By Ted Laverty on
1/6/2010 5:36 PM
What are the risks of freezing pipes?
It’s a simple fact that when water freezes, it expands. Unfortunately the pipes used for your plumbing are not so flexible, resulting in burst pipes and water damage in your home. Any home with poor insulation is at risk (think many of the homes built in the last 7 years) and any space within the home where pipes are exposed to a cold air flow are vulnerable – think attic spaces, outside walls and cracked wall coverings. If in doubt, check your home out by following the investigative steps below.
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By Ted Laverty on
11/12/2009 1:36 PM
The mere thought of having one's home broken is enough to cause stress to even the most hardened property owner. Unfortunately recent figures from the CSO indicate that home break-in's are up by 26% on this time last year. So what can we do to make our homes less attractive to prying eyes and busy fingers ? We've included a few suggestions for you:
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By Sean Conroy on
10/2/2009 11:45 AM
With all the existing Building Regulations being updated to properly reflect a need and demand for improved Building standards, there is a greatly increased requirement for U-value targets of floor, wall and roof construction to be met. Why meet the requirements when it is very simple to exceed the current expectations and to set the future expectations of energy conscious homes? Let me explain how.
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By Ted Laverty on
9/16/2009 10:40 AM
ONLINETRADESMEN.COM 2009 HOME IMPROVEMENT INDEX REVEALS VALUE FOR CONSUMERS
· 59% average cost reduction per home improvement project since 2007
· 52% drop in building costs for extensions since 2007
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By Sean Conroy on
8/19/2009 3:07 PM
Times are very tough and the pressure to cut costs and save money grows with every passing day. In times like these, major decisions, such as whether to refurb your existing property or not, come under extra scrutiny, but done right it will pay rewards.
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By Sean Conroy on
8/13/2009 6:28 AM
With the collapse of the Construction Industry and the plummeting returns in VAT and tax for the Revenue the spotlight may turn to the Self-Builder and target the potential for the underdeclaration of payments, especially 'cash' payments to sub-contractor.
Subcontractors in the construction industry are aware of their obligations to the Taxman, by extension of responsibility, private individuals operating as self-builders should be classified as Main Contractors, thus regulating the whole house building economy.
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By Ted Laverty on
8/12/2009 11:36 AM
No point in bailing out a leaky boat when there is a hole in the floor! Property owners should start looking at the basics of " Energy Efficeny" in their homes before they invest in heating solutions for the winter.
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By Ted Laverty on
7/29/2009 4:53 PM
It is a great concept to be sure, but will logistics / economics get the better of the Building Energy Rating ( BER ) Scheme ? Some would say it was doomed from the start.
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By Ted Laverty on
7/15/2009 8:31 AM
Builders and tradesmen holidays's are coming. Will people be taking them this year or is it a time to put the head down ?
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By Ted Laverty on
7/6/2009 9:59 AM
So the electricians of Ireland want an 11% pay increase ? On the face of it is sounds ludicrous, however they may just have principles on their side.
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