Monday, 30 November 2009
Thursday, 24 September 2009
My Camino Site in Google Sitewiki
Google once again are pushing the web into the users hands. This was done once last year and it didn't take off. I will be interested to see if people leave comments and how they will be moderated.
One thing I do love about this is though is the ability to publish what I write here directly onto a Google blog - now the next thing I really want is to beable to publish the same directly onto my own blog.
Keep at it big G
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Marvin Sash Windows
With winter fast approaching, one of the most sought after home improvements is more than likely replacement sash windows and doors.
There are numerous window manufacturers and a large variety of qualities and designs to be looked at, some good, some bad, and some very ugly.
Most home owners have little or no knowledge of what to look for when it comes to the basics of quality re-placement windows and doors. Below are several things you should consider before purchasing.
A. Material/s used in manufacturing: vinyl (good), wood (good if outside is wrapped with vinyl or aluminum skin), fiber glass (good) and aluminum (not good).
B. Glass: Single pane (not good) - Double pane (good) - Triple pane (excellent).
C. Thermal qualities: Low E coating (good) - Low E and Argon gas (better) Heat Mirror (best).
D. Quality and performance rating: Energy Star rated (good) not rated (bad).
E. Manufacturer s warranty: 5 years (bad) 10 years (fair) 20 years (Better) Lifetime (best)
F. Local contractor qualifications: Properly licensed and insured Get references and at least 3 price quotes.
G. When getting a contractor: Never pay anything up front, read all contracts thoroughly before signing any paper work. Check with Better Business Bureau.
5 Things to consider prior to starting any replacement window project in order to eliminate the hassles of the project going bad.
Make sure and answer the below 5 questions about yourself and any contractor before starting your re-placement window project.
1. What is my experience in this type of project?
How experienced is the contractor in doing projects like mine? Is he a specialist in this type of project, or will he be using my home as a learning process?
2. Who will be doing the actual work?
Will the individual you're talking to do the work himself, or will he be contracting the work out?
3. What happens to the initial bid if changes are necessary during the installation?
Is there a change provision written in the contract? Read the contract carefully several times before signing.
4. Am I ready to be flexible if the unexpected happens? Most qualified contractors are very people friendly and considerate of your concerns, treat him or her likewise.
5. How do I feel about working with this contractor? Do I trust him or her?
If you have any doubts, don't act until you are completely satisfied that you are making the right decision.
There are numerous window manufacturers and a large variety of qualities and designs to be looked at, some good, some bad, and some very ugly.
Most home owners have little or no knowledge of what to look for when it comes to the basics of quality re-placement windows and doors. Below are several things you should consider before purchasing.
A. Material/s used in manufacturing: vinyl (good), wood (good if outside is wrapped with vinyl or aluminum skin), fiber glass (good) and aluminum (not good).
B. Glass: Single pane (not good) - Double pane (good) - Triple pane (excellent).
C. Thermal qualities: Low E coating (good) - Low E and Argon gas (better) Heat Mirror (best).
D. Quality and performance rating: Energy Star rated (good) not rated (bad).
E. Manufacturer s warranty: 5 years (bad) 10 years (fair) 20 years (Better) Lifetime (best)
F. Local contractor qualifications: Properly licensed and insured Get references and at least 3 price quotes.
G. When getting a contractor: Never pay anything up front, read all contracts thoroughly before signing any paper work. Check with Better Business Bureau.
5 Things to consider prior to starting any replacement window project in order to eliminate the hassles of the project going bad.
Make sure and answer the below 5 questions about yourself and any contractor before starting your re-placement window project.
1. What is my experience in this type of project?
How experienced is the contractor in doing projects like mine? Is he a specialist in this type of project, or will he be using my home as a learning process?
2. Who will be doing the actual work?
Will the individual you're talking to do the work himself, or will he be contracting the work out?
3. What happens to the initial bid if changes are necessary during the installation?
Is there a change provision written in the contract? Read the contract carefully several times before signing.
4. Am I ready to be flexible if the unexpected happens? Most qualified contractors are very people friendly and considerate of your concerns, treat him or her likewise.
5. How do I feel about working with this contractor? Do I trust him or her?
If you have any doubts, don't act until you are completely satisfied that you are making the right decision.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Monday, 16 February 2009
How to Tank a WetRoom
There is nothing worse than having a great luxury wet room that ends up leaking and causing dampness. The following guide is how the professionals tank a wet room. And tank to you and me is waterproof.
