Autumn Home Improvement Guide 2019

TOPIC NEWSPAPERS’

AUTUMN HOME

2019

IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

32

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 10 October, 2019

AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2019

Lakeland Plumbing USEFUL TIPS FOR & Heating Ltd. FRANK DARBY Woodlands, Mullingar

Tel: 044 9343497 Mob: 086 2519253 E: frankdarby28@gmail.com

DECORATING

Whether you’ve just moved or are looking for a quick, little home pick-me-up, or perhaps something more significant, there are some well-known interior design tricks that designers employ that you too can easily do with minimal effort and cost. Sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. It could be the addition of a mirror, a painting, a lamp or even a plant. Maybe you want to soften your walls, brighten a room, or add some warmth to your living space. Take a look at these clever design tips and see how they can inspire you!

1. Paint smaller rooms in softer, lighter colours to help make the room feel larger

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A small room has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light coloured walls and ample use of mirrors not only reflect the natural light pouring in from the doors and the windows but use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colours will make a room feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the strategic placement of the mirrors, rooms

in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.

2. Use decorative mirrors to add instant light to your living space As mentioned, mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms, or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light.

Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space.

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3. Mix it up.

Mix up patterns and textures. Mix up old and new, expensive and inexpensive.

There’s nothing wrong with placing family heirlooms alongside your modern couch. All good interior decorators will tell you that the most important aspect to decorating your home is that it reflects who you are, your personality and your style. The antique Chippendale desk that was your grandfather’s tells a story. It tells the story of your past.

The modern couch you fell in love with and simply had to purchase also tells a story, your present story, and there is no reason why the present and past can’t co- exist beautifully together. The same can be said for art. Now you might not want to place a painting by Salvador Dali on the same wall next to a Monet, but there’s no reason why they can’t be in the same room together. With fabrics whether it be furniture, rugs or pillows, varied colours and patterns can bring warmth and texture into your living space.

4. Slip into something a little more comfortable!

Slip covers often get a bad rap but they are truly wonderful things. They can serve as a means of changing your furniture’s look to reflect the seasons.

These easily removed coverings allow you to have a sophisticated look without constantly worrying about people dirtying or spilling on your furniture.

Slip covers are ideal for rooms used frequently by children. Above the white slip-covered couches gives the air of a casual, comfortable, easy yet sophisticated elegance.

5. Wicker baskets Wicker baskets are an economical and elegant way to add storage to any room.

Baskets can be used to store and display books, architectural and decor magazines, toys, towels and blankets to name a few. Place a couple of small wicker baskets on the counter-tops in your kitchen to beautifully display and store your fruit and vegetables.

6. Use what you already have to decorate We all have items in our possession, probably packed up in boxes some where and haven’t given them a second glance. Your home needs some accessories. Instead of running to the store, take a good look at what you already have.

Trays, wooden, acrylic, metal or silver can be placed on top of luggage racks, tea carts, trunks, bedside tables and coffee tables for extra texture and dimension.

Arrange candles on them, frames or pile books on top of them. Plates can be hung to create wonderful wall art.

Art from children’s books can be framed and hung in nurseries, children’s rooms or their bathrooms. You will be amazed at what you can do with what you already have!

7. Add a hanging pot holder to your kitchen Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting. We spend much of our time in them whether it be for preparing meals, serving meals or entertaining. A hanging pot rack is useful elegance. Kitchens are meant to feel as though they are in constant use and a hanging pot rack certainly makes one feel this way. In addition to looking so wonderful, (there are many sizes and styles available) additional cupboard space below is now freed up to store other items. Seldom has anyone

complained of having too much storage.

8. Go green Add plants to your living space. Add them to every room, small or large, few or many. Plants are an inexpensive means to accessorising your space and adding colour and texture. Not only are plants beautiful but many can clean household air and balance humidity.

They can absorb pollutants and remove harmful gases from the air. No home should be without these wonderful greens!

9. Paint or wallpaper your bookcases This instant pop of colour will brighten and re-energize any room! It’s amazing how something so simple as a coat of colourful paint can instantly energise and transform your space. A built-in bookcase would be simple and ordinary without the bright blue interior. Perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive way to transform a boring space is to apply a coat of paint somewhere unexpected. Bookcases are an ideal place to start because you don’t need to paint a large area. Other fun places to add a pop of colour include painting fireplace mantels, the insides of closets, hallways and ceilings.

