Monday, April 15, 2013

When doing taxes can you deduct home improvement expenses every year or only the year you sell?

Q. I was told that you could deduct home improvement expenses until the year you sold your house. Is this true?

A. Home improvement costs generally increase your adjusted basis to your house and not deductible during current year. If you took a loan to pay for these improvements, the interests you paid are deductible. Also, if your home improvement is only repainting the house, it is not considered home improvement and you cannot add the costs to your adjusted basis regarding capital gain taxes. But if the repainting job is part of a bigger home improvement project, then it's ok to add the costs to the your adjusted basis.

Now make sure you keep very good records on the costs for home improvement so you don't run into problems when you sold your home and report it to the IRS.

What type of lincensing do I need to start a home improvement company?
Q. I want to start a home improvement company
in the state of Maryland

A. You need an EIFN number so you can setup an LLC or some sort of corporation (See: http://www.maryland.gov/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=419626&mode=2&cached=true ). You also need a Sales and Use tax certificate. The license info you need can be found here: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/occprof/homeim.html for home improvement.

why don't i have varited items and home improvement on virtual families on my ipod?
Q. on virtual families on my ipod when i click the store the only thing i have is food,upgrades,and some medicines the varied items not there and the home improvement items are not there either..how do i get them?

A. Making home improvements not only creates beautiful upgrades to your home but can also increase its overall value. Updating an old bathroom is one of the most profitable home improvements you can make.Adding casual living areas like a den or family room is a smart home improvement.Adding a second bath to a house can be a significantly profitable home improvement. I recommend you to visit :
http://newleafinvestment.com/
It may be helpful to you .




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Sunday, April 14, 2013

need cheap decorating ideas for 10 yr old girls room who loves neon green and purple?

Q. I need room decorating ideas for a 10 year old girls room, she loves the colors neon green and purple. Any ideas would be great? I am her aunt and would love to buy her some things to decorate her room and surprise her for Christmas!

A. Find a cheap clock that is either neon green or purple and take out the paper that has the numbers on it and color it the opposite color. you can try getting those colorful storage bins..curtains? bed spread and or sheets? The light switch thing? hampers? also picture frames and mirrors

Do any of you know if there is a funeral flower arrangement book in the market?
Q. I need to buy books that has a great deal of photos for funeral flowers arrangement. I also need to get books on room decorating tips for funeral parlor.

A. Contact an established local florist in your area. The florist would have several books on funeral flowers and could either sell you some of their books or give you a good source of where to secure one. Also, look for the nearest Floral Syndicate store, or a First Distributor - these are wholesalers for florists - they have books on sympathy flowers by John Henry. The books show the flowers in the funeral home setting, so you could get ideas on decorating your funeral home.

What should i do to decorate a dorm room like hollywood?
Q. I'm leaving for band camp soon & we're having a room decorating contest me & my roommate are doing hollywood & so far we have a hollywood sign putting the walk of fame on the floor putting celebs pics on the wall & prolly getting glow in the dark stars & lineing the room w/ boas but idk what else to do

A. I like the "red carpet" idea, you can also make the Hollywood movie clapboards. If you have a film camera (and want to waste a roll of film) you could pull the film out and use a decoration. Be sure to wear the BIG sunglasses, they are really in now.

Here is a website, they have all kinds of Hollywood ideas.

http://www.shindigz.com/catalog.cfm?cat=15147

Good luck.. Hope you win!!




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Are there any extra taxes on BSNL 500 home plan?

Q. Last month I was using 250 plan and this month i have brought up 500home plan. Are there any extra taxes on it? Is 500 c better than it ?
I didn't know about the two other plans of rs.500. The officials didn't ask me also.
And they changed it to 500 home plan. Do you think I should change it again?

A. 1) BSNL Dataone plan 250
-- It is not having night free 02:00 - 08:00
2) BSNL Dataone plan 500
--It is having night free 02:00 - 08:00
--2.5 GB FREE/ MONTH /excess will be charged
3) Charges Month / Rs. 500 + Tax nearly 12%
4) Yearly payment Rs.5,000 + Tax Rs.618 = Rs.5,618

I'm trying to find a home plan site that has mid-century modern style home plans. Anyone know any? Thanx.?
Q. I've searched and searched, but I keep getting vintage books on mid-century modern home plans. I'm looking to build a home and I need a home plan that is more recent than that to give to the contractors. As long as the plan loox mid-century modern; tons of windows in the front and lots of open space inside. Any help would be appreciated.

A. I can't think of any right now. Try google.

What are some websites with 'green' home plans?
Q. Meaning environmentally-friendly home plans. Websites please.

(United States only, please.)

