WHY ASTRAL?

We are Ireland’s no.1 home improvements company. We have been delivering great quality, value and service to our customers for many years.

                                                  15,000 Customers can’t be wrong

ASTRAL

We have been building our reputation for home improvements excellence one customer at a time, so if you want to transform your home, you can rely on us to do a great job.

Home improvements

We know your home is more than just a place to live; it is somewhere you are very proud of and reflects who you are. When the time comes to make changes, whether it is replacing windows and doors, adding a porch or Attic Conversion or even a Sun room, you will want to work with a company that operates to the highest standards. As the leading home improvements company in Ireland every job is important to us.

Every job we do is tailored to suit our customers. All our windows and doors are individually made and fit perfectly. We have more than 15,000 customers and are proud that 95% would recommend us to their friends. What better endorsement of the quality of our craftsmanship and service can there be?

Our Teams

Our teams of highly skilled and experienced craftspeople take exceptional pride in their work.  Whether it's in the design, or installation they pay great attention to detail

Guarantee

When it comes to guaranteeing our products, our word is our bond. Our products are built to last and carry a 10 year guarantee, but, if you need us, we will be there.

Maintenance Free

Maintenance free uPVC Windows that will not rot or need an annual coat of paint.

Energy efficient A rated fitted as standard

uPVC Windows that keep the cold out and the heat in and reduces your energy bills.

More secure Multi-point locking system, Secure By Design. Internally Glazed

Glazing

Triple Glazed as standard.

Contact us.

GET A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

Telephone: 018396546

Email: Fergus@astralhomeimprovements.ie

Visit our Web site: www.astralhomeimprovements.ie

There are many benefits of having a porch added to the front of your home. It acts as an additional layer of both security and insulation to the front door, and it’s a nice place to let people stand when you don’t quite want to leave them out in the rain, but you don’t exactly want to bring them into your house either.

What to Consider

While the size of the porch is the first thing that needs to be decided, the style of the porch needs to considered carefully as it needs to be in keeping with the existing aesthetic of your home. For those in semi-detached or terraced homes you need to be aware of your neighbours too if there is a shared wall to the garden.

No Cost, No Obligation Consultation and Quotation

We will come out to your house and size it up in a few moments and talk you through the options available.

CONTACT

Astral Home Improvements for your free Quote

01 8396584, Free Phone 1800 41 41 42

From time to time, we receive enquiries about the appearance of external condensation on glass.  This phenomenon is a natural occurrence and not a fault in the glass or window.

Moisture condenses out of the air onto a cold surface that is said to be below the dew point.  The dew point varies with the air temperature and the amount of moisture it contains.  Particularly in spring and autumn, the glass temperature can fall to a low level during the night and the dew point can be comparatively high in these seasons.  The glass temperature can be below the dew point under these conditions and moisture can condense onto the surface.

In order to save energy, maintain a comfortable internal environment and satisfy building regulations requirements, the windows we fit in our homes are much more thermally efficient than in the past.  With single glazing and older style double glazing, a large proportion of heat was lost to the outside through the glass.  With modern low emissivity glass, more of the heat is kept inside and the outer pane is not heated as much. 

The more thermally insulating the glass is, the lower the outer pane temperature is likely to be and the greater the risk of condensation on the external surface.  

There is not much that can be done to avoid the risk of condensation to the outside.  In many cases the condensation does not last long.  A little heat from the sun warms the outer glass enough to evaporate the moisture and a gentle breeze or wind will help.  

You may notice that not all of the panes are affected by early morning condensation, even in the same window.  Subtle differences in orientation and the position of objects outside the window can change the surface temperature of the glass to the point that one pane suffers and another does not.  Any object such as a canopy or tree blocking off the window to a clear night sky will also reduce the effect.

A plus point is the knowledge that your windows are keeping the heat in as they are designed to do, proving that you have a superior insulating glass product. 

Call us on our free phone 1800 41 41 42 for a free quote.

A Guide to Sunrooms

 Contrary to its given name, a sunroom should offer more to your home than a space to enjoy when the sun is out — especially as we only see a few days of sunshine a year. Different from a conservatory , a sunroom is a permanent structure that acts as a transitional space between the home and the garden. They offer plenty of light without being entirely made of glass — usually several elevations are fully or partly constructed of brick, blockwork or timber.

The Sunroom

As part of the design process, you’ll need to consider how the addition of a sunroom will impact on adjoining rooms. Modern living has meant that small, individual rooms have been traded in for larger open plan spaces, with the kitchen/family area now being the centre of the home. The 'Centre' is an ideal place to add a sunroom as a continuation of this space. But, whether you make the sunroom open plan to the kitchen, dining and living area for a natural progression into the garden, or close the sunroom off using connecting doors, the sunroom should feel like it has always been a part of the home.

