DURKAN
Home Owner Guide
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Durkan Hawks Bay Developments Limited
First Floor, Maple House
Lower Kilmacud Road
Stillorgan
Co. Dublin, A94 E3F2
Welcome
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing a Durkan built house.
This information pack has been designed to ensure you settle into your home as quickly and as comfortably as possible and endeavors to answer the most typically asked questions associated with a new home.
We wish you every success and happiness in your new home in Hawks Bay.
Durkan Keatingstown Developments Ltd.
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Home Owner Manual
Contents
| Section 1 | Emergency & Maintenance & DIY | Pg 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Section 2 | Caring for your new home | Pg 6 |
| Section 3 | About your home | Pg 14 |
| Section 4 | HomeBond | Pg 19 |
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Section 1
Emergency, Maintenance & DIY
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Section 1 - Help & how to obtain it
The Customer Care department of Durkan are there to help you quickly, effectively and efficiently.
If, during the first 12 months from the date of closing, a fault arises from defective materials or workmanship relating to any of the items listed below, we will put right at our own expense.
- Leaks
- Mechanical Electrical Ventilation System (Note Home Owner is responsible for general maintenance of this system – see Section 2 Caring for your new home for further details).
- Heat Pump
- Electrical
Please note that in the event the homeowner has directly/indirectly, through a tradesman, interfered with the mechanical or electrical equipment within the home, the maintenance mentioned warranty mentioned above may be null and void.
What to do in the case of an Emergency
In the case of an emergency, please email customer@hawksbay.ie giving details of the issue along with photographs where possible. Please make sure to also include your contact details.
Maintenance
For non-urgent maintenance within the above 12-month maintenance warranty period, please email us customer@hawksbay.ie outlining the nature of the issue. On
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receipt of your email a member of our Customer Care team will look into the matter so that it can be resolved as quickly as possible.
While we will try to facilitate you as best we can regarding access, we may need to carry out inspections / repairs during working hours Monday through to Friday.
Note, maintenance issues must be reported to Head Office via the email above. Issues reported to site management will not be dealt with by them until Head Office has been notified first.
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Section 2
Caring for your new home
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Section 2 - Caring for your new home
The following are some of the common issues that we would like to make you aware of.
What to do if there is a leak in your house
If you suspect that you have a leak in your new home, please take the following steps:
- Turn off the mains water supply located in front of your house in the footpath as well the brass stopcock under the kitchen sink and the hot and cold valves in the hot press (these will be clearly marked). This will drain the system and prevent further damage.
- If the leak occurs during office hours, please email customer@hawksbay.ie .
- If the leak occurs outside of office hours, please email customer@hawksbay.ie . If necessary, contact an emergency plumber directly and then notify us of the issue the office during office hours.
Drying Out
All newly constructed properties have a high level of moisture content and therefore your house needs time to dry out.
During this time there may be temporary expansion to doors and windows which can result in them sticking. Sealant around baths and shower trays, plasterwork may shrink or crack. During this time the heating should be kept as low as possible for at least six months to prevent paintwork cracking. These are not defects and are deemed to be normal household settlement.
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Condensation is water. It starts with moisture that is produced by cooking, washing, drying clothes indoors on radiators or having a lot of people in one room. Do not block air vents and making sure you keep them open.
Heating System & Hot Water
It is important to very carefully study the instructions and operating procedures provided in this information pack for your heating system & hot water system.
All heat source pumps should be serviced by a qualified person once a year or as advised in the manufacturer’s manual (included in Home Owner Guide).
The liquid in the system, Glycol, should be changed every 3 years by a qualified person and can be done during the annual service.
Most types of heat producing appliances require a permanent air supply provided by vents to the external air. For this reason, vents should never be blocked.
Do not dry clothes on or near a radiator.
IMPORTANT: Do not turn off the heat pump for any reason. This should only be done by a qualified person during the annual service.
Mechanical Electrical Ventilation System
The fan / unit for the Mechanical Electric Ventilation System (MEV) is located in the attic.
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It has been rigorously tested and commissioned and has been preset with the necessary settings to allow it to work efficiently and effectively. To ensure the smooth running of the MEV, homeowners are asked NOT to adjust these settings. If these settings are interfered with and there is a subsequent issue with the fan / unit, a callout charge will apply.
The MEV system & filter should be serviced by a qualified person once a year or as advised in the manufacturer's manual.
These units should be left on at all times. Failure to do so may result in a build up of condensation and mould in your home.
It important that a minimum 5 mm gap is left under all doorways internally in your house to guarantee a consistent airflow around the house. If floors/carpets are fitted and this gap isn't maintained, your warranty for any issues relating to moisture/condensation is null and void.
Kitchens
- Extractor charcoal filter: must be changed annually by the home owner.