10. Use area rugs to soften hardwood floors Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, colour and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space. Use several of varying patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same colour. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons using warmer tones and fabrics for cooler months and lighter ones for the warmer days of the year. There are many lovely cotton, washable area rugs which are ideal for those homes with children.

There really is no reason why a home with young children cannot also be a stylish one.

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 10 October, 2019

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Lakeland Interiors

Estd.

1999

New Showroom Now Open - Custom Kitchens - Sliding Wardrobes - Glass & Mirrors - Windows & Doors (Agent for Palladio Doors)

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HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 10 October, 2019

AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2019

SEAMUS FOY & SONS BUILDING CONTRACTORS

One of the wisest decisions a homeowner can make is to make sure that their home is properly insulated. With new and generous grants available to help with installation costs, now is the best time to act, as the majority of people are looking to renovate their homes rather than moving to a new one.

With a passion for delivering the highest satisfaction to customers across the country, Seamus Foy & Sons have been providing construction services for over thirty years.

As featured on RTÉ’s Room to Improve recently and years of experience, combined with attention to detail, have helped establish Seamus Foy & Sons reputation as one of the leading building contractors in Ireland. The company employs highly skilled tradesmen and all work complies with the highest industry standards.

New builds come natural to Seamus Foy & Sons Building Contractors, and they offer

INSULATING

complete ownership of a new build from the groundwork to turning the key in your new front door. Their expertise and professionalism has afforded Seamus Foy & Co the opportunity to create some of Ireland’s

most beautiful homes and great acclaim in their field.

Give Seamus Foy & Sons Building Contractors a call now on 087-2868700 or 046-9739171, or visit their website www.seamusfoyconstruction.com.

There are a lot of benefits to insulating your home for a start it is a sensible investment of your money.

By installing cavity wall and internal dry lining insulation its possible to save a substantial amount each year. For cavity wall insulation a grant up to €400 is available where as

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99% loan approval rate 1800 23 24 25 | welcome@clcu.ie Loans are subject to approval. Terms & conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may affect your ability to access credit in the future. Loan amounts and 99% approval rate based on figures from 2018.

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internal dry lining there are grants available from €1,600 for an apartment up to €1,800 for a detached house.

You may also reduce your heating costs by around 50% with insulation. Half the heat that you put into your home can be lost through the walls and loft area. Cavity wall and loft insulation are the most effective energy efficiency measures you can take. The central heating won’t be used as much and your home will retain more heat, and keep it in for longer.

Your home will also warm up faster and cool down more slowly.

By installing the proper insulation, your home is more energy efficient. This is a clear advantage nowadays, if you are looking to sell your home as it makes your house more attractive to potential buyers. And having an energy efficient home will not only be beneficial if you are looking to

sell, it will also help protect the environment.

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TOPIC • 10 October, 2019

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AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2019

YOUR HOME IS ESSENTIAL lated chances are you are going to be burning a lot more solid fuels, which not only cost more money, but the add to your carbon footprint which isn’t a good thing for the environment.

Having your home insulated will keep the heat in for longer during those cold winter months so it’s certainly worth the investment. With grants available from the SEAI there is no excuse to be making an unhealthy impact on the environment by not insulating your home.

Get passive aggressive

Growing numbers of people everywhere, including Ireland and the UK, are now aiming to decrease carbon emissions and trying to protect the ozone layer. The carbon emissions are generated, amongst other things, from the burning of solid fuels. Installing insulation will help reduce the need for such fuels, and in turn reduce your carbon footprint, which should be a goal for every homeowner. It also helps to reduce your ordinary fuel bills, if you burn oil or have some other fuel and heating sources.

