fix prices by doubling the cost of ingredients.

(45) MODELLING

Photographers, art schools, advertising agencies, moving picture agencies, department stores, T.V. stations, want women, men and boys as models for advretising, illustrations for clothes and other products, magazine illustrations.

(46) PROFITS IN KNITTING

This is a home activity that pays well. Women buy sweaters, dresses and two and three-piece suits; men need mufflers, gloves, socks, jackets, sweaters; and children’s knitted wear is also in demand at good prices. Sell privately through local babywear shops, gift shops and other suitable retail outlets; by mail order; also by approaching suitable firms.

(47) NURSERY SCHOOL

Many women with the necessary experience with children earn good money operating a nursery school simply by making their services known through local classified advertisements. :FORTYEIGHT (48) NOVELTY, TOY AND BRIC-A-BRAC SHOP

Interesting if you can make articles in demand that also sell to wholesalers, mail order houses, stores, souvenir shops, gift shops. Typical items: paperweights, desk sets, book-ends.

(49) DEMONSTRATIONS

Details of an attractive range of luxury skin care products for demonstrating from your own home at generous profits are obtainable from B & G Delaney, 18 Wellington Square, Chelsea, London SW3. Agents to sell beauty preparations are wanted by Avon Cosmetics Ltd., 84 Baker Street, London W.1.

(50) SELLING SHIRTS

to friends and workmates at actual wholesale prices is a popular spare time activity. A free starting outfit of actual shirting samples, coloured illustration, etc., is offered by K.L.Shirts, 349 Edgware Road, London W2.

(51) HOOKED AND BRAIDED RUGS

and novelties made at home sell well in local shops. Lamp and vase mats, handbags, hot dish mats, seat covers, toilet seat covers, backrests and slippers are in demand. Rugmaking kits are obtainable from Winwood Textiles, Kidderminster, Worcs.

(52) COLLECTING AND SELLING SCRAP METAL

is profitable. If you have transport you can start by collecting scrap in your locality. Your local library will have a book on metal identification that will tell you how to identify steel, lead, zinc, bronze, brass, iron, etc. Your librarian will help you to track down buyers.

(53) SELL PRINTED STATIONERY

There are many outlets, stationers, friends, and by mail order. Books giving the know-how are obtainable from your public library and new and secondhand printed machinery is advertised weekly in the “Exchange & Mart”. Profits are good and reliable work much in demand. Start spare-time and develop into full-time.

(54) MUSHROOM GROWING

This can be conducted in a shed or basement. A thorough knowledge of the subject is essential. Sales can be made through a sign in your window; through local newspaper advertisements or a roadside stand; and to local greengrocers, restaurants and hotels. (55) MAKING CURTAINS AND RUGS

is a pleasant home occupation. Many people are glad of such a money-saving service. Get business through telephone and personal calls, letters and classified advertisements in local newspaper, sell privately and through gift shops. Get supplies at trade rates through wholesalers listed in the telephone book and in craft journals.

(56) A FILM DEVELOPING SERVICE

can be a very profitable occupation, especially in the summer. You can work from home and get business by offering chemists 25% commission to act as agents.

(57) CHILDREN’S PLAYROOM

Some women have developed a profitable second income by turning one of their rooms into children;s playroom, fixing it up with bright walls, games, puzzles, toys and books. (58) CURIOS AND NOVELTIES

Made at home, these items can be sold directly to the public or through retail outlets such as gift shops, novelty and curio shops.

(59) COLLECT AND SELL AUTOGRAPHS

These can be picked up, often cheaply, from estate sales and secondhand bookshops, also by writing to famous people telling them how much you appreciate something they have done or written (such letters often bring a thank you note).

(60) BABY SITTING AGENCY

A baby sitting (and invalid sitting) agency is well worthwhile. Operators advertise for baby sitters in the local newspaper and check their suitability. The agency mails postcards to parents, women’s groups and church groups making known its service.

(61) BUYING AND SELLING OLD CHINA AND GLASS

It is possible to make good profits by buying certain types of old china and glass from secondhand stores, auction sales, etc., and selling them privately and to antique dealers. (62) FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE REPAIRING

If you have the ability there is good scope in this field because everywhere people like to be able to call in someone to salvage old furniture, remodel lamps, fix chairs and sofas, etc. :(63) MANAGING BLOCKS OF FLATS

Owners of apartment houses are often glad to pay 5% of the rent to someone who will collect monthly rents, place income in the bank, superintend maintenance and show people over vacant flats.