- Work surfaces: should be kept free of moisture and resealed as required.
Air Locks
Air locks are common to heating systems that have been newly commissioned. When the heating system is on and the radiators are cool at the top, this may indicate an air lock in the system. To release the air, attach a radiator key to the valve, open with care just enough to hear a hiss of the air escaping. Hold a cloth to catch the water as
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the last of the air is released. When the water comes out, close the valve.
Radiator keys are available in most DIY / hardware shops.
Water Supply
Be careful when you are connecting kitchen / utility room appliances to the water supply and drainage system. Check that hoses are properly connected and tightened before
turning the water on. It is a good idea to re-check the connections once the appliances have been in use for a day or two as dripping connections can cause serious damage.
Floor Coverings
The ground floors of most new homes are generally constructed with concrete or cement-based floor screeds. These materials contain water and therefore must be allowed to dry out before floor coverings are fitted, particularly timber, vinyl and rubber-based coverings.
Please note that if your flooring contractor manoeuvres or rises the island while fitting the flooring, Durkan Keatingstown Developments Ltd. will not be responsible for any damage caused as a result of those works.
The same applies if the white goods are manoeuvred or lifted during the flooring works.
Bathrooms
- Toilet Cisterns: It is not recommended to use bleach blocks in toilet cisterns as they will disintegrate and deform the diaphragm. This will result in problems with flushing and will eventually cause failure of the cistern.
- Silicone Seal: The silicone seal around the showers need to be resealed by the home owner on a regular basis.
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Internal Doors
The internal doors of your new home are natural timber and therefore are susceptible to expanding slightly for a short time which can lead to difficulties when opening / closing. This is down to moisture levels because the property is new, and the heating is not on.
Once the heating is switched on this issue will be eliminated within a few weeks of after occupying your new home.
Windows and Doors
As with the rest of your new home, external entrance doors also undergo a drying out process. Please keep them firmly closed to prevent the door from bowing or twisting as it weathers.
- Inspect windows at least twice annually. Pay particular attention to lower areas, glazing beads and cill.
- Wash surfaces with a solution of warm water and liquid detergent – change water frequently. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- The buildup of dirt on joinery surfaces encourages mould growth. Check joinery for signs of algae or mould growth. Treat affected areas with a solution of one part household bleach to two parts water. Allow 20 minutes to act and wash off with cold water and a stiff nylon brush. This is important for building facades which are exposed to cold and damp.
- All windows are fitted with restrictors to prevent them being left open too wide, to open the restrictor – open the window and pull back slightly, then push down on the restrictor to release.
We recommend windows & doors are securely closed during high winds to prevent damage to window frame or latch. Durkan Keatingstown Developments Ltd. will not be held responsible for any damage caused by such weather conditions.
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Smoke Alarms / Heat Detectors
Your home is fitted with the following safety devices:
- Smoke alarm – there is one in every room in the house except the bathroom & ensuite.
- Heat detector – there is a heat detector in the kitchen and attic.
It is essential that you test the above alarms / detectors regularly to ensure that they are working correctly.
To test the alarm, push the test button – the alarm should sound. If it does not sound, it may be that the batteries need to be changed.
If the alarms / detectors omit a beeping sound, this also indicates that the batteries need to be changed.
The alarms / detectors need to be kept clean and free of dust and occasionally cleaned.
Drainage
New homes are generally provided with two drainage systems, one to collect foul water i.e., from sinks, WCs showers, baths, washing machines, etc. and the other to collect surface water i.e., rainwater. Maintenance of the drainage system within the boundary of the property is generally the responsibility of the homeowner.
To avoid internal drains getting blocked, take note of the following:
- Don't allow any grease or food waste to go down the kitchen sink plug hole as this congeals and blocks the foul drain.
- Don't flush any baby wipes or nappies down the toilet as they expand and block the waste pipe.
- If you notice a foul odour coming a wash hand basin, shower or bath that has not been used for a while, run the tap for a few minutes. This refills the waste trap with water which prevents odours from the drains entering your home.
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It is important to ensure that external drains covers are kept clear so as to avoid them blocking up and causing unnecessary expense in unblocking them.
Durkan Keatingstown Developments Ltd. cannot be held responsible for drains which become blocked by disposable nappies, food waste or other contents that will lead to blockage. If we are called in to clear such a blockage, you will be liable for to pay a call out charge.
Gutters
In order to avoid clogging, it is essential that gutters be kept clean and clear of debris.
Gutters are one of the most important maintenance items. Residents should ensure the Acco channel located outside the front door is cleared regularly and the gutters about twice a year, particularly at the start of autumn & the start of the year.
Home Improvements
Before drilling or fixing the walls, floors and ceilings always check for concealed pipes and cables using a detector.