The Irish Government, through the SEAI (sustainable energy authority of Ireland) are doing all they can to encourage people to improve the energy performance of their homes by helping reduce the cost of installing a variety of upgrade measures. Home Energy Grants provide assistance to people who are are trying to reduce energy use, cost and greenhouse gas emissions. The overall objective of these grants is to support homeowners in making intelligent choices to help improve their carbon footprint. It also encourages homeowners to reduce energy use, costs and green house gas emissions. The scheme also helps build market capacity and competence making the standard and quality of contractors rise in the current market. The incentive is in the form of a cash grant, which are fixed irrespective of home size, though where actual expenditure is lower than the grant value only the lower amount will be paid.

Modern eco-friendly home benefits Having a home that is energy efficient has a lot of benefits to homeowners. To begin, it gives you a sense of pride, it helps save the environment, it makes your house more attractive to potential buyers if you are selling, and it saves you so much money! There are a lot of eco friendly projects to consider so here’s a round up of the best!

Insulate Adding insulation is a great way to keep your home warm and cozy for a lot less money. If your home isn’t properly insu-

Fully passive houses do not need fossil fuels and can manage with renewable energy only. The SEAI has detailed guides to passive house standards, and includes the design process involved . You can still benefit from some passive housing principals without having to tear down your entire house and start again. Consider moving the rooms you use the most often such as the kitchen to the side of the house that gets the most sun for example.

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Eco Windows If you have single glazed windows you could be losing as much as 20% of the energy for which you are paying. Double glazing, or even triple glazing your windows is much more effective.

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Heating It’s worth your while looking into alternative heating options such as bioethanol fireplaces or wood pellet stoves, these are much cleaner than the traditional fireplaces.

There are a few different options to look at, the first being solar panels. These usually pay for themselves over time, on average in about ten to fifteen years. If

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you get the right solar panel system it could potentially power as much as 60% of your hot water needs. There are approximately €5,000 to install with the SEAI giving a grant of €800. Heat pumps are another route you can look into. These also pay for themselves over a span of ten to fifteen years.

A geothermal heat pump system costs between €12,000 - €15,000, while an air to water heat pump costs €8,000 - 210,000 to be installed. In particular the latter options are suited to retrofits as they require minimal disruption. The last option is remote control heating (Climote, Nest, Hive). It can save you up to €350 a year on heating bills.

You can even use your smartphone to programme your heating remotely.

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HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 10 October, 2019

AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2019

KC MAINTENANCE - MULLINGAR

JOE KEELAN

Windows and Door Repairs Locks, Hinges, Handles Double Glazed Units Restrictors - Patio Door Locks Prop.

087 2766416

1 Glenmore Wood, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

THE KITCHEN -

Giving your kitchen a new look doesn’t have to cost much or take a lot of time. There are simple and inexpensive things you can do that will improve things and make it look much better, and more user friendly.

PAINT

Paint is the easiest way to change the way your kitchen looks. A lighter colour will brighten it up and make it look bigger.

Painting your cabinets and drawers is another simple way to improve your kitchen. To make the job easier, remove all of the handles and hinges from your cupboards and drawers before you start. If possible, bring in a cupboard door to the paint shop and find out what kind of paint would best suit the surface that you’re painting.

Preparation is important so sugar soap your walls and any surfaces before you start painting.

COUNTERTOPS As well as being cheaper,

laminate countertops are easy to clean and will resist scratching and staining.

Being light, they’re easy to install and come in a range of colours, styles and finishes including granite, marble, riverstone and timber.

HANDLES Changing the handles on your cupboards and drawers is another way to update the look of your kitchen. They come in a range of styles to match

your décor.

Doorknobs are easy to replace and attach because they usually only have one hole. If you’re replacing handles, make sure the holes on the new handles are in the same location as the old ones. The best way to make sure you get the right fit is by bringing your old handles into the store.

TAPS Replacing your old taps is an easy way to make your kitchen look more modern.

There are a variety of different styles to choose from, ranging from flick mixers to taps that have hoses that are fully flexible and retractable. Make sure your tap is high enough, so you can get large pots in and out of the sink.

TILES AND SPLASHBACKS Tiles not only add colour to your kitchen but glazed tiles are easy to clean and maintain. They come in a

SWITCH AND SAVE WITH NEW STAR FINANCIAL SERVICES Can you get a better rate on your current mortgage? Chances are, you probably can and now is the time to switch and save.