(64) FELT CRAFT

it is quite easy and often highly lucrative. Home operators obtain low-priced kits from supply houses, scraps from departent stores, milliners and mills, and make toy animals, table mats, handbags, holders, hot dish pads, slippers, hats, belts glass cases, felt flowers, purses. Sell to gift shops.

(65) OPERATE A SPARETIME AGENCY ROM HOME

Details of various agencies from Wessex First Aid Co., 6a Royal Parade, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey; Progressive Insurance Brokers, 7 Judd Street, London W.C.1; Garden Estate Nurseries Ltd., 4 Station Road, Wytleaf, Surrey.

(66) WRITING FOR MONEY

Thousands of magazines pay well for articles and stories that suit their public. Many beginners get into print with the help of manuals such as “Write for Money” (from your authorised distributor). Markets are listed in “Writers and Artists Year Book”.

(67) A HOME REPAIR SHOP

for toys, dolls and household items is appreciated in most towns. Such a service can be made known with announcements on notice boards, a sign in your window and with classified advertisements in local newspapers.

(68) PREPARING CURRICULUM VITAE (C.V.’s)

on your home P.C. and printing out on daisy-wheel or laser printer. Very prestigious results are achieved thus materially assisting job candidates. Fees of £25 – £50 can be collected for the finished product. Advertise your service in local/national newspapers.

(69) WORDPROCESSING SERVICE

from home using P.C. appropriate software as ‘Wordstar’ and a daisy-wheel printer. Reports, special letters, quotations, invoices can easily be produced using state-of-the-art peripherals. Customers will be small businesses such as builders, doctors, accountants. Demand will be regular.

(70) DRESSMAKING FOR OFF-SIZED FOLK

Because so many people cannot wear the standard-sized costumes sold in shops, this is an excellent speciality.

(71) WRITING COMPUTER SOTWARE

Children love novel computer games thus creating a constant demand for new and better arcade quality software. If you have programming skills (or these skills can be acquired through local college courses) then writing these games using computer language could prove a very profitable venture.

(72) ILLUSTRATED LECTURES

There is money in this. Build up a collection of colour slides on two or three popular subjects. Read up these subjects over a period. Then write offering to give illustrated talks to clubs, civic organisations, educational institutions and employees of business firms. Projectors can be hired.

(73) HAT RENOVATING

A number of women in small and larger towns add to their income by giving ‘new life’ to hats, changing the style to make them look new and different.

(74) POULTRY BREEDING

If you have the inclination and the space, plus some ability for buying and selling you could look into this possibility, studying the journals and manuals on the subject at the local library.

(75) HOME IMPORT-EXPORT BUSINESS

This field bristles with opportunities and involves only very modest expenditure to start. One operator claims to make an average of oe15,000 to oe20,000 a year and he started with very little capital. The necessary know-how is easily acquired; there are reliable manuals on world trade, showing how to start, how to get government help, how and where to buy, how to sell locally and by mail, etc. (76) PRINTING SERVICE

Selling printed items (letterheads, envelopes, forms etc.,) through local solicitation involves no equipment, no stock, no financial investment, no figuring. You find a wholesaler printer who will supply a catalogue and samples; these do the main job.

(77) PREPARING SPEECHES

If you have the ability to prepare speeches there is well paid work to be obtained from persons active in trade associations, literary clubs, political groups and social clubs. A letter, with your business card, sent to the secretaries of such associations may well lead to interesting work. Payment can be quite high according to the type of speech and the amount of research needed .

(78) PART -TIME TAXI DRIVING

It is necessary to be over 21 years of age and to possess a driver’s licence. Apply to local taxicab companies.

(79) DEALING IN POSTAGE STAMPS

gives plenty of scope today with the ever-increasing interest in stamp collecting for pleasure and profit. There are over 3 million collectors of stamps in the British Isles and about 12 million throughout the world. Even if you confine yourself to supplying collectors in Great Britain, you can make a good income.

(80) PAPER HANGING

if you can do it well, is a wanted service. Insert classified ads saying you will decorate houses at low rates (get the know-how from library books). Request a discount of 20% on wallpaper supplied by retailers.

