Irish Sash Windows

Now that may sound like a bridge too far for most but just think about it for a while after all DIY does stand for “Do it yourself” right! You’ve probably done most other home improvements around your home so why should you be afraid to replace your own sliding sash windows and more importantly why on earth would you consider paying someone else to do it, when you could easily replace your own windows if you put your mind to it. DIY double glazing, ok lets run through the basics firstly you must measure your existing window to make sure the one you are replacing it with will actually fit even if you measured it originally to place the order. Always check your sizes before you rip-out the old window. Ok your new window will fit you are now faced with the task of taking out your old window. The Rip-out The first thing to do is remove all the opening sashes depending on the window type in your home, you will probably be left with one or two fixed panes of glass these will also need to removed to do this simply cut through the frame section around the glass and remove allowing you to access the glass pane, once removed you will be left with just the outer frame, cut the outer frame out and your ready to fit your new window. Ok I know there’s a little more to it than that but that is the basics. The Fit The fit is the easy part, just make sure your frame is nice and level and plumb although if you live in a very old house your walls or your internal plaster lines may not be level or plumb in which case it is sometimes better to fit your window slightly out of square to make it look right in the opening. You may think this would make the opener catch and you would probably be right depending on how much out of square the whole thing was, but there is way to combat this and make sure your window never catches the procedure for this is called toe & heeling which is paramount when glazing side hung sashes. Glazing Glazing can be tricky but is very easy to master as is the toe & heeling procedure once you know how of course I not going to go into too much detail here on this but the rick is to firm and precise when tapping home the glazing beads. I see too many fools really hammering the beads far too hard then loosing their heads when the beads won’t go in, they won’t go in because the bead as been kinked on the back edge from being hammered in too hard so be aware of this when glazing upvc double glazing. Sealing Sealing is an art in itself but can be easily mastered the most simplest trick to keep the sealer straight on the frame is to use masking tape but the tape won’t stop the bumps bubbles or gaps you may create that’s all in the application.

Finding a Tax Consultant for Small Businesses

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.

Wet Rooms in the UK

I was having a conversation with someone last week and they were telling me about the wet room they have planned for their house.  I was stumped, I had no idea what a wet room was.

Well now I know.  A wet room is just like a walk in shower, or really it is a walk in shower.  Now I know and it can be added to my 43 things.  I have just come back from holiday, and we liked staying in Holiday Inns – their bathrooms are like this.  They have tiled under-floor heating, a drain in the floor – so that water can run anywhere while you are using the bath or shower.

Wonder if my landlord would spring for this?

Ring of Kerry

The county of Kerry is known colloquially as the Kingdom and it is found in the extreme south-west of the island in the province of Munster. Kerry is the fifth largest of Ireland’s counties and it shares boundaries with just Cork and Limerick. It remains as one of Ireland’s premier tourist destinations boasting such breath-taking natural attractions as the Lakes of Killarney (within Killarney National Park), the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, and the spectacular Dingle Peninsula.

The tip of the Dingle Peninsula is the most westerly point in both mainland Ireland and Europe. This area was selected as the set location for the award-winning classic film Ryan’s Daughter. Immaculately clean beaches, such as the Inch Strand, beckon visitors along with an often surprisingly mild climate. Visitors can investigate many other surprising attractions such as Valentia Island (accessible by road), Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace and even Charlie Chaplin’s favourite holiday resort of Waterville.

The county town is Tralee, the home of the eternally delightful and unique Rose of Tralee festival. Nearby, Fenit, the port of Tralee, can claim to be the most westerly commercial shipping port in Europe. Other interesting towns within Kerry include Abbeydorney, Anascaul, Ardfert, Ballybunion, Ballyduff, Ballyheigue, Ballylongford, Beaufort, Brosna, Cahirsiveen, Castlegregory, Castleisland, Causeway, Cromane, Glenbeigh Gneevgullia, Kenmare, Kilgarvan, Killorglin, Knightstown (on Valentia Island), Listowel, Lixnaw, Milltown, Newtownsandes Moyvane, Rathmore, Sneem, Spa, and Tarbert.

Thinking about moving to Ireland or maybe wondering where to go and stay on a visit to the Emerald Isle? Irish County Guides to help with tips and places to go in order to make your stay in Ireland more pleasurable and to suit your needs.

Travel Ireland

Budget travel packages give you an estimate of your costs before you start your journey. It includes everything from airfare to accommodations, and food to sightseeing tours. Ireland offers adventure tours, water sports and other services to meet your vacation requirements. You can also go for rental cars and go on a drive with your partner.

The travel budgets are flexible and can stretch to meet your needs. You are given a prearranged list among which you can make a pick on the type of travel budget you want to opt for, along with the different facilities and requirements you would like to have during the trip. The tension-free trip rejuvenates your senses and let you take full pleasure of your precious time out with your family. So if you are planning a trip to Ireland to admire its splendid beauty, all you need to do is take your pick of travel budgets and know that everything else is taken care of. Then you just have to sit back during the trip and enjoy the day and nights of your vacation.

The best holidays in Ireland are walking in ireland holidays.

I used a long lens for this photo, it was taken from the Dublin Mountains on the way home from Glendalough.  I usually travel back into the city by way of Sally Gap, for me it is the most scenic, then I get to where this photo was taken and know that I will be home shortly.