Walls
Start by applying a primer called keraprimer on a clean dry surface i.e. plaster board. Dilute primer 1:1 with water and let it dry for at least 1 hour before waterproofing with a latex/fibreglass material called kerafibre.
Stir the kerafibre well before use and use reinforced material in corners, junctions and over screw heads, brush kerafiber over the tape and make sure it is thoroughly wet. On pipe inlets use reinforcement tape (cut out hole) press the patch in fresh kerafiber and brush kerafiber over to ensure it is wet. Apply the first coat of kerafiber on the entire wall area then let it dry for at least 4 hours before applying the second coat. Kerafiber changes to a darker colour when dry.
Apply the second coat of kerafiber and let it dry for 6-12 hours before tiling. Check the thickness of the coat and apply extra kerafiber on thin or porous spots then allow to dry again. The amount of kerafiber required min. 0.6 1/m2 and min.coat thickness o.4 mm.
Start tilling from the second lowest row of tiles, and at least 10cm from the floor. Fix the tiles on the wall with superfix tile adhesive.
Floors
Apply keraprimer on a clean dry surface; dilute the primer 1:1 with water. Use reinforcement tape at corners, junctions and over screw heads brush kerafiber over the tape and make sure it is thoroughly wet.
Use reinforcement material crosslaid to seal the floor drain. Brush one sheet on the floor with kerafiber then brush the other one crosswise onto the first one brush well with kerafiber as well.
Apply kerafiber around the floor drain (40x40cm) and turn the double reinforcing sheet onto the drain. Apply a coat of kerafiber on the entire area and let dry for at least 2 hours, (kerafiber changes colour as it dries).
Apply a second coat of kerafiber and let dry for 6-12 hours before tiling. Check the thickness of the coat and apply extra kerafiber on thin or porous spots. Allow to dry. The amount of kerafiber is 0.8 1/m2 and min and the coat thickness should be 0.5mm.
Once it is dry cut out hole for floor drain. Make sure the diameter of hole is at least 40mm shorter than the diameter of the drain. This ensures the brim of the hole reaches the seal of the floor drain. The kerafiber coat must be at least 1.5mm thick around the drain.
Press a compatible tension ring carefully to the floor drain and cut off any extra membrane from under the tension ring. Brush kerafiber over the entire floor area, up to the tension ring seal tension ring/drain junction with silicone.
Fix the tiles on the floor with superfix tile adhesive. Fill the joints with tile adhesive wait 15-30 minutes and wash excess grout off tiles with a sponge. Wring the sponge well as excess water can discolour the joints.
Clean off excess grout and use silicone on all seams and corners. Leave for 24 hours to dry completely. Floor heating can be used gradually after a week from the joint sealing.
Walls
Start by applying a primer called keraprimer on a clean dry surface i.e. plaster board. Dilute primer 1:1 with water and let it dry for at least 1 hour before waterproofing with a latex/fibreglass material called kerafibre.
Stir the kerafibre well before use and use reinforced material in corners, junctions and over screw heads, brush kerafiber over the tape and make sure it is thoroughly wet. On pipe inlets use reinforcement tape (cut out hole) press the patch in fresh kerafiber and brush kerafiber over to ensure it is wet. Apply the first coat of kerafiber on the entire wall area then let it dry for at least 4 hours before applying the second coat. Kerafiber changes to a darker colour when dry.
Apply the second coat of kerafiber and let it dry for 6-12 hours before tiling. Check the thickness of the coat and apply extra kerafiber on thin or porous spots then allow to dry again. The amount of kerafiber required min. 0.6 1/m2 and min.coat thickness o.4 mm.
Start tilling from the second lowest row of tiles, and at least 10cm from the floor. Fix the tiles on the wall with superfix tile adhesive.
Floors
Apply keraprimer on a clean dry surface; dilute the primer 1:1 with water. Use reinforcement tape at corners, junctions and over screw heads brush kerafiber over the tape and make sure it is thoroughly wet.
Use reinforcement material crosslaid to seal the floor drain. Brush one sheet on the floor with kerafiber then brush the other one crosswise onto the first one brush well with kerafiber as well.