(81) PLASTIC CRAFTWORK

can be carried out on a card table at home. Manuals are readily obtainable showing how to make jewel boxes, paperweights, candleholders, pen-holders, cigarette boxes, costume jewellery and ornamental plaques for gift shop outlets.

(82) THERE IS MONEY IN CARS

first in selling used or new cars, second in running a motor insurance agency. You can buy used cars cheaply at weekly auctions and sell for excellent profits from home. Advertise in your local paper under cars for sale.

(83) PART-TIME SECRETARY

Many women do secretarial work at home for dentists, doctors and lawyers who do not require a secretary all day. They call for the client’s recordings from a dictation machine and perform the work at home, at a considerable saving for the client. (84) POTTERY CRAFT PRODUCTS

can now be made at home at low expenditure on kits and clays from craft supply houses. There is a good market for gaily-decorated tiles for hanging on walls, decoration of fireplaces, etc., small pitchers and mugs, vases and flower bowls.

(85) PROFITS FROM PLASTIC LAMINATING

There is a demand for this service because so many people have documents and papers they want to preserve from deterioration by having them covered with a layer of plastic that is airtight. Business firms want photos, cards, maps, charts, clippings, etc., protected. Firms that show you how to get started advertise in “Exchange & Mart”.

(86) PET OWNER SERVICE

Shampooing and boarding pets is a sought-after service in higher-income areas. Poodle clipping is also in demand. Your local public library probably has books on dogs and clipping. Cards displayed at newsagents and classified advertisements in local newspapers bring this kind of business.

(87) LOCATE OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS

This pays well. You place two-line classified ads in literary periodicals such as “Books and Bookman”, “Times Literary Supplement”, “Time and Tide”, offering to find scarce books a “free search service”. You insert other ads indicating specific titles wanted in “The Clique”.

(88) TELEPHONE ANSWERING SERVICE

Such services are used by lawyers, doctors, repair men, contractos and others who are not always able to have someone to answer ‘phone calls’. Many housewives, shut-ins, married couples and others find that a telephone answering service pays well. A monthly fee is charged.

(89) COMPUTERISED BOOK-KEEPING/ACCOUNTING SERVICE

Using a home P.C. and software such as “Sage” or “Pegasus” accounting packages you are able to offer a fully computerised book-keeping and accounting service including; purchase ledger, profit and loss accounts, sales ledger, nominal ledger, profit forecasting.

(90) TOY MAKING

calls for a keen interest, market study and initiative; in demand are: tricks, games, game boards, masks, educational toys, models, puppets and any other types. Felt for soft toy-making is obtainable at low prices from Griffiiths & Co., 6 Hanover Street, Merthyr Tydfil

(91) TEACH TYPEWRITING

Many stenographers take a typing class at home in the evening, using rented typewriters and ads in local papers.

(92) A LIST BROKING SERVICE

can provide a good income, spare-time or full-time. List Broking is big business in America and is a fast growing field in the U.K. It is the use of one firm’s mailing list by another non-competing firm. Operating such a Mailing List Exchange is easy and profits are high.

(93) CHINCHILLA BREEDING

is equally profitable. This can be undertaken at home since most people have a spare corner or cupboard under the stairs to keep the cages. Chinchillas are becoming extremely popular animals hence this can become a very profitable croft business.

(94) WEDDING VIDEO SERVICE

offering a personal video of this special occasion is a profitable usage of a “camcorder”. Many young brides want a living memento of their wedding-day. oe20-oe30 per copy can be realised for 1-2 hours work. Up to a dozen copies can be sold from each ceremony. Advertise in your local paper. A “camcorder” can be purchased as cheaply as oe450.

(95) TYPEWRITER REPAIRS

A home typewriter repair service can pay well. Get business through office supply stores and small classified advertisements in local papers at weekends.

(96) WATCH REPAIRING

can be highly profitable. A watch repairing course is offered by Watchcraft, 121 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London S.W.15.

(97) STENCIL CUTTING

for churches, clubs and business firms pays well. It is simply typing on to a wax stencil (without the typewriter ribbon). Erasures and corrections are made with a liquid which may be bought at any office stationery shop. (98) SELLING OCCULT AND METAPHYSICAL BOOKS BY MAIL

is interesting and can be profitable. In England a reliable advertising medium for such books is “Prediction”; in America “Fate”.