A. Let me start off by saying we (my family and I) live completely, 100% âoff of the grid and are completely self sufficientâ

The house is built utilizing natures natural elements, in the shape of an octagon with 8ft wide arch doors on every wall to catch every angle of wind (typical 4 sided homes have half the chance as one with 8 sides. A circle being the most efficient design). Woodburning stoves, solar chimney, solar AC, solar heating, solar water heating (pool and home), solar stove, solar power, wind power, hydrogen powered back up generator, hydrogen back up water heater, hydrogen stove, 2 hydrogen powered trucks, 1 EV (electric vehicle) and satellite internet.

We also built many green small cabins on the ranch that we offer to family, friends and our on-site off-grid workshop guests, including one straw bale, one papercrete, earth bag and adobe, one cob and cordwood, one underground and rammed earth, one log and post and beam and one rock. Each one actually started as a test for what the main house would be and were later finished and turned into guest cabins. I later wrote a guide on how to build with alternative materials using alternative methods for next to nothing.

We raise meat and milk goats, chickens for meat and eggs, ducks for meat and eggs, trap havilina (wild boar pig), rabbit, quail. brew our own beer from home grown products, preserve our fruits, vegetables, etc. smoke and jerky the meat, make our own soap, cheese.

There are no utility lines, no water lines, no roads, tv, cell service, etc. on our ranch. EVERYTHING needed is produced here. All electricity comes from 27 solar panels, 2 main wind gens and a back hydrogen generator if needed (typically we can last 9 days with all luxuries of sunless windless weather, hasn't happened yet). Water is caught and storaged from the rain. Hot water is made with solar batch water heaters with an on-demand hydrogen hot water heater as backup. Even our vehicles use alternative energy (2 hydrogen trucks, 1 EV electric vehicle converted). Because of this we have no bills, no debt and no mortgage.

Anyone interested can check it out at..

www agua-luna com

I believe this is the first step anyone can make âhelp the environmentâ. Once you convert your own life style to a greener more eco friendly route, you can start helping others.

my home has all the comforts listed above plus some. we live very comfortable without effecting the environment. just saying that tol et you know it's possible. you may not want to go as extreme as me and my family but anywhere in between is something.

Without getting to in depth here, Using alternative fuels in your vehicles and harnessing your own electricity from the sun, water, earth and wind are the 2 are key elements in making a green transition and erasing your carbon footprint.

here's a calculator to find out how much of a green impact your making (carbon footprint)

http://www.conservation.org/act/live_green/carboncalc

if you'd like to make your next step feel free to contact me personally at www agua-luna com

I've been installing home made Solar panels. Solar stoves, Solar batch and inline hot water heaters. Solar radiant heating. Solar home heating and AC, along with home made wind gens and other alternative energy items for the last 3 years.

You can even make the above projects on site with simple parts from the local hardware stores or auto stores or junk yards. For more info check out some guides I wrote / compiled on how to DIY www agua-luna com

Again these projects can be accomplished anywhere by anyone.

if you absolutely can't do anything in your home at least you can put alternative fuels in your car. most major automotive manufacturers (Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors, etc) recommend the use of bio fuels, and nearly every car manufacturer in the world approves ethanol blends in their warranty coverage.

In fact your probably even driving an ethanol car and didn't even know it.

The trick is finding fuel.

I've been producing biofuel for about 3 years now, it's not extremely difficult. Basically you need general household ingredients, a processor (or still for ethanol) and some used oil. Blend it, let separate, screen and use. I complied a guide a while back to help walk you threw the process step by step, just email me or check out..

www agua-luna com

as for recyling the best way i've found without taking money from your won pocket is to join a free freecycle group in your area or visit the habitat for humanity.

If youâd like help in making your self sufficient steps, feel free to contact me directly. Iâve written several how-to DIY guides available at www agua-luna com
on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others âhelp the environmentâ.

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if youâd like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, Iâm




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Do salt lamps really clean the air?

Q. I just heard about these Himalayan "salt lamps." They're supposed to ionize and clean the air. Have you ever used one, and do they really work?

A. I don't think so. You could try placing dishes of salt around your house if you want to test this theory before purchasing one, particularly if the lamps are expensive. Honestly though, I think it takes more than a chunk of salt to clean air.

How can I get the value of my Tiffany lamps without paying for an appraiser?
Q. I received 2 dragon fly lamps and I am curious of their value One is an tall telescoping type with 6 bulbs and all bronze base, The other is a lot smaller with bronze dragonflys of the base the shade rest of three bronze armsThe taller lamp has number eched in the underside of the base with a bid z and a little c brand in felt pen,

A. These sound like "Tiffany-style" lamps. If they are real tiffany they would be marked with the Tiffany Studios mark. There are other makers from the late 19th century and early 20th that are also very valuable. I hope yours are worth $100k. Beware of taking them to an antique dealer. If they are valuable, they will give you a figure high enough to make you want to sell them, but FAR below their actual value.