Light from Above

Introducing natural light into the space will be one of the key considerations when planning your sunroom. There are several ways to bring natural light into the space from above, i.e. roof lights.

Building Materials

Depending on the design you choose, sunrooms most commonly are built of brick , glass or uPVC. Unlike conservatories, sunrooms mostly tend to have a conventional roof.

As a sunroom should be a structural addition to the home, the materials you use should either match or complement the existing building. Matching roof tiles, bricks  are all ways to make this new addition feel like part of the home

Opening Out

In your sunroom, how you enter the garden will be important. Which doors you choose, will depend on the style of your sunroom and how much light you intend to have entering the space.

If you’re going down the contemporary design route, bi-fold doors will be the ideal choice — offering full-height glazing and can often be opened back to provide uninterrupted views.

Traditional sunrooms, on the other hand, tend to favour French doors.

Will I Need Planning Permission?

Your sunroom extension will fall under Permitted Development so long as:

It is not higher than the existing roofIt does not extend beyond 3m for a semi-detached house, or 4m for a detached houseAny side extensions to be single storey with a maximum height of 4mOne of the problems with such rooms in the past was overheating in the summer and losing heat in the winter. For a sunroom that you can enjoy all year round, it is important to manage these problems by getting the design right from the outset. By insulating the walls and ceiling, and ensuring any glazing is thermally efficient, this will all aid in keeping the cold out. .

ORANGERIES

Imagine a new opening to the outside world..... These tend to differ from a conservatory principally because there is less glass used in their construction.The word orangery can be applied quite generally today but usually refers to a building with glazed sides, built on a brick or wood support, with a partially glazed roof. With their natural style and elegance, orangeries have become increasingly popular, particularly combined with their ongoing ease of maintenance and heating.

Contact Astral Home Improvements for a Free Quote today.

Is your attic a waste of space?

It doesn’t have to be you know. Most attics can be converted into some sort of functional area, be it for extra storage, a playroom for the kids, an office for yourself, or an extra bedroom

Astral Home Improvements, Dublin –

Competitive Prices

Fully Insured

Get a free quote now, you are in safe hands.

What to consider

There are many roof styles which can vary the size of your attic. Most important is the width and height of the space you wish to convert. The space to be converted will determine what type of room your attic may be suitable for. A number of other factors need to be considered including access to the converted room, electrical and/or plumbing requirements, whether planning permission is required or not...it can all sound a bit technical, but we can have a look around and within a few minutes give you good run down of your possible options.

No Cost, No Obligation consultation and quotation

Our Advice is free of charge, so get in touch and we will give you a breakdown of what’s possible and at what cost. Call our Free Phone 1800 41 41 42 for a free quote.

When do I need Planning Permission?

In general terms you need planning permission for any development of land or property unless the development is specifically exempted from this need. Development includes the carrying out of works (building, demolition, alteration) on land or buildings and the making of a material (i.e. significant) change of use of land or buildings.

When extending my home what is considered exempt development?

The basic rule is that you can extend your property without planning permission once the extension (or total number of extensions) is less than 40 sq. metres. To be exempt the extension must be at the back of the house and must be not less than 2 metres from any party boundary. There are also rules about the height allowed depending on the design of your extension. Attic extensions may be exempt but if you want dormer windows or windows to the front or side of the roof then you must get planning. You can’t build an extension to the side of your house without planning permission but you can convert your garage to living accommodation without planning.

Can I build a Front Porch?

You can build a porch without planning permission, as long as it does not exceed 2 square metres in area and is more than 2 metres from any public road or footpath. Where the porch has a tiled or slated pitched roof, it must not exceed 4 metres in height, or 3 metres for any other roof type. There are many general rules about planning permission but every extension is different so before you embark on a building job you should get professional advice. Astral Home Improvements have built many new Porches and would be happy to offer you professional advice.  Call us 1800 41 41 42 or email hello@astralhomeimprovements.ie for free quotation/Advice.

Should I consult the planning authority in advance?

You do not have to consult the planning authority before making a planning application, but it is often advisable to do so. Pre-planning consultations can highlight local planning policies that you may not be aware of and can save you time & money in the long term. Our sales professionals would be delighted to offer tips and advice free of charge, just call our Freephone number 1800 41 41 42

How long does the planning process take?

Planning applications should take no longer than 12 weeks altogether: 8 weeks for application to be processed, at this point you should receive a Notification of decision ,the remaining 4 weeks allows 3rd parties or others to appeal the decision made. At this point where no observations/objections have been made Permission is then granted.

