Build & Renovate

HOME HEATING

Fossil fuel based heating systems are still popular however with rising costs it may be wise to explore other avenues such as green energy alternatives. There are also many options when it comes to stoves; oil, gas, wood pellet or fossil fuels such as coal can be used to fuel the stove which can have practical uses such as heating a room, heating water or cooking.

PLUMBER

Like the electrician, a good Plumber is worth their weight in golkd when it comes to pipes, water supply and gas installation in the home. Both the electrician and the plumber must work in harmony to ensure the smooth installation of heating systems. It is also important to determine where each of their responsibilities begin and end especially when it comes to installing heating systems.

FLOORING AND CURTAINS

The choice of fl ooring is vast, both in materials and design. In general it’s always down to personal taste, but whatever choice you make be sure it’s practical, hardwearing and good value for money. Likewise with curtains. The choice is vast and it’s very much a matter of your own taste, but you can get a lot of useful advice from your local reputable dealer.

FURNITURE

Buying good quality furniture locally is a wise move in the long run. You’ll get the best advice on what’s most suited to your needs and your budget, while things like aftersales service and delivery are also a consideration.

BOILERS

Your central heating boiler requires servicing at least once every year to ensure it performs at optimum efficiency. It makes sense to have this done because otherwise your boiler will burn fuel inefficiently and will subsequently cost you far more to run. Talk to your local boiler servicing expert for the best advice on how to get the most from your boiler.

BUILDER

Everybody has heard horror stories of cowboy builders and shoddy workmanship, but by and large Irish builders have a good reputation and in the current climate it should be reasonably easy to engage a good professional. But do ensure to check their credentials and insist on references from previous customers. Please be aware that from the 1st March 2014, new laws relating to the commencement and certification of construction works come into effect. The new laws include the nomination of a Builder to carry out works in accordance with the Building Regulations, and the nomination of a competent person, an ‘Assigned Certifier’ to inspect works to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations; the submission of additional documentation with the Commencement Notice at commencement stage; and the introduction of a Certificate of Compliance following completion of works. For further information contact Louth Local Authorities or visit www. environ.ie Also check out The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) scheme provides for tax relief for Homeowners by way of an Income Tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying expenditure on repair, renovation or improvement works carried out on the Homeowner’s main home by qualifying Contractors.The amount of the HRI tax credit depends on the amount spent on qualifying works. Tax relief can be claimed on qualifying expenditure over €4,405 (before VAT at 13.5%). While there is no upper limit on expenditure on qualifying works, the tax credit will only be given in relation to a maximum of €30,000 (before VAT at 13.5%). If there are no grants or insurance claims, the lowest tax credit amount is €595 (€4,405 at 13.5%) and the highest tax credit is €4,050 (€30,000 at 13.5%).For example -If you paid €5,000 (before VAT) to a VAT registered and tax compliant electrician for rewiring your home, your tax credit is €5,000 x 13.5% = €675. further details available from www.revenue.ie

GLASS AND GLAZING

A large percentage of a house’s heat is lost through the win- dows, so giving a lot of thought to the type of glazing units you use will save you money in the long run. Consult your local supplier for expert advice. see www.revenue.ie for details of home incentive scheme

WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES

PVC-U windows and conservatories are a great choice for your home and are available in all styles and colours. PVC-U has been developed over many decades to attain new standards in appearance, longer life and resistance to attack by weather, sunlight and of course intruders.

FITTED FURNITURE

There is nothing that quite beats the look of custom fi tted furniture, be it in your kitchen, bedroom or living rooms. Furniture that has been specifi cally created to suit your space and taste will add a dimension to your living area which can never be matched by standalone furniture.

INSULATION

When you insulate your attic and walls it can give you savings of 50% or more on your annual heating bill and also reduce your carbon footprint. As the price of heating fuel increases every year it is ever more important that we try to heat our homes as efficiently as possible. If we can hold the heat inside our homes as long as possible then we don’t need to burn as much fuel, therefore saving on our heating bill.

CLEANING

Time for a good spring cleaning, inside and out. The chore is made all the easier if you use the right cleaning products. Consult your local expert and get the job done in half the time.