If you’re an existing mortgage holder and your mortgage is not in a negative equity situation, you may well be able to avail of a much better mortgage rate with a new lender and be paid handsomely for moving your mortgage. With low fixed rates now available from 2.30% for short term rates to 2.99% for seven year fixed rates, now is the time to plan ahead before rates start creeping up.

WHY SWITCH? SAVE IMMEDIATELY If you have previously been on a fixed rate and are now on a bank’s standard variable rate, monthly savings will be immediate and substantially lower that your current repayment. Worth considering before Christmas!

BETTER LOAN TO VALUE With house prices creeping up across many counties, homeowners often have increased levels of equity due to rising house prices and from having repaid their mortgage for three years or more. A lower loan to value ratio

often means a lower mortgage rate, so increased savings.

SWITCH AND RELEASE If you are considering home improvements that will add value to your home, it is worth considering switching your existing mortgage to a new lender and releasing equity to cover the costs. Full costings will be required and a maximum LTV applies.

If you would like to find out just how easy it would be to switch, what paperwork would be required and would prefer to delegate all the work to a qualified mortgage broker, then talk to New Star Financial Services on 044-9335443.

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AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2019

CENTRAL TO EVERY HOME range of colours and styles and borders can be used vertically or horizontally to create patterns.

Splashbacks are more than just a feature in the kitchen; they protect your walls from spills, splashes of food, water and oil. They come in a range of colours and are easy to install.

NEW DOORS

Replacing your kitchen cabinet doors won’t take long and will make an old kitchen look new. Cabinet doors come in a variety of colours, styles and sizes ranging from glass panels, wooden and coloured MDF. You may need to drill holes to attach the hinges and handles, so it’s worth asking for advice about

measurements before buying your new doors.

for cookbooks, there are a number of simple options.

SHELVING

NEW FLOORING

If you need more storage space in your kitchen, shelves are an easy option.

Whether it’s an adjustable spice rack for the back of the pantry door, under shelf storage racks or a wooden shelf on the wall

A new floor can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen.

There’s a wide range of floor coverings to choose from depending on you budget and taste.

The kitchen is a heavyduty traffic area that will have lots of things spilt on it, so choose your flooring to suit. There’s ceramic, terracotta or porcelain tiles, laminate or wooden or vinyl flooring. All of them are practical, durable and hardwearing.

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• Complete Property Services • Registered Electrical Contractors • Planned Maintenance • Reactive Maintenance Office: 044 9376730 Eddie Doyle: 087 6687739 • Brian Nugent: 087 9654916 info@dngroup.ie • www.dngroup.ie

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TOPIC • 10 October, 2019

AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2019

MAXIMISE LIGHTING IN THE How to make the most of natural light in your home

Mullingar Landscaping • New Lawns • Fencing / Walls • Garden Clean Ups Competitive Rates

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Increasing the amount of natural light in your home can actually

reduce your heating and lighting costs. It also makes rooms

seem bigger and more inviting.

Here are some simple and inex-

pensive ways to get more natural light into your home.

WINDOWS, CURTAINS AND BLINDS

On sunny days, open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.

Replacing heavy curtains with a lighter or see-through material helps to let in more light during the day and keeps in the heat at night.

Aluminium or wooden venetian blinds and vertical blinds come in a range of colours and let you control the amount of light that comes in. By angling the blinds, you direct the sunlight to where you want it.

And if you’re building or renovating, make sure that you design your windows to be taller rather than wider, which lets in more light.

MIRRORS Use mirrors to reflect natural light and open up small spaces like hallways. Placing a mirror opposite a window that gets good light will make a room sunnier.

As well as hanging mirrors

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AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2019

HOME

on the wall, you can put them on your wardrobe door or on a desk behind flowers to create the feeling of more space.

Place your mirrors in a

number of rooms around the home to find out what reflects the most natural light, before permanently installing them.

• INTRUDER ALARMS • C.C.T.V. • ACCESS CONTROL

Parsonstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

Tel: 044 9372168 Mobile: 087 2538073 Email: info@keepsafealarms.ie Web: www.keepsafealarms.ie

There’s a big range - several dozen - of wood-pellet burning stoves available from Nextgen Energy Concepts, Coralstown, Kinnegad and there are a number of great benefits to be enjoyed when you choose a pellet burning stove over any other fuel burning appliance: CLEAN – Burning pellets produces far less carbon emissions in comparison to other fuels including oil, logs, and gas, thereby reducing your carbon footprint.

