Can I insulate my house from noise pollution? I live quite close to the M7 and although noise was not a problem when I bought this house 20 years ago, with traffic flowing 24/7 I now find the noise unbearable.
I have considered moving, but I very much like where I live. With modern insulation I might be able renovate my home and remain where I know and love. The nuisance of noise torments me both inside my home and in my garden too.
Noise pollution is much underrated. Building technology has moved on considerably in the 20 years since you bought your house - particularly when it comes to insulation, so spending some money on upgrading your insulation should reduce your internal noise levels and heating bills. Just as heat loss happens mostly through windows and exterior doors, much the same applies to noise coming in, so replacing windows and doors with high performance double glazing (or triple glazing) should make a significant difference. As re-insulating your home with a particular purpose in mind, i.e., noise reduction, is a significant investment, you would be wise to commission an architect to advise and work out the spec of the materials required. The RIAI (the professional body for architects in Ireland) has a search facility for finding architects in your neighbourhood on its website (www.riai.ie) and also a list of practical questions to ask to ensure you get the right person for your particular job. There are specialist acoustic companies but they tend to work on large commercial properties or specialist projects, i.e. sound studios, etc, but a good architect who is up-to-speed with new products and technologies should be able to help you.
Meanwhile, is your house the sort that permits a rethink of how you actually use the rooms? If, for example, you slept in a different part of the house, might you have a better night's sleep? As to noise in the garden, it's difficult to advise without actually knowing more about the size, etc. Trees and large shrubs do help in creating a sound and dust barrier, and water features, such as a fountain bubbling away, might help in providing a soothing counterbalance to the motorway noise.
Can I claim tax relief on rent-a-room in London?
I have a property in London which I use when I am there on business. I am considering getting a tenant in to one of the rooms (to cover the running costs, i.e. insurance, phone rental, etc). In my Dublin apartment I rent out a room, and claim tax relief on the income. Can I do the same with my London flat?
No you can't. The rent-a-room tax relief can only be claimed in respect of rent received on your sole or main residence, which must be located within the State.
Last week a reader looking for advice on her Capital Gains Tax obligation was unclear in her letter as to when she actually signed on the contract on the property. Revenue has advised us that that where an asset is sold under an unconditional contract, the date of sale for CGT purposes is the date the contract is made, not the completion date. Where the contract is conditional, for example on the purchaser obtaining planning permission, the date of sale is the date the condition is satisfied, not the completion date.
Send your queries to Property Questions, The Irish Times, The Irish Times Building, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2 or email propertyquestions@irish-times.ie. Unfortunately, it is not possible to respond to all questions. The above is a representative sample of queries received. This column is a readers' service and is not intended to replace professional advice. No individual correspondence will be entered into.