(99) SILK SCREEN PRINTING

can be excellent home business. The process is used for greeting cards, posters, show cards, personalised place cards, etc. This method of printing by stencils through tautly stretched silk in a frame is easy to learn and there is no scarcity of manuals.

(100) T.V. REPAIR SERVICE

is a good spare-time business. There are useful manuals on the subject.

(101) SELLING INSURANCE

This is growing enormously and the future market is very great. Most insurance companies have training facilities. Men and Women act as sole proprietor, operating their own business in their own time.

(102) SIGHT-SEEING GUIDANCE AND LECTURING

is usually seasonal work. It is necessary to be a fluent talker and know how to handle people. Become familiar with the points of interest you will talk about from handbooks at your public library. Apply to sight-seeing companies in your area.

(103) SECOND HAND BOOK SERVICE

Books can often be bought cheaply at private sales, from markets and side-street secondhand bookshops, and through classified advertisements in “Book Market” and “Exchange & Mart” (under books). They can be sold to specialist booksellers and through classified advertisement under “Books” in “Exchange & Mart”.

(104) DESK TOP PUBLISHING

Armed with an Apple Macintosh computer and software such as “Pagemaker” and a laser printer (total outlay for second-hand equipment ….see ‘Computer for Sale’ in “Exchange & Mart”….as little as oe3500) and a few hours home training from the ‘user friendly’ manuals accompanying this equipment you have the basis for a ready made business. Charge oe25 – oe40 per hour for preparing the artwork for letterheads, manuals, business cards, etc. Customers will be small printers, large printers with overspill, mail-order dealers.

(105) MONEY FROM YOUR CAMERA

Sizeable incomes are being made by free-lance photographers. Clubs often want group shots of the membership. Home portraiture pays well. Local business firms buy pictures of their products. Retail stores want photographic show cards.

(106) HANDYMAN SERVICE

Profitable odd jobs for local householders include furniture repairing, patching up cement, simple plumbing, washing cars, sharpening lawn mowers, garden tidying, fixing labour-saving devices, shelves, etc. With the help of the popular manuals available anyone can give first aid for the metal fitting and utencils in the house. It is often possible to pick up commission through work obtained for paper hangers, plasterers, carpenters, etc.

(107) ‘TRAINING VIDEO’ MAKING

Many small and medium sized companies place much emphasis on group training. This is very time consuming in terms of staff employed on training tasks. Offering a ‘training video’ service will attract such customers. A training session is ‘video recorded’ and the company use this to impart the required skills to groups of their employees.

(108) WRITING SHORT PARAGRAPHS

Most people can write tips on household management, cookery, child care, etc. Jokes, anecdotes, children’s sayings, business-building gimmicks, etc., are in demand. Many such items receive sizeable cheques from magazines. (109) MAKE AND SELL COSTUME JEWELLERY

Home-made costume jewellery sell well to jewellery outlets, gift shops, hairdressers shops, clothes boutiques, and by direct mail. It is possible to start with limited capital. Read books borrowed from the local library, study trade journals, and literature issued by manufacturers of fittings and supplies. Catalogues from Leisurecrafts Ltd., Romford Road, London E.12. Write also to Gemcraft, 96 Grove Vale, London S.E.22.

(110) HOME TYPING

pays well if the right techniques are followed. Business firms, professional people and associations in your area need typing done by free-lance typists. Authors need novels, short stories, plays, non-fiction books and articles typed and they are easily reached through classified ads in writers’ and literary magazines. T

(111) COLLECTION SERVICE

Many people with the ability to write good letters have done well helping business firms with their overdue accounts. Sample collection letters given in handbooks from public libraries can be adapted to suit various types of businesses. Charge customers from 10% on all money brought in.

(112) TELEX/FAX/PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE

Communication and fast coying are vital requirements of modern businesses and executive professionals. Second-hand fascimile and photocopiers are cheaply available. You can charge 10p per photocopy, oe1.00 per minute for fax transmission and oe1.50 per min for telexing. Advertise your service in classified sections of local newsapapers.