Apply kerafiber around the floor drain (40x40cm) and turn the double reinforcing sheet onto the drain. Apply a coat of kerafiber on the entire area and let dry for at least 2 hours, (kerafiber changes colour as it dries).
Apply a second coat of kerafiber and let dry for 6-12 hours before tiling. Check the thickness of the coat and apply extra kerafiber on thin or porous spots. Allow to dry. The amount of kerafiber is 0.8 1/m2 and min and the coat thickness should be 0.5mm.
Once it is dry cut out hole for floor drain. Make sure the diameter of hole is at least 40mm shorter than the diameter of the drain. This ensures the brim of the hole reaches the seal of the floor drain. The kerafiber coat must be at least 1.5mm thick around the drain.
Press a compatible tension ring carefully to the floor drain and cut off any extra membrane from under the tension ring. Brush kerafiber over the entire floor area, up to the tension ring seal tension ring/drain junction with silicone.
Fix the tiles on the floor with superfix tile adhesive. Fill the joints with tile adhesive wait 15-30 minutes and wash excess grout off tiles with a sponge. Wring the sponge well as excess water can discolour the joints.
Clean off excess grout and use silicone on all seams and corners. Leave for 24 hours to dry completely. Floor heating can be used gradually after a week from the joint sealing.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Small Businesses Tax Consultant
Finding a tax consultant can sometimes be a difficult process if you have not had to engage an tax consultant previously. Many small and new businesses make the mistake of completing their own tax returns in the early years. Often a Tax consultant can save tax in areas that individuals would not be aware of – this is money well spent.
There are few things more stressful than not having a good grasp on your finances and feeling unable to approach your tax consultant. So its important to get a good one; here are some tips on choosing an tax consultant for your business:
1) Try and choose a tax consultant before you start your business as they will be able to add value at the early stage.
2) Don't accept a bad service from your tax consultant. You deserve better. If you change tax consultants your new tax consultant will deal with the handover so if you are getting bad advice or service then change.
3) Ensure your tax consultant works with small business clients and has experience in various sectors.
4) Ask what other services the tax consultant provide - do they provide business advice, can they do accountancy or have they contacts to help grow your business?
5) Get a fixed fee, paid monthly with unlimited telephone support so you won't be afraid to call them when you need to them.
6) Go with your gut feeling, if you don't think you will be able to get on with the tax consultant after the initial meeting then you probably won't.
7) Ask for testimonials. A good tax consultant won't mind if you talk to other clients.
8) Make sure your tax consultant keeps in regular contact with your business - not just at year end! They can hep and advise on capital purchases throughout the year.
9) Sometimes its best to have an tax consultant who has a smaller practice as they understand what it's like running a small business also they won't be tempted to pass your work onto the junior staff.
10) Make sure your tax consultant is fully qualified, for example as a certified or chartered tax consultant. Ask them what qualification they hold and check with the qualifying body.
McNamara Associates are Accountants and Tax Consultants based in Dublin. They offer a full service practice.
There are few things more stressful than not having a good grasp on your finances and feeling unable to approach your tax consultant. So its important to get a good one; here are some tips on choosing an tax consultant for your business:
1) Try and choose a tax consultant before you start your business as they will be able to add value at the early stage.
2) Don't accept a bad service from your tax consultant. You deserve better. If you change tax consultants your new tax consultant will deal with the handover so if you are getting bad advice or service then change.
3) Ensure your tax consultant works with small business clients and has experience in various sectors.
4) Ask what other services the tax consultant provide - do they provide business advice, can they do accountancy or have they contacts to help grow your business?
5) Get a fixed fee, paid monthly with unlimited telephone support so you won't be afraid to call them when you need to them.
6) Go with your gut feeling, if you don't think you will be able to get on with the tax consultant after the initial meeting then you probably won't.
7) Ask for testimonials. A good tax consultant won't mind if you talk to other clients.
8) Make sure your tax consultant keeps in regular contact with your business - not just at year end! They can hep and advise on capital purchases throughout the year.
9) Sometimes its best to have an tax consultant who has a smaller practice as they understand what it's like running a small business also they won't be tempted to pass your work onto the junior staff.
10) Make sure your tax consultant is fully qualified, for example as a certified or chartered tax consultant. Ask them what qualification they hold and check with the qualifying body.
McNamara Associates are Accountants and Tax Consultants based in Dublin. They offer a full service practice.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Thursday, 27 November 2008
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