Outside Your New Home
Landscaping in the development is set out in accordance with the local planning authority requirements.
Storm Damage
Please be aware that Durkan Keatingstown Developments Ltd. cannot be held responsible for any storm damage to the building or boundary treatments.
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Section 3
About Your Home
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Section 3 About Your Home
Building Suppliers Contact List
Durkan Keatingstown Developments Ltd takes great care in selecting its suppliers for each of our developments, ensuring the highest quality standards are achieved.
The following are the main suppliers and details for your home should you wish to contact them in the future to make any changes etc.
| FITZGERALD KITCHENS | Kitchen units, white goods, Bosch & Indesit appliances, stone worktops, wardrobes | - 0402 38395 - sales@fitzgeraldkitchens.com - www.fitzgeraldkitchens.com |
|---|---|---|
| MUNSTER JOINERY | External windows &doors | - 064 7751312 - info@munsterjoinery.ie - www.munsterjoinery |
| HALO | Bathroom tiles | - 053 938 3700 - sales@halotiles.ie - www.halotiles.ie |
| Paint Colour | - Walls/Ceilings: Dulex Vinyl Matt - Brilliant White - Timber: Dulex Satin Wood - Brilliant White |
Broadband
SIRO is the broadband network provider in Hawks Bay and broadband is available from their network of broadband partners – see list below.
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Appliances
All appliances must be registered by the Home Owner after move in order to avail of the manufacturer's warranty.
In the unlikely event that you have an issue with one of your appliances, please follow the instructions below to report same.
BOSCH SIEMENS
B/S/H/
Customer Service
Phone or E-Mail
•After-sales, phone: 01 4502655 press 1 or email mks-Dub-Allocators@bshg.com •Spares, phone: 01 4502655 press 2 or email mks-spares@bshg.com •Technical or product advice, phone: 01 4502655 press 3 or email mks-Dub-Allocators@bshg.com •BSH Showroom appointments / visits, phone: 01 4009800 or email dub-showroom@bshg.com
Booking a service call, you will need:
• Proof of purchase • The model number (also located on the rating plate of the appliance) • Full details of fault • Fill out the service call booking form
Our contact centre is open:
8am to 8pm Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm Saturday 9am to 3pm Sunday Phone: 01 4502655 Email address: mks-dub-allocators@bshg.com
Checking status of a service call:
You will require the service reference number that you received when placing the service call Phone: 01 4502655 Email address: mks-dub-allocators@bshg.com
BOSCH AND SIEMENS HOME APPLIANCES GROUP
Subject of presentation | Dep. | DD Month YYYY | Slide: 1
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BSH Customer Service Repair Booking
Customer Details
| Customer Name or Contact:* | |
|---|---|
| House Name/ Number:* | |
| Street:* | |
| Town / City:* | |
| County:* | |
| Eircode:* | |
| Telephone Number:* | |
| Mobile Number: | |
| Email Address: |
Appliance Details:
| ENR / Model Number:* | |
|---|---|
| FD Number: | |
| Appliance Fault:* | |
| If a specific part is needed please indicate here: | |
| Date of Purchase / Installation:* | |
| Any Additional Notes Coverplan/Insurance Info |
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Indesit Service
Over 50 highly skilled engineers covering the ROI
E-mail service_ireland@whirlpool.com
A. Phone: 0818 313413 B. Select from below options
- Book a repair
- Query an existing call
- Cancel a call
- Spare Parts
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Section 4
HomeBond
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Section 4 HomeBond
HomeBond is the leading provider of structural defect cover for new homes in the Republic of Ireland since 1978.
HomeBond Insurance
HomeBond Insurance service Ltd helps home buyers to protect their new home investment by providing HomeBond insurance, which is underwritten by Allianz plc. HomeBond Insurance is a structural and defect insurance cover for new homes. Once the Certificate of Insurance (Final Certification) is issued, HomeBond Insurance provides financial cover for relevant structural and relevant defects, should they arise.
HomeBond Certificate of Insurance (Final)
The original certificate has been sent to your solicitor. You will find a copy of this certificate included in the documentation listed on the USB key along with this Homeowner's Manual.
HomeBond Policy Documentation
The original policy documentation has been sent to your solicitor. You will find a copy of same included in the documentation listed on the USB key along with this Homeowner's Manual.
HomeBond Insurance claims procedures
If you find that you have a problem in your dwelling which you feel should be dealt with under HomeBond Insurance, you, as the policy holder, should refer to the Certificate of Insurance (Final Certification) and associated Policy Document issued on their dwelling to ascertain if the problem is covered. If in doubt call (1850 306 300) or email (info@HomeBond.ie) HomeBond Insurance Services Ltd. to report the problem.
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