(113) HOME MAIL ORDER BUSINESS

You can start and operate a profitable mail order business at home with limited capital if you go the right way about it. Starting with almost no capital it is possible to make oe100 a week part-time and oe700 (and much more) full time. “I’ve found mail order a wonderful, a proven way to make high profits in spare time, at home. I think it is the finest spare-time business of all”, writes James Carr, author of a well known Mail Order Course. “You can start anywhere”, he writes, “using your kitchen table for an office. You do no personal selling.

(114) SELLING SELF-HELP AN ‘HOW’ BOOKS BY MAIL

This is the most satisfactory type of mail order business. Easy, pleasant and profitable, it is an ideal spare-time or full-time activity, especially suitable for the beginner in mail order. We do not know of anything else that can be sold as easily and with as little capital as books. They bring continual repeat business for related books. No licence is needed to sell books.

(115) CRAFT WORK

Because good craftsmanship is scarce today home craftsmen can readily sell attractive work through gift shops, furniture stores and other retailers, also privately. Unusual bookshelves, bookracks, bookends, novelties, wireworks, marquetry, leatherwork, etc. Addresses of handicraft materials and hobby kit suppliers are usually obtainable at local public libraries.

Source by Senthil Kumar N

Sporty people, even those who are not professional athletes, would like to develop their very own sports venue. In fact, a lot of home owners build synthetic tennis courts to pursue tennis as a hobby or as a form of exercise. Synthetic playing surfaces are known for their durability but you should also do your part by checking your court for any damages or needing repair.

Steps in Cleaning Synthetic Tennis Courts

Aside from the fun and excitement, having a tennis court also gives you an added responsibility. It is important that you check your sports venue every now and then to prevent premature wearing. Besides, your court is an investment so you have to be careful not to put your money to waste. But you need not worry for synthetic tennis courts need minimal maintenance or just basic cleaning. So to extend the life of your synthetic court, follow these steps:

1. Prepare all the necessary materials and equipment such as:

• Detergent

• Push broom or soft-bristled brush

• Hose

• Pail (5-gallon)

• Bleach

• Water

• Rag

• Gloves

• Cup or small pail

2. When all the needed materials are ready, prepare the tennis court for cleaning. Set aside all objects that can interfere with the clean-up such as benches, balls, trash cans, chairs, and other fixtures. Also, remove rocks, leaves, twigs and other trash and debris using a leaf blower or a push broom. Start at the centre directing the debris to the outer edges.

3. Treat the court with detergent-and-water solution and sprinkle the entire area using a hose. Scrub the surface with a push broom but do not scrub too hard to prevent damage to the synthetic turf. If you want to use a brush, then utilise a soft-bristled one. Rinse the surface. Tip: It is best to do this procedure one side at a time for easier cleaning.

4. Allow the area to dry.

5. Assess the court for areas that have mould, mildew and other impurities.

6. To remove mould or mildew, if any, use a 5-gallon pail and mix water and bleach. Use 2 parts water to 1 part bleach and apply the solution to the affected regions. Wear gloves to avoid irritation to your hands. By means of a cup or smaller pail, scoop out enough solution and pour over mildewed part and gently scrub the surface with the push broom. Rinse the court using the hose and repeat this procedure until all the mildew comes off.

7. Wipe the court using a rag and allow it to dry thoroughly before using it.

Now, if you need synthetic playing surfaces or synthetic tennis courts, you can turn to a reputable company that consists of expert individuals who aim to provide their clients with exceptional synthetic playing surfaces, artificial turf and other fake grass needs. They also offer tennis courts construction services that ensure durable and cost-effective courts in no time.

Source by Hugo Wagner

When constructing a building, it takes a lot of floor plan analysis to come up with a safe structure and excellent interiors. There are several interrelated professions that share common task namely: engineer, architect, interior designer, carpenter, and foreman.

A floor plan is a diagram that reveals the interior of the proposed building including the appliances, fixtures, and all parts of the house. To make an extraordinary creation, it requires team effort from various fields of professions to come up with artistically challenged masterpiece. Here are the following jobs that require floor plan reading and interior decorating:

Engineer

There are kinds of engineers, but in general an engineer is somebody who is a versatile entity responsible for the entire project from planning, to execution, to maintenance. However, the one who makes use of a floor plan are usually the civil engineers. It is also part of their duty to take charge of the interior designing, unless a separate interior decorator is hired. He assesses the site where the structure will rise as well as creates the design of the building, which is called layout or blueprint. This will be used as a reference from the start of the construction up to the completion of the project.