What do lamps give energy to that is a plant?
Q. What do lamps give energy to that is a plant? I need this awser for a project and I cant figure out what it is!!

A. Lamps provide the energy to induce the photosynthesis process which causes plants to grow.

The sun usually provides this light energy, but lamps can do just as well, under controlled conditions.




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I have a split level home built in 1986. What changes can I make to update it and increase my resale value?

Q. Upper Level - 1 master with small 3/4 bath; 2 guest bdrms; 1 full bath
Mid Level - front room and kitchen
Lower Level - office; 3/4 bath; and family room with fireplace.

We recently had a new roof and siding put on and plan on landscaping the front for "curb-appeal" in the spring. In the meanwhile, we were hoping to get some ideas on how to spruce up the house DIY style.

Initial thoughts are:
1) Replacing vinyl flooring in all bathrooms with ceramic tile.
2) Refinishing kitchen cabinetry (their all wood)
3) Putting in laminate wood flooring in kitchen.
4) Replacing appliances (they're all probably 10 years old) if there's money left.

Any advice or other suggestions.

A. Kitchen remodel is your best "bang for the buck" people really look at the kitchen when looking for a home a up to date kitchen is your best option!

How do you match hardwood floors to exsisting cabinets?
Q. What would be the best color or type of hardwood flooring or other material to match to existing walnut Kitchen cabinetry?

A. most of the time if the cabinets are dark, then the flooring is light and so on. Basically you want a little contrast between the two so the whole kitchen doesn't disappear into a one tone black hole.

Learn kitchen cabinetry?
Q. I'm interested in learning kitchen cabinetry but don't know where to start. Any tips? I don't mind paying $ to take courses or working as a helper....

A. Check out the national kitchen and bath association's website. www.nkba.com. All the knowledge you need.




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What comic book characters would be a MUST include in a Home Theater room?

Q. I am in the process of planning out my home theater room. My wife and I grew up with reading and watching the comics from the 70's and 80's. We want to create our home theater room based off of these characters. I have come up with some ideas:

Making the front speakers into buildings and have one the Daily Planet and the other Gotham City Police Dept. with a spot light of the bat symbol.
A bar made to look like Silver Surfers surf board.
The rear speakers would be the back of the the X-men's X-Jet, the motors the speakers.
For art work we were planning on paintings of superhero's, logos or even figurine boxes (as we have a few already).

We just need some more ideas to incorporate into the room. What superheroes are a definite MUST have? I am very creative and handy with paint brushes and wood work so anything crafty would be great!
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

A. I don't know anything about you so I don't know your preferences, but I think you gotta have the Justice League. Their only the most iconic heroes of all time. Maybe a poster or a cardboard figure too be fancy.

Another cool thing would be Captain America's shield as seat decorations, like stools for your bar.

Sorry I'm not a creative person but characters you should have are: Flash, Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Wolverine, Deadpool, Iceman, and SHAZAM

How much class time 2day should be used for explaining a longform BC & the end of Birtherism to schoolchildren?
Q. Should home rooms discuss the long form birth certificate issue so that no child is left birthered? I think this calls for a new Obama Song for your kids to sing in school!!

A. "no child is left birthered"!!!! Priceless!!!

dude, come on. No birther is gonna change it's tune. NOW I wanna see Palins DNA test that Trig is her son!!

What is the special quality of a pet dog which give it access in to the home & bed room?
Q. Pet dog play daily, go for walking daily, welcome us when we return to home daily in fact there are many qualities in pet dogs; which generally, we all like. However there must be some very special quality in pet dogs which give them access in to the home & bed room and my question is what is that special?

A. Remember, as far as a dog is concerned, they are part of your family. I know, my dog thinks she's my mother, always shouting at me. Love her to bits. Remember also, they are VERY protective of their owners.




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What is the best way to remove latex-based paint from granite countertops?

Q. Our contractors did a shotty job of painting and left drops of paint on both our bathroom countertops. Is there an easy way to remove this without using paint thinner since this will probably soak into the granite and eventually ruin it?

A. mineral oil and a razor blabe scraper

What will get toothpaste stains off of countertops?
Q. There are toothpaste stains on the bathroom countertops of the house we are renovating. I think they have been there 3 years. They are white and look ugly! The countertop is mauve and they show up very well. They are not marble. Help! Or do I have to replace them?

A. TRY NAIL POLISH REMOVER, SEEMS TO TAKE EVERY STAIN OFF OR BLEACH OR OXYCLEAN

How do I remove hair dye stains from my countertops?
Q. I dye my hair by myself using Just For Men, but the stupid thing bubbles all over my bathroom countertops, especially if I run it through my hair. Does anyone know how I can get these stains out? I don't want to be charged a cleaning fee for my appartment...

A. Hydrogen peroxide should take it out.




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