Archive for December, 2009

Reasons Why You Need a Cricut Machine

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Have you purchased a Cricut machine? If your answer is no, then the next question is, why not? For scrappers, crafters, anyone planning parties or gatherings or if you just want scrapbooking tips and techniques, these little devices are the perfect die cut machine for creating amazing letters, shapes, and so many other embellishments. There are a few different varieties of the Cricut machine, some which are perfect for hobbyists and then others that rival any commercial grade die cut machine.

The smaller Cricut machine, the Personal Electronic Cutter machine, works well for hobbyists. It offers literally hundreds of designs and letters that range in size from one inch to over five inches! Of course any crafter or scrapbooker would love to have this machine, and it makes a great gift for those you love to do crafts. Any larger Cricut machine, the Expression or Create Machine, is good for someone more serious about their die cuts whether they be for scrapbooks or party decorations. They are also great for teachers to use for classroom decorations, as well as being perfect for parents who homeschool their children! The 12×24 inch mat can be used to make shapes and letters up to 2 feet large! Imagine the beautiful letters, banners, decorations, centerpieces, and other items you could get with a Cricut machine like that.

When you purchase additional cartridges for your Cricut machine you’ll have even more choices of die cuts available. You can even buy cartridges that have many licensed characters like Hello Kitty, Disney and Sesame Street. Imagine what fun the kids would have creating their own Hello Kitty characters and shapes or cutting out their favorite Disney and Pixar characters as well! And for the grownups there are home décor shapes available for a Cricut machine, as well as many perfect for other scrapbook pages. These include beach scenes, sports, holidays, wedding, and even indie art that includes skills, guitars, and flames. Whatever your scrapbook or craft project, you’re sure to find something perfect for you with cricut essentials!

And once you’ve created your pages with your Cricut machine you can also use binders and covers that are perfect for your scrapbooks. Your cricut machine sale couldn’t be more versatile.

If you do buy a Cricut machine, it’s an investment in your hobby that will last for many years. There is virtually no end to the variety of die cuts and shapes available and you’re sure to enjoy using it for years to come!

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Understanding Aluminum Wiring Issues

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

Because of the high copper prices, aluminum wiring is making a come-back, however, it is not the same aluminum wiring that existed in the early 1970′s construction that has been found responsible for home fires. If you are looking at older homes with aluminum wiring, several upgrades should be made, including the possibility of re-wiring with copper.

 

The main reason for this is that some insurance companies will not write hazard insurance on the homes that have aluminum wiring and even ones that do will demand higher insurance premiums than homes that have copper wiring. The newer version of aluminum wiring can still be confused with the older aluminum wiring by some insurance inspectors, but there is a difference.

 

The new aluminum wiring is known as AA-8000 or ACM, where some of the older aluminum wiring was part of a series known as 1350. The receptacles and switches were known as CU/AL, but have now been replaced with CO/ALR, which means copper-aluminum revised light switches and receptacles. Part of the problem was that connecting electrical systems that had a combination of copper and aluminum wiring included pigtail connections that were not safe, in addition to the failure of the switches and receptacles.

 

Another thing to consider is that many of the older mobile homes have aluminum wiring because it was cheaper and lighter to install. Unfortunately, it has also been found responsible for many mobile home fires, so it is almost impossible to get a homeowner’s insurance policy for it. The best option on homes or mobile homes that include aluminum wiring is to consider re-wiring with a copper electrical system, even though it can be quite expensive. For this reason, most mobile homes aren’t worth the effort, but older homes are certainly primary candidates for this option.

 

If you are buying or selling a pre-70′s home with aluminum wiring, this is a cost consideration that might come up in a purchase agreement or home inspection. Another consideration might be upgrading by ensuring all devices are rated for aluminum wiring and meet the CO/ALR specs. It isn’t advised to splice copper wiring in with aluminum wiring for those that don’t meet the right specification, because it can actually increase the risk of fire.

 

The best solution is to consider re-wiring with copper because you will realize the savings in insurance premiums and an increase in resale value. If you are looking to buy pre-1974 mobile homes, it might be impossible to come up with a good solution and the depreciated value might not make them worth the cost of expensive re-wiring so it would be best to steer clear and consider newer models.

 

When looking at homes that have the new aluminum wiring, it is best that you talk with insurance companies first and find one that is aware of the newer wiring and find out about the insurance premium ratings and differences between copper wiring. Making an informed decision about your home’s electrical system can be important for your family’s safety and can make a major difference in your homeowner’s insurance premium or the ability to get insurance.

 

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Rental Homes with Hot Tubs Can Bring Additional Cost Issues

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

If you have decided to rent out your home and are thinking about installing a hot tub to make it more appealing, it is important to realize the additional liabilities you might incur. Many people think hot tubs offer an advantage to bring in higher rent and make the home more desirable, which is true. On the other hand, your insurance premiums might be higher and there is maintenance or regular upkeep to be thought of.

 

Usually, when a renter is involved, you have to consider that they might not be as considerate of the proper care for a hot tub and you might not be aware of the additional insurance premium that could be involved. Much like a swimming pool in your backyard, you can incur additional insurance premiums and you increase the risk of a neighbor child drowning. For this reason, some municipalities require secured fencing around the hot tub, which might not be a cost you had thought of.

 

Before installing a hot tub, you should check into the zoning requirements and consider the additional liabilities. In addition, some renters might like the idea of having a hot tub, but don’t know that much about taking care of one. It could encourage parties at your home, which might not be something you want, especially with renters involved.

 

If you have a vacation rental that will be a short term rental, it could make your home more competitive, however, you might want a professional property maintenance or pool company to take care of the hot tub. In addition, your insurance will likely be higher than without a hot tub so you have to think about that, too.

 

Rental homes with hot tubs can add additional costs and worries besides exposing you to additional liabilities. Before installing the hot tub, you have to consider the amount of time it will take you to recoup the costs, including insurance premiums. You might find it isn’t worth the expense, unless you need it to make your home comparable to others on the rental market, such as in a resort area.

 

If you are renting your home out and it contains a hot tub, you will want to make sure that it has a hard top cover that can be padlocked and it should not be made available to the tenants unless proper legal documentation and insurance requirements are met. Renters might be required to have additional liability added to their renter’s insurance policy, although you would still have the care and upkeep to be concerned with.

 

Not only will you have additional liability insurance costs, but if you rent your home out, some homeowner’s insurance policies will not cover it. You need to check into your liability and expense situations before making a decision about installing a hot tub or allowing tenants to use an existing hot tub. Just keep in mind that most tenants will not take as good of care as you might like, when it comes to your home and belongings, including a hot tub. An additional damage deposit might need to be considered, as well.

 

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