Q&A:Q We live on a small terrace and the house next door has been for sale for the best part of two years. It is now sold – the sold sign went up in late April.
The sign was very large and intrusive – relative to the size of our tiny houses – but we put up with it because obviously the house had to be sold. However it’s still up, which I think is unfair. As far as we can see it is just an ad for the estate agent. We phoned the estate agent and they said they would see to it but haven’t.
A'For Sale' signs – or any advertising signage relating to the sale of a property – are actually a planning issue, with local authorities giving guidelines as to the size and number of signs permitted. One of the rules state that "No such advertisement shall be exhibited, and no advertisement structure erected for the purpose of exhibiting such advertisement, shall remain on the structure or land for more than seven days after the sale or letting to which the advertisement relates."
It’s been a long time since April, so contact the estate agent again – speak to the branch manager – quote the legislation and demand action.
Do I get an eco grant for double-glazing?
QDuring the summer I (through a contractor) installed new double-glazed windows to improve the energy efficiency of my house, at a cost of €4,500. I heard on the radio that there are 50 per cent grants available to cover the cost of such eco measures but can't find any information about where to claim etc.
AThe scheme you probably heard being talked about is the Home Energy Saving scheme operated through Sustainable Energy Ireland (sei.ie, 1850 734 734). While new windows undoubtedly save on energy bills – heat loss through windows is a major problem in older houses which typically only have single-glazed windows – they are not covered under the scheme. Instead the following work can be grant aided: roof insulation, wall insulation, installation of high efficiency gas or oil-fired boilers with heating controls upgrade; heating controls upgrade and getting a Building Energy Rating (BER).
It has a list of approved installers/ contractors which must be used in order to avail of the scheme. However, even if, during the summer, you had taken one of these energy saving measures you still wouldn’t qualify as the grants are not retrospective – you must apply to SEI and be granted permission before you begin the work.
As you have started to improve the energy efficiency of your home, it might now be worth getting a BER consultant out for a survey. They don’t just work out a rating for your house, they should also be able to advise you on what else you need to do, what you can get a grant for and, if your house is fairly standard in terms of size and construction, give an idea of what it might cost. Look at the SEI website which has clear advice on even small steps you can take to cut down on your bills.
Your questions
Send your queries to Property questions, The Irish Times, The Irish Times Building, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2 or e-mail propertyquestions@irishtimes.com. This column is a readers’ service and is not intended to replace professional advice.
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