Ashes need taking out just once a fortnight and fuel needs to be added just once every two days.

EFFICIENT – Wood pellet stoves are becoming more and more energy efficient. Some of the more advanced systems have an efficiency rate of up to 95%, which is better than any alternative fuel burning heater. Wood pellets are considerably more

economical than either oil or gas when producing the same heat output.

STEADY PRICES – Wood pellets are cheap to buy and the great thing is that unlike all other fuel types, they do not experience dramatic price fluctuations throughout the year. With more stable prices, it is easier to plan for the costs of having a pellet stove. They are also widely available across the country, so getting hold of pellets, even in an emergency isn’t difficult.

Cost of running is approximately €5 per day, and you can get pallets of pellets delivered from your local supplier, which are homegrown and locally produced in Portlaoise.

Next Gen provide excellent back up with fourteen years experience.

SIMPLE TO USE – If you have

ever used another form of heater, you will find that it is easy to make the switch from your old heater to a pellet stove. There is not a lot to their operation, so even if you don’t have the instruction manual for the pellet stove, you will find that you will be able to operate it with no problem. You can even run them via an app on your phone.

CONTROLLABLE – Pellet stoves are completely controllable thanks to heat settings and fan speed settings. Turning the heat down means that you will be able to use the pellets more slowly and turning the fan down will enable you to enjoy a more comfortable heat. If you are sitting in the same room as the pellet stove, you will be able to turn down the temperature so that the air is more pleasant.

FREE Measurement FREE Quotation

Give Mulleady’s a call to sort all your waste for you with ease.

Call 044-9347177, email info@mulleadys.com, or visit www.mulleadys.com.

Telephone Vincent on 086 2329778 to make appointment.

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O’Reilly & Son Painting & Decorating

Painting & Decorating Contractors

Phone: 087 968 2428 Merseydale, Townparks, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath City & Guild Qualified • Over 35 years experience

Mulleady’s has been serving local communities for over 25 years and provide a door to door wheelie bin collection service for households and businesses across Westmeath.

Offering a range of payment options to suit your needs, and 24/7 access to your own personalised account online or on the mobile app, Mulleady’s can also help you with the big

Bioethanol Fires Pellet Stoves Wood Pellet Heating Systems

- Commercial - Industrial - Domestic - Interior - Exterior

MULLEADY’S LTD

home clear out. Skip & Roll on Hire is a service provided for your home renovation or construction work, providing skips, skip bags, or large scale roll ons.

Drop your small and bulky items into the Civi Amenity and Bring Centre, where Mulleady’s accept a large range of nonhazardous items such as general waste, recyclables, scrap metal, batteries, tyres, electrical, timber, construction, garden waste, and much more.

N

PELLET BURNING STOVES BRING MANY BENEFITS

LYNN PROVIDERS

BUILDING OR RENOVATING YOUR HOME? NEED NEW DOORS OR TIMBER FLOORS? contact

Suppliers of:

Quality Flooring And Beds Supplied and Fitted A Gorman Flooring and Beds provides an extensive range of branded flooring at unbeatable prices. We also supply Beds, Mattresses and Headboards with a bespoke manufacturing service. Extra long and extra wide bed frames and mattresses made to order. We offer a flooring design and fitting service across our Amtico Flooring and decorative flooring ranges.

10% OFF

• Timber doors • Door frames • Skirting and architrave • Ironmongery • Timber & laminate flooring • Stairs, Henley Stoves • Light Hardware • Gates and Decking • Windowboards • Cement and gas, etc.

Contact Billy Lynn, Rathconrath, Mullingar

087 2106418 / 044 9355411 lynnproviders@eircom.net Eircode: N91T654

CARPET AND LAMINATE WHEN YOU MENTION THIS ADVERT SHOWROOM: 044 934 0818 • Mobile: 087 987 3498 15 Austin Friars Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. info@agormanflooring.ie • www.agormanflooring.ie

Open: Mon to Fri 9.30am - 5.30pm, Sat: 10.00am - 5.00pm, Sun Closed.