How long does permission last?

The standard duration for planning permission (permission or outline permission) is five years from the date of the grant of the permission by the planning authority. In certain circumstances the planning authority may extend the life of a planning permission but only where: substantial works have been carried out during the lifetime of the permission and the planning authority is satisfied that the development will be completed in reasonable time. If a planning permission expires and can apply for a new permission for the same development but the planning authority may refuse permission or attach significantly different conditions. This can happen if planning policies or the requirements for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area have changed in the interim.

Can anyone object to my planning application?

Yes. The planning system is open and transparent. Everyone (individuals, residents’ associations, etc) has the right to see an application and, subject to payment of a prescribed fee, comment in writing, either positively or negatively, on it. In deciding on an application, the planning authority must take all written comments into consideration. An individual can also comment on an application even if that person is not directly affected but feels strongly about a particular issue and want to express an opinion.

What happens if I get refused planning permission?

Being refused planning permission is a setback. It can often be overcome but it depends on why you have been refused. If you feel that your local authority’s decision is unreasonable, then you may appeal their decision to An Bord Pleanala. This will cost you €220 and will take up to 6 months in time. Maybe your initial proposal was too large and impacted visually on the area, then you could reconsider your design, and reapply for planning permission including a design with a lesser impact.

What is “An Bord Pleanala”?

An Bord Pleanala is a higher governing body to the local planning authorities formed to ensure that the planning processes within the country are being regulated fairly across the board. If anyone is unhappy with a decision made by their local authority, they may appeal this decision to An Bord Pleanala. It may be an appeal by someone against a refusal to their own planning application, or it may be a third party appealing against a granted permission for say, their neighbour.

What is the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) Scheme?

The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) Scheme provides for tax relief for Homeowners and Landlords by way of an Income Tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying expenditure on repair, renovation or improvement works carried out on a main home or rental property by qualifying Contractors.

The amount of the HRI tax credit depends on the amount spent on qualifying works. Tax relief can be claimed on qualifying expenditure over €4,405 (before VAT at 13.5%) per property. This €4,405 (before VAT) can be the total from any number of jobs carried out and paid for from 25 October 2013 to 31 December 2016 for Homeowners claiming on their main home and on or after 15 October 2014 and up to 31 December 2016 for Landlords claiming on their rental property. While there is no upper limit on expenditure on qualifying works, the tax credit will only be given in relation to a maximum of €30,000 (before VAT at 13.5%) per property.

If a Homeowner or Landlord is having qualifying work done but isn’t spending over €4,405 (before VAT) on the property, it’s still worth choosing a HRI qualifying Contractor and having the work details entered on HRI online. The Homeowner or Landlord may have more qualifying work carried out on the property between now and 31 December 2016. All the spending on the property, added up, could reach the €4,405 (before VAT). It will be very difficult to go back to a Contractor, to try to get him or her to enter details to HRI online, for a job from a year or more ago.

In addition, if a Homeowner or Landlord is using a HRI qualifying Contractor, the Homeowner or Landlord can at least be sure that the Contractor is tax compliant.

If there are no grants or insurance claims, the lowest tax credit amount is €595 (€4,405 at 13.5%) per property and the highest tax credit is €4,050 (€30,000 at 13.5%) per property.

For example -

If a Homeowner or Landlord paid €3,800 (before VAT) to a HRI qualifying electrician for rewiring his or her main home or rental property and €800 (before VAT) to a HRI qualifying painter for painting work on his or her main home or rental property, the tax credit is €4,600 x 13.5% =€621.

What type of works qualify?

Examples of repair, renovation or improvement works that qualify under the Incentive include -

Painting and decoratingRewiringTilingSupply and fitting of kitchensExtensionsGaragesLandscapingSupply and fitting of solar panelsConservatoriesPlasteringPlumbingBathroom upgradesSupply and fitting of windows and doorsAttic conversionsDrivewaysSeptic tank repair or replacementCentral heating system repair or upgradeSupply and fitting of built in wardrobesConversion of a residential premises into multiple rental unitsSupply and fit of alarm systemsRadon remediation works.

How much qualifies for the HRI tax credit?

Tax relief can be claimed on all qualifying expenditure, once the Homeowner or Landlord spends over €4,405 (before VAT at 13.5%) per qualifying property. This €4,405 (before VAT) can be the total from any number of jobs on the property carried out and paid for from 25 October 2013 to 31 December 2016 for Homeowners and any number of jobs on the property carried out and paid for from 15 October 2014 to 31 December 2016 for Landlords. While there is no upper limit on expenditure on qualifying works, the tax credit will only be given in relation to a maximum of €30,000 (before VAT at 13.5%) per qualifying property.