Architect

A Greek term, which means chief builder; an architect is a licensed professional responsible for designing of the building. The outline must comply with the standard building specifications and regulations to ensure safety.

Interior Designer

With their innate creativity, an interior designer is well-versed when it comes to renovation of your home. Since they are experienced when it comes to analyzing floor plans, they are compatible with engineers and architects.

Carpenter

Carpenters have several tasks involved namely: constructing, measuring, repairing, and installing. These are skills that are acquired either through experience or formal training. Since their tasks entail precision especially when it comes to measurements, they need to follow a blueprint and be keen on every detail presented. A blueprint is a piece of design or outline of the structure to be built, which includes the floor plans, electrical connections, piping, and the likes. From there, they are able to formulate an idea on how to carry out their task. Although reading from floor plans is not always applicable especially to those who do not have formal schooling, they can receive instructions directly from the supervisor. Since many of the carpenters are also self-employed, it is not unusual for them to get hired on an on-call basis. They will get paid immediately after the completion of work, which are usually repairs, partitions, and installation of shelves. In some cases, they are given the responsibility to decide what design would perfectly match their interiors.

Foreman

A man who is an overall charged of the workers particularly in a construction setting. From the experienced gained and the skills he possess, he is knowledgeable in all areas of the project. He is said to be a master of all construction trades; therefore, worthy to be equated to a project manager. As the leader of the team, he is proficient in floor plan analysis because of his extensive experience.

Source by Patricia Strasser

When chosen properly, your mailbox can last you years and years. You can also prolong its functionality and appearance when you clean and maintain it properly and regularly.

There will be instances though that a mailbox can easily be damaged because of one reason or another. Even if you work hard to clean and maintain it regularly, certain factors can cause this outdoor fixture to be easily damaged.

If you are planning of getting a new mailbox, you have to be aware of the usual mistakes that can cause this fixture to be easily destroyed so that you will know how to avoid or prevent them and get more from your outlay. Below are the 4 common mistakes to avoid so that you can get more use from your mailbox:

1. Getting a plastic mailbox. If you’re still in the process of shopping for this feature, do not choose one that is made of plastic. They are undoubtedly more affordable but some plastic mailboxes have the tendency to shatter under really harsh weather conditions, particularly under extremely hot and cold temperatures.

2. Installing the feature in the wrong area. A post mounted or freestanding mailbox must be installed in a place where the mail carrier can safely and conveniently deliver the letters. It should be in an area that won’t be damaged by passing vehicles, whether by accident or not. Experts recommend installing it at least 1 ft. from the edge of the road on streets with curbs. In case your home is located on a street without any curbs, increase the distance and make it 2 ft. away from the street. It is important to note that the farther off the road or street this feature sits, the less likelihood it will receive damage.

3. Choosing the wrong post material and failing to install it properly. Wood is a popular material used for posts but they can rot easily and may not withstand the continuous effects of harsh weather conditions. As such, stainless steel is the recommended choice for post material since it is strong and long-lasting. However, you still need to make sure that the stainless steel post is firmly supported in the ground. In addition, during installation, ensure that the mailbox is securely mounted to the post. Also, no matter how strong your post is, do not install 2 mailboxes as their combined weight may be too much for the structure.

4. Failing to inspect the post regularly. Finally, most post mounted mailbox knockdowns happen because the metal post supporting the mailbox has severely rusted. Wooden posts also rot over time and become weak. It is therefore important that you check the posts regularly and perform regular maintenance as well. In case the post already has some signs of damage, repair it or have it fixed by experts. If it is beyond repair, replace the post with a new one immediately.

Source by Jean H Morrison

A foosball table is a table-top game that is loosely based on soccer. The game, also known as table football, was invented by Harold Searles Thornton in 1922. Mr. Thornton’s inspiration for the toy was his avid support for British association football matches and he aimed to make a smaller version that could be played at home. Eventually, his uncle took table football to America where its popularity grew steadily.