TOPIC - BEST FOR ADVERTISING

40

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 10 October, 2019

SALES & SERVICES Midland Fire Prevention FIRE EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS Supply and service of Fire Extinguishers- Hose Reels Staff extinguisher training Fire Risk assessments Tel: 086 822 5384 Email: midlandfire@eircom.net

• PROPERTY OF THE WEEK •

KILTOOM CASTLEPOLLARD Co. WESTMEATH N91 KV76 Asking price: €130,000

A spacious semidetached three bedroom home with entrance hall, lounge, kitchen, bathroom, double and single bedrooms, shed, and much more.

King Auctioneers are delighted to present to the market this family home situated on approximately half an acre located just between Lough Derravaragh and

Tullynally Castle. This property is just 5km to Castlepollard, primary and secondary schools, bars, restaurants, local GAA clubs, churches, and much more.

The ground floor comprises a welcoming entrance hall which leads to a carpeted lounge with brick fireplace and Stanley solid fuel stove.

The kitchen comes with ample storage space at both floor and eye level.

A downstairs family bathroom comes with WC, wash hand basin, and bathtub.

Upstairs the property benefits

from two double bedrooms with pine flooring as well as a single bedroom.

This property is bright and spacious and is situated on an approximately 0.5 acre site. Outside is a 5x3m shed for outdoor storage, and has a large garden and with plenty of space to grow.

The residence is ready for new owners to put their own stamp on it.

DIRECTIONS From Castlepollard, take the R394 towards Mullingar, keeping right at the Y-junction before the petrol station onto Kinturk Avenue, taking the first left turn over Yellow River, the next right, and the property will be on the left hand side.

Viewing of this property comes highly recommended and to find out more about this property and many others like it, contact Eddie King Auctioneers on 044-9342707, or visit daft.ie, myHome.ie, or property.ie. You can also pop into King Auctioneers at their offices on 40 Pearse St, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

IPAV CALLS FOR MORTAGE SCHEMES TO BE EXTENDED IPAV, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers, has recently called on the Minister for Finance to extend the Help-to-Buy scheme, which was due to expire at the end of this year, for a further two years and to broaden its terms to include second-hand homes.

In a pre-budget submission to the Minister for Finance the organisation which represents 1,300 auctioneers and valuers is also calling for the 3.5 times loan-to-income threshold for mortgages to be increased to 4.5 times income, to ensure those on lower incomes who can afford mortgage repayments are able to access mortgage finance and not be forced into the rental market where rents far exceed the price of servicing a mortgage.

Pat Davitt IPAV Chief Executive said the Help-to-Buy scheme is a crucial intervention in the market, enabling people to acquire a first home in a very difficult market. And the 3.5 times loan-to-income threshold is too restrictive.

“Young people are severally disadvantaged in the current market. At a time when they are but starting in their careers large numbers of them are paying rents at levels way beyond the price of servicing a mortgage and are trying to save for a mortgage deposit at the same time, an impossible task for many. For those on incomes of €30,000 - €40,000 it is practically impossible to buy any form of property even though they can well afford to.

“There are properties available which they could afford but under the Central Bank rules they can only purchase a property in the range €105k - €140k.

There are very limited areas in which such properties are available. If this income cohort were allowed to borrow 4.5 times income they could have a lot more choice to suit their needs.

This would have the added advantage of freeing up more rental accommodation to others aspiring to rent. The obvious answer to any concern around affordability is the introduction by lenders of 10-15 year fixed interest mortgages, providing stability for all parties involved,” he said.

Mr Davitt said of the 30,875 applications for the Help-to-Buy scheme to the end of July the vast majority are purchasing homes in the €226,000 to €375,000 price brackets, largely in urban areas, with loan-to-value levels of 85pc and over.

“Historically home ownership has delivered personal wealth and security into old age for Irish people. However, the risk now with recent trends is that such wealth will pass to vulture funds and other institutional purchasers of developments,” he said. “In the current market the Help-to-Buy scheme is a beacon of light for young aspiring buyers very many of whom would not otherwise be able to purchase their own homes,” he said.