If a Landlord is having a rental property converted into multiple rental units, the maximum of €30,000 (before VAT at 13.5%) applies to each of the new rental units.

If a Homeowner or Landlord is having qualifying work done but isn’t spending over €4,405 (before VAT) on the property, it’s still worth choosing a HRI qualifying Contractor and having the work details entered on HRI online. The Homeowner or Landlord may have more qualifying work carried out on the property between now and 31 December 2016. All the spending on the property, added up, could reach the €4,405 (before VAT). It will be very difficult to go back to a Contractor, to try to get him or her to enter details to HRI online, for a job from a year or more ago.

In addition, if a Homeowner or Landlord is using a HRI qualifying Contractor, the Homeowner or Landlord can at least be sure that the Contractor is tax compliant.

How much qualifies if I receive a grant or an insurance payment for the works?

Qualifying expenditure (over €4,405 plus VAT per property) will be reduced by three times the amount of any grant for the works.

For example -

€8,810 plus VAT (at 13.5%) of €1,190 = €10,000 was paid for external wall insulation

€2,700 was received under a Better Energy Home Scheme grant

The €10,000 will be reduced by €8,100 (€2,700 x 3)

Leaving €1,900 (€10,000 less €8,100) qualifying expenditure

This €1,900 includes VAT of €226

The tax credit can be claimed on the €1,900 less €226 = €1,674 (before VAT).

The tax credit is €1,674 x 13.5% = €225.99.

If the works are the subject of an insurance claim, qualifying expenditure (over €4,405 plus VAT per property) will be reduced by the insurance amount due or received.

For example -

€7,048 plus VAT (at 13.5%) of €952 = €8,000 was paid for repair works and

An insurance payment of €6,000 was received in respect of the repair works

The qualifying expenditure of €8,000 will be reduced by €6,000

Leaving €2,000 (€8,000 less €6,000) qualifying expenditure

This €2,000 includes VAT of €238

The tax credit can be claimed on the €2,000 less €238 = €1,762 (before VAT).

The tax credit is €1,762 x 13.5% = €237.87.

If the main home or rental property is jointly owned, can each owner claim the maximum tax credit?

No. The maximum tax credit applies to the property but Homeowners or Landlords can opt to split the tax credit between the owners based on qualifying expenditure incurred by each owner.

What happens if I'm waiting for an insurance claim?

For the purposes of calculating the relief, the qualifying expenditure will be reduced by the amount due to be received.

The works can be carried out by one or more Contractors. Each Contractor must qualify for the HRI. Yes. As the qualifying expenditure in total exceeds €4,405 (before VAT at 13.5%) for the property, it qualifies. Each Contractor must qualify for the HRI

 When is the tax credit payable?

In general, the credit is payable over the two years following the year in which the work is carried out and paid for. Qualifying work which is carried out between 25 October 2013 and 31 December 2013 and which is paid for during that period by Homeowners will be treated as if it was paid for in 2014 for tax credit purposes (so the tax credit is payable in 2015 and 2016).

Qualifying work which is carried out between 15 October 2014 and 31 December 2014 and which is paid for during that period by Landlords will be treated as if it was paid for in 2015 for tax credit purposes (so the tax credit is payable in 2016 and 2017).

When can the HRI tax credit be claimed?

The tax credit can be claimed in the year after the qualifying work is carried out and paid for. Qualifying work that was carried out and paid for between 25 October 2013 and 31 December 2013 will be treated as if it was paid for in 2014 for tax credit purposes for Homeowners.

Qualifying work that was carried out and paid for between 15 October 2014 and 31 December 2014 will be treated as if it was paid for in 2015 for tax credit purposes for Landlords.

Claims for 2014 can be made by Homeowners through myAccount or ROS from January 2015.

Claims for 2015 can be made by Landlords through myAccount or ROS from January 2016.

The tax credit for 2014 claims by Homeowners will be given in 2015 and 2016.

The tax credit for 2015 claims by Landlords will be given in 2016 and 2017.

 Is there a minimum and maximum tax credit?

This depends on the amount spent on qualifying works as well as any grants or insurance claims due or received during the qualifying HRI period. If there’s no grant or insurance claim, the lowest tax credit amount is €595 per property and the highest tax credit amount is €4,050 per property.

For example:

1. A Homeowner or Landlord paid a HRI qualifying plasterer €3,000 (before VAT) for plastering work in their home or rental property and also paid a HRI qualifying painter €2,050 (before VAT) for internal and external painting work on their home or rental property

35% off

All Windows & Doors in our

February Sale. (T&C apply)

There’s a lot to consider when buying new windows. Do you replace your old window styles like for like? Do you opt for something completely different or choose a bold new colour?