Generally, foosball consists of eight rows of players, made out of wood or plastic, which are mounted on metal bars. Either two or four players can compete against each other, although some tables are built to accommodate more. The goal of the game is to use the horizontal bars to control your “team” and score more goals than your opponent. Each team controls a goalie, defense, midfield, and attack players.

Table football games are extremely popular fixtures as well. Having one in your home ensures that you and your friends will never have to worry about being bored. And apart from their entertainment value, the tables are also sought after decoration pieces. The different colors, sizes, and types of football tables ensures that you will be able to find one that works with your home’s interior. The older foosball tables are especially popular with enthusiasts and collectors. If you are lucky enough to own one of these items, make sure and take special care of them.

These objects are unfortunately prone to quite a bit of wear and tear and will occasionally require a bit of maintenance. First you will need to take apart the playing field. This includes unscrewing the metal bars which hold the players. To help yourself remember, later, how to reassemble the bars, consider taking a picture of the field beforehand.

You will next have to check all of the game’s moving pieces for damage. The foosball players, whether they are made out of plastic or wood, will most likely require a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. Other aspects of the game, such as the playing field and ball, will likely require some paint as well.

If one or more of the players is damaged beyond repair, you will have to order new ones. Many hobby shops and specialty websites sell replacement parts and cleaning supplies aimed at foosball tables. These include replacement balls, rubber bumpers, stop rings, and goalie nets. If any part of the game can’t be repaired, you can consider replacing them altogether.

Pay close attention to the legs and bottom of the football table and determine if these areas require any maintenance. If they are loose or wobbly, you may have to tighten or replace them. Depending on the state of the bottom, it may need a bit of sanding or reinforcing.

After all the cleaning is finished and the paint has dried, you can finish the refurbishment project by reassembling the fixture. Using the photograph you took beforehand, put the game’s playing field back together and reattach the players. Then, all that’s left is to start enjoying your toy once again.

Source by Adriana Noton

Like any other household fixture, your grill needs some TLC, too – that is if you want it around for many years to come. Taking care of a grill requires more than just scraping off burnt food off the grills. Set aside some time to give it a proper cleaning from time to time and be sure you check it regularly for maintenance.

Here are 5 easy tricks to help prolong the life of your grill:

Clean it every after use

It might seem like a hassle to clean your grill after each use, especially if you grill all the time. But it’s a small step to take that will extend the life of your grill and save you a lot of money. This is also easier to do than doing a deep cleaning once in a while. Use a good grill brush to scrub the grates and make sure to get all the ash and other debris which can quickly accumulate at the bottom.

Cover it when not in use

There are times when you’ll go several days or even weeks without using your grill. If you leave it out in the yard, salt air, moisture and even chemicals may damage its exterior. That’s why it’s ideal to invest in a good grill cover. Alternatively, move your grill indoors if you have a storage area like your garage or a shed.

Take care of the grates

The grates are the most used part of the grill, that’s why they wear easily. To help extend their life, use solid vegetable shortening for protection. If you find rust, remove it immediately using sandpaper or a brush. If your grates and grids are really worn out, consider replacing them.

Regularly check for clogs

To make sure that your grill works efficiently, make it a habit to check for clogs regularly. Take out the burners and check for grease and grime build-up. Clean and unclog if necessary, and replace burners that cannot be cleaned.

Do repair work

If your grill doesn’t want to ignite, it doesn’t mean that you have to purchase a brand new grill. It might just be the electronic switch module or the ignite switch that’s malfunctioning. Take the time to repair or replace it. Call your grill’s customer service for questions if you’re having trouble with the repair.

Follow these 5 easy tricks to prolong the life of your grill!

Source by Adrian T. Cheng

You’ll find lots of advice on how to ‘stage’ your house to sell, from what colors to use when you repaint the walls to how to word the headlines of your classified ads. There are many factors that go into selling your house fast, at the best possible price. They range from setting the stage for a sale with the colors you paint the walls to special incentives you can offer buyers to close a sale. You can do everything right – the right words in your classified ad, the best pictures on the right FSBO web site, the yard and garden trimmed and welcoming – but if your house has one of these common traits, you may still find it hard to sell your house.

Gloomy Rooms

If your rooms are dim and dark, buyers will find it difficult to like your house. Dim lighting makes everything look dreary and dull. Do whatever needs doing to brighten the rooms up. Add lamps to warm dark corners, and up the wattage on light bulbs. Replace heavy draperies with airy, white sheers – it’s one of the best room perk-me-ups you can find.

