13 Mar 2013 10:20 AM:

The Energy Certificates (BER Cert) were introduced in Ireland a few years ago.   The cost of a survey and cert is now 100 euro including VAT reduced form an initial cost of 250 euro.. 

Of the 1.6 million homes about 300,000 have been surveyed.

The reasons for obtaining a cert are if  the property is  to be let or sold  or if the property is being upgraded in order to qualify for a grant.  ( then 2 surveys are required one before work starts and one when work is completed)

There is a 4000 euro grant available for exterior insulation , 200 for loft insulation and about 600 if the boiler and radiators are upgraded to a more efficient type. 

For some reasonthe BER cert is only valid for 10 years.

Thread: Energy Performance Certificates come to Spain

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17 Jan 2013 4:25 PM:

I have used a vodafone dongle , works well for me.

When you buy the dongle it includes 3 months access  but with  1 GB limit

 

Then it's 25 euro  for 30 days access and 1 GB or about 20 euro fo 500MB.

As with all sim cards in Spain, identifaction is required  but with vodafone  it is necessary to top up at least once in about 9 months.

 

 

 

Thread: Dongle

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07 Jan 2013 4:34 PM:

 

Speaking to someone else is great way to practice what you have learned,

But you still have to continue using a study method. 

 I use    www.conversationexchange.com

 

Anyone learning spanish and willing to help someone with english  would be very popular on these sites

 

Thread: Online Language Help

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06 Jan 2013 7:32 PM:

 I would be inclined to make the pool a bit  longer if you can and also  I think that 1.2 metres is sufficient for the deep end. I would also consider including an overflow pipe to cater for your vacant winter periods and an automatic filling system for the summer.

The running costs can be kept to a minimum by cleaning the pool yourself and the amount of chemicals used would be based on the amount of use  of the pool.  As Kathyslad said in a previous post the cost of chemicals is not as expensive as you would imagine .

If you want a gardener / pool maintenance man for the periods that you are not at the villa .

Some people offer a service of very basic maintenance for the period that you are away and a clean up of the garden and pool just before you arrive back.  This would involve a quick check each week and then a good clean before you arrive  for about 120 euros for 8 weeks

Thread: Building a swimming pool advice

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06 Jan 2013 7:12 PM:

As far as  I am aware it is already law in Ireland and Portugal. It is only available to non EU citizens and purchasers are entitled to a passport. This allows the purchaser to enter the EU without the  need to obtain a  a visa .

Thread: Can someone confirm Automatic Residency with a 160k euros purchase?

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