Home ownership rates in Ireland are falling from the high levels of over 80pc to 70pc today and could be expected to drop to 60pc in 10 years’ time, unless current policy changes,

IPAV warns in it pre-budget submission.

IPAV is also calling for the scheme to be extended to cover second hand homes, saying it would encourage a more natural movement in the market.

The Help-to-Buy scheme provides for a refund of Income Tax and DIRT paid over the previous four tax years, limited to a maximum of 5pc of the purchase price of a home up to a value of €500,000. The refund is capped at €20,000.

NEW TO THE MARKET New homes in Radharc an Mhuilinn, Killucan for €240,000. Qualify for First Time Buyers Grant.

- Eddie King Auctioneers - 0449342707

PROPERTIES WANTED Three and four bed properties in all areas of Mullingar, Collinstown, Delvin and Castlepollard - Sherry Fitzgerald Davitt and Davitt - 044-9340000 ***** House in Mullingar area in need of renovations for genuine buyer - Eddie King Auctioneers 044-9342707

PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING now available at

CRUISE WINDOWS AND DOORS 'A' Rated Windows and Doors Palladio Composite Doors Glass Replacement Window Repairs Locks, Handles, Hinges

Edenderry Vet Clinic 046 97 72700

FRIDGE & FREEZER REPAIRS DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Call Dean 044 9358900 086 2277425

087 6718394 cruisewindows@gmail.com

FAIRGREEN TV Fairgreen TV, The Green, Mullingar

044 9340471

YAMAHA DIGITAL KEYBOARDS now available from €429

Where is Eddie the Teddy?

Name: ................................................................

Address:............................................................

............................................................................

Tel:......................................................................

Answer:............................................................

Eddie the Teddy is hiding somewhere in these Sales & Services Pages, and if you find him, you can be in with a chance to win €20!

Just send in the name of the advert along with your name and address to: Eddie the Teddy Competition, Topic Newspapers Ltd., 6 Dominick Street, Mullingar and see if your name is picked out!

Closing Date: Monday 12.00pm

Last week’s winner was: Patrice O’Neill, Tore, Tyrrellspass

HOUSE&HOME

TOPIC • 10 October, 2019

41

SALES & SERVICES

Dunne & Nugent Ireland’s leading Blind and Curtain Manufacturers

UP TO 25% OFF BLINDS

Curtains Blinds Shutters FREE Home Consultation

Phone: 1800 70 70 30

“Let us beautify your home”

Designer Showroom at 24 Lough Sheever Park,Mullingar, Westmeath

044-9341444 044-9341728

Lakeland Taxis & Minibus Prop. Michael Fitzsimons Monkstown, Monilea, Mullingar

YOUR LOCAL FRIENDLY TAXI SERVICE Taxis, Wheelchair accessible vehicles and minibuses TRANSPORT FOR ALL OCCASIONS For competitive quote contact:

Cash For Cars ATTIC & GARAGE WE BUY YOUR UNWANTED CONVERSIONS • 087 2569380

E-mail: lakelandtaxis1@gmail.com

CARS/VANS/JEEPS/LORRIES

• IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT • LICENSED TO COLLECT, PROCESS AND DE-REGISTER END OF LIFE VEHICLES

Mullingar Car Dismantlers

044 93 43755

Call: 044 9348868

9411274

Curtains & Blinds Supplying made to measure Curtains, Roller Blinds, Wooden Venetian Blinds Roman Blinds & Shutters PEARSE STREET, MULLINGAR

044 93 43755

• Flyers • Business Cards • Docket Books • Posters • Programmes • Invitations • Tickets • Brochures and more

Call Martin: 087

JOE SHAW INTERIORS

When you need a part Get Smart Call Mullingar Car Dismantlers

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RENOVATIONS AND ALL CARPENTRY WORK TO THE HIGHEST SPEC

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call Joe for an appointment on 086 2603670

MIDLANDS ONLY FULLY ACCREDITED VTCT WIG THERAPIST

087 247 8282

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We hit the nail on the head Extensions / Renovations Roofing / General Carpentry

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www.hillportconstruction.ie info@hillportconstruction.ie