Unkempt Yards

The yard is the first thing that prospective buyers see when they pull up in front of the house. They’ll form their overall impression with that first split second look. If you want to sell your house fast, you need to guarantee that their first glimpse is a ‘wow!’ instead of an ‘oh!’

Dingy, Dirty Sink

Dirty, stained porcelain in your sinks hint at poor maintenance and water quality. Scrub the sink and fixtures until they sparkle, and keep them empty. Dirty dishes are the last thing you want prospective buyers to see when you’re trying to sell your house.

Odors

Remember the old Realtor’s trick of putting cookies in the oven just before you show your house? The smell of baking or the more subtle scent of orange or apple can make your buyers feel at home and help your house sell. Unfortunately, the opposite is true, too. Nothing turns off prospective buyers more quickly than bad odors. If you smoke or have pets, or if your house smells of mildew, don’t try to just cover it up with air freshener. Eradicate it.

Overgrown Gutters

Vegetation and clumps of dirt lining the edges of your roof are not conducive to selling your house. It makes your house look shabby, and hints at the level of maintenance that it’s received over the years.

Stained or Cracked Ceilings

Water stains and cracks in your ceilings and on your walls suggest plumbing problems and leaky pipes. Repair any leaky pipes, then prime and repaint so the stains don’t show through.

Unruly Pets and Children

Get your pets and kids out of the way when showing your house. If you want to sell your house, it’s important to make them feel comfortable in it. Boisterous dogs and loud children can be an annoyance when prospective buyers are trying to get a good look at the rooms.

Source by B Shelton

Imagine being able to plug your stage and theatre lighting fixtures directly into dimmers that are quiet and don’t generate the heat of SCR dimmers. You’re imagining IGBT dimming, a revolution in dimming technology.

IGBT dimmers bring the future into your theatre, club, auditorium or sanctuary with drastically-reduced installation costs. Mounted wherever you mount lighting fixtures, they are smaller and lighter than SCR dimmers. Better yet, they do not produce any mechanical buzz or hum.

Distributed Dimming Benefits

o Easy to design, expand and install

o Drastically reduces installation and equipment costs

o Locate silent dimmer strips next to the light fixtures

o Much less wiring

o Reduced voltage drops

o No dimmer panel required

Power and Silence Benefits

o State-of-the-art dimming technology

o Quiet dimmers and load

o Low neutral harmonics

o Protection against short-circuits

o High-density racks

o Control of various load types including magnetic/electronic transformers and electronic fluorescent dimming ballasts

Intelligence and Control Benefits

o Stations, keypads, wireless PCs and consoles for simple or complex applications

o Broad range of matching, attractive controls for fully-integrated projects

o Industry standard wiring practices

o Windows®-based open control protocols

A Case Study

When Cornish College of the Arts began converting Seattle’s historic Sons of Norway Hall into a theatre, plans called for installation of a complete air conditioning system just to cool the old-style, heat-producing SCR rack dimming system they planned to use. Dave Tosti-Lane, chair of Cornish’s Performance Production Department, started looking for a different solution.

The college had already been through the ordeal of retrofitting a concert hall to the tune of thousands of dollars just to relocate a noisy dimmer rack. They didn’t want to go through that again. Mac Perkins of PNTA recommended the Intelligent Raceway system from Entertainment Technology, a Genlyte Thomas company. The beauty of an IGBT system, as Dave discovered, was that it would not only circumvent the noise problem, but it would also reduce the heat loads.

The savings of not having to do a full-blown air conditioning system practically paid for the dimmers. They also saved money by not having the associated costs of load wiring the dimmers out to the circuits and all of the additional wiring and time it costs to run cables from the dimmer rack to the lighting instruments.

While the cost savings may have been the leading benefit, close behind was the system of focus buttons that were installed. This feature enabled the crew to finish hanging the first show in the new theatre in record time. The trio hung, circuited and rough-focused 130 fixtures in two five-hour lighting calls.
And as a sound designer, Dave was really appreciative of the lack of fans and chokes.

With all their benefits, IGBT dimming systems are a boon to the staging of theatrical productions.

Copyright 2007 PNTA

Source by Wendy Hammatt