As an Astral customer, you’ll be helped to make the right decisions by our highly experienced Surveyor. So, don’t worry, you don’t have to know all the answers at the outset.

We have a wide range of window styles available allowing you to complement your home whilst also improving the level of security and warmth.  Astral Home Improvements uPVC Window systems offer the very best in security, with secure by design locking systems, energy efficiency and elegant looks, triple glazed units and internally glazed for added security.

urs to compliment your home.

So get ready for winter –

Energy Efficient Windows & Doorsfrom

Astral Home Improvements

Burglary is one of the most common crimes in Dublin.   It can be financially and emotionally devastating for you and your family and the experience can have a long-lasting impact.

Take action before you’re a victim and beat the burglar!

 “Burglars are opportunists; they are scanning your neighbourhood for a target. They’re looking for an opportunity, a weakness in security.”

What do burglars look for once they’ve identified a target?

A big front window on a property allows a burglar to scan what’s in your house, they’re looking for things like money, mobile phones, laptops, iPads and jewellery. Then they will check out the quality of the security on the windows and doors. Most timber Front and Back Doors have basic locking systems fitted, which makes it easy for the burglar. With our Composite or uPVC Doors you have 8 different locking points.  The Windows & Doors come with a Police approved locking system, making it extremely difficult for the burglar.

 Burglars use various techniques including fishing for keys through the letter box or snapping the lock, or with old PVC windows removing the glass from the window. Our uPVC Windows & Doors are designed not only to keep the heat in but to keep the burglars out, just like the hundreds and hundreds of customers throughout Dublin we have kept safe and warm in their homes.

The back of the house is where  burglars usually try to gain entry.As they approach the back of the property they’re looking out for opportunities.  Any evidence of pets, such as a cat flap, indicates you probably don’t have the alarm on. A cat flap also weakens the entire area around the door, allowing a burglar to kick the back door in or fish for your keys so it’s important you don’t leave these in the door. They will also look for things lying around such as tools or garden furniture which could help them break in.

What does a burglar do once in the house?

Once they’ve gained entry to the property a burglar will immediately head to the front door where they will balance a brush or a bottle against the door. They will then ransack upstairs, beginning by kicking the bed over, as this is where many people hide their valuables. They will then head immediately to the kitchen where important documents are generally kept. If the homeowner returns, the noise at the front door confuses them whilst giving the burglar a couple of seconds to escape through the back door, which is open the entire time. The only place they won’t go is the attic, once they’re in the loft they’re stuck and they can’t escape. The whole process could take only a minute and a half, escaping through the back of the property with thousands of pounds worth of your belongings.

What type of things are they looking for?

Laptops, iPads, gadgets, jewellery, – anything that can be wiped clean and sold on easily. Car theft is also on the increase and opportunists will break into your house just to get your keys which are traditionally left by the front or back door.

What don’t people think about when it comes to security?

Social media is a big problem, people will share details about their address, talk about when they’re going on holiday or brag about things they’ve bought. This type of information is invaluable to a criminal. Check all you window and door locking systems, do not leave windows open, leave a light on, make it look like there is someone home.

Burglars will also assess the accessibility of cars outside the property to see how easily they can be driven away. Only 1% of drivers steer their wheels into the curb when parallel parking as opposed to the 99% who either leave their wheels straight or angled out towards the road. Without realizing the 99% that do not steer their wheels in towards the curb, are leaving themselves more open to having the vehicle stolen as it can be easily driven away from the scene.

What advice would you give to homeowners in storing their valuables?

The attic is the safest part of the house. Burglars don’t want confrontation and will ensure they have an immediate escape route. A safe is also an excellent way to store your valuables but ensure it’s secured to the ground or too heavy to be carried away.

Final advice?

I always say to people, imagine if you were locked out – what would you do to get into your property? It’s exactly the same process a burglar goes through.

If you are thinking of changing your windows or Doors for uPVC Double or Triple glazed windows & doors, security is very important.

Let Astral Home Improvements  secure your home with Energy ed uPVC Windows and doors, all with Secured By Design High Security locks

Take action before you’re a victim and beat the burglar!

ASTRAL HOME IMPROVEMENT WINDOWS & DOORS

Our new website launches today, and we hope you enjoy browsing around. On this page we will be posting updates, info and special offers, so make sure and check back regularly, or better yet, like us on Facebook, and we'll keep you up to date. 

As always, if you need anything at all, drop us an email or pick up the phone.