House Extensions – 12 Tips on Extending your Home

young family standing in their house extensionWell the last article we did was on the top tips for building a new house but today we are going to talk about extending your house rather than buying or moving into a new one. This in itself not only saves money, but also in a lot of cases adds some much needed space to the house.

Extending a house can have a great impact on your lifestyle. Because your home is one of the most important assets in your life, it’s very important to build your extension the right way, as you really have only one chance to do a proper job.

Here are 12 pointers for you to keep in mind while you plan your house extension:

  1. Firstly, if you are planning on extending your home because you are looking to increase it’s value on the property market, then you really need to talk to an estate agent. An informed estate agent will be able to tell you what a potential buyer on the market will be looking for in a house.
  2. if your garden space will be decreased because of the planned extension then you will need to factor this in if you plan on selling down the road. A big house with little or no garden will be a hindrance to some buyers.
  3. An extension is a lot cheaper than moving or building a new house, but the cost of building the extension is greater per square foot. The reason for this is due to it being a smaller and therefore less profitable job for the builder.  There are also a lot more obstacles to get around.
  4. In Ireland, building an extension or indeed making any other significant changes to your house may require that you get planning permission. You must be certain you have the right permission before you start, otherwise it can result in severe fines or even imprisonment. The best way to go about finding this information out initially is to talk with your local authority on the matter.
  5. Hire an architect. This is one step that is absolutely crucial if you want top quality results on your extension. This may be an expensive short term step to take, but a top architect can save you money from long term mistakes and bad workmanship and he/she will also sort out the planning permission side of things for you. Before you choose your architect, make sure you talk to a number of them in advance and not only to compare price but to get as much advice as you can and see who you would get on best with.  If you have a good idea of what you need in advance it will save you money as the architect won’t have to do as many revisions on the plans so sketch out something on paper if you have an idea of what you want.
  6. Have some idea of a budget that you want to spend on the extension. This is to make sure that you don’t face any nasty surprises half way through. Get a number of quotes and never choose a builder just because he’s given you the cheapest quote. More often than not, you will get what you paid for. Always allow for roughly 10% more than you’ve budgeted for as unforeseen expenses always pop up.   Make sure that you know if the prices you got for the job are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.  You don’t want to get any surprise at the end that there is VAT to be added on to the price.
  7. Get references, qualifications and insurance details from each contractor who quotes for the job.  Make sure you have a building contract drawn up between you and the contractor so that there is no confusion on what has to be done.  The building contract should describe everything about the extension including the exact specification of the work to be done, materials to be used, stage payments and timescale etc.
  8. It’s worth bearing in mind that you may also need to rent alternative accommodation while the extension is underway, and this in itself should be factored into your overall budget.  A typical house extension, depending on the size can realistically take anywhere from four to six months from start to finish. In Ireland, nothing rarely gets completed in two months!
  9. Make sure you use the best electrical and plumbing fixtures and fittings that you can afford. This doesn’t mean getting the fanciest fixtures and fittings that you can find but the most reliable.  A good plumber or electrician can advise you on what to choose.  A number of years ago I got caught myself by putting in Victorian style taps into an old cottage to retain it’s character but unfortunately although these taps were twice the price of standard taps they gave terrible trouble and eventually I ended up replacing them with standard taps.
  10. Before you go extending, have a chat with your neighbours about it. Make sure they don’t have any problems with your project. You would be surprised the amount of times neighbours become irritated during a renovation, simply because they weren’t informed about it. This problem can be avoided by a simple chat prior to work commencing.
  11. You may not realise it, but an extension could significantly reduce the amount of natural light entering the house. Try and utilise the light so that this doesn’t play a part. One tip is to use velux windows rather than the standard vertical ones, as they let in more light.
  12. Make sure to have an independent certifier sign off on each stage of the build.  Only pay for each stage as it’s signed off by the certifier.  Consider using an escrow payment facility to manage the payments and to safeguard both you and the contractor.

Extending your house is a one time event in most cases.  So do yourself a favour, and do it properly the first time around. This will save you time, money and make your life less stressful.

I hope this helps some of you who are planning to extend your home in the future and if you decide to go ahead with it you can get a number of house extension prices here and get up to 4 quotes fast from rated tradesmen!

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

Here are some other articles that you might be interested in below:-

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/04/do-i-need-planning-permission
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/04/certifying-my-building-or-renovation
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2013/01/construction-contracts-why-are-they-needed
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2011/10/attic-conversion-prices-dublin-ireland
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/04/house-extension-prices-dublin-ireland
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/07/conservatory-prices-and-sunroom-prices
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2013/02/top-10-tips-to-building-a-home

 

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Result and Video of our February Draw 2013

woman celebrating with euroHi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback. So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in January was held on February 22nd and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Nessa MacDonagh, Rush, Co. Dublin.  The 2nd prize of €30 went to Peter Staunton, Ballinrobe,  Co. Mayo.

Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone. You can see the video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So what are you waiting for, get posting today!:)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
28th February 2013

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition, builders competition, contest winners, cash prize winners, competition entries or entrants

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Customer Talks about her Experience with Tradesmen.ie


Here is a video testimonial we received recently from Anne Synnott, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Anne SynnottAnne had posted a job to have some PVC windows and a door repaired in her home.  Anne said that the job was done to a, “very high professional standard”, that she would, “definitely use the website again” and that she would, “highly recommend Tradesmen.ie”.  Many thanks Anne for taking the time to make this video, we were delighted that you were happy with the service!

Well done to D and B windows, Gorey, Co. Wexford who carried out the work for Anne.  D and B windows sell, manufacture and install or repair windows doors, sunrooms, conservatories,  replace glass be it single glazed, double glazed, pvc or aluminium.  They also provide advice on security and style or colour for windows and doors for all any application.

Don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw
at the end of each month to win a cash prize!  To post a window repair or install job, or any other job for that matter, simply visit our get quotes page here and get up to 4 quotes from rated tradesmen.

Best Wishes
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
19th February 2013

P.S. If any of you reading this article have a positive story to tell about your experience with Tradesmen.ie please email us or send us a video testimonial if you have a webcam on your laptop or PC.

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Top 10 Tips to Building a Home

house and building plansHi folks,
Recently people were asking us to provide some information about what to look out for when building a home so here are a few tips below that you can follow, that will hopefully make the process run more smoothly:-

 

1.    Choose an architect and a builder that you have faith in. Like anything of this nature, you need to do your homework and not just go out and hire the cheapest one you can find. Get a number of quotes from architects and builders but it’s not the price you should be looking at but more so the quality of previously completed projects and to verify this make sure to look for references of previously completed builds that the architect and builder has been involved with.
2.  Check that the building contractor has adequate builders insurance and that the architect has Professional Indemnity insurance.  Get advice from your own insurance broker if you don’t feel confident to assess this yourself.   Sometimes you can choose to take out additional insurance as an extra safeguard and your broker will be able to advise you about this.
3.    Take your time with it. Building a home is something that shouldn’t be rushed. You will live in it for long enough, so make sure that all the plans are 100% according to your specifications and let the builders take care of the rest. Trying to rush a job like this will most certainly result in problems down the road. Do it right at the start and reap the benefits afterwards.
4.    Sometimes less is better than more.  A five or six bedroom house might seem like a brilliant idea when your kids are young, but when they grow up and move out, you can be left with a big empty house which could end up costing you loads to heat up during the winter season.
5.    Make sure to have a written contract.  Understand the contract fully between you and your builders/contractors before you sign off on anything. If you can’t understand something or you think its poorly written, then don’t sign it. Preferably, have a solicitor review the contract with you before signing anything of this nature. It will prevent problems later on for all involved, and especially you.
6.    Everything about your project will cost money. Set out initially with a reasonable budget and allow a 10% limit over this to cater for unplanned expenses along the way. Set out what’s the maximum budget you can afford and aim to spend 10% less than this. Don’t get talked into building anything you don’t want or need. It’s your pocket that’s paying for everything, so unless you are happy, then don’t give in to any suggestions.
7.    Never be afraid to ask questions. Some people feel that they should never visit the construction site and let the architect look after things. Not a good idea. You should regularly visit the project to make sure that things are going the way you want. If you don’t check up on things, then you could get a house that your architect wants and not the house you want. If you see something that you don’t understand, or feel isn’t what you planned, then ask questions and lots of them. If the builder uses terms to describe things and you don’t understand the meaning, then ask him to spell it out. Get another opinion if you are not happy with the explanation that your builder or architect gives you.
8.    Because you are designing and building your own home, you will want things to be just as you planned. This means you can get whatever you want, keeping within your budget of course. If a contractor informs you that your needs cannot be accommodated by them, then you simply search for an alternative contractor who can. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t have something, especially when you’re paying. If you want something, and you look hard enough then you’ll find someone who can help you out.
9.    Be prepared for surprises. Don’t be naive and think that nothing can go wrong. It doesn’t work like that. Simple things like weather delays, damaged materials as a result from transit and delays in construction are all par for the course in most cases. Take each problem as it comes and solve it one by one. Having this approach and mindset will keep you on and short and narrow.
10.    Make sure to have an independent certifier sign off on each stage of the build and only pay for each stage as it’s signed off.  Consider using an escrow payment facility to manage the payments and to safeguard both you and the contractor.

Building a house is a difficult task. There are loads of details that you must pay attention to, and hundreds of decisions that you alone much be prepared to make. A project like this could be the single biggest financial investment that you make in your lifetime, so make sure that you plan everything well in advance. Following the above 10 tips could help you save a lot of money and mental strain:)

I hope this helps some of you who are planning to build your own home in the near future.  If you decide to go ahead with it be sure to post your house building job here and get up to 4 quotes from rated builders.

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
9 February 2013

Here are some other building related articles that you might be interested in below:-

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/04/do-i-need-planning-permission
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/04/certifying-my-building-or-renovation
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2013/01/construction-contracts-why-are-they-needed
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2011/10/attic-conversion-prices-dublin-ireland
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/04/house-extension-prices-dublin-ireland
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/07/conservatory-prices-and-sunroom-prices

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TG4 series Dullamullóg features Eamonn O’Neill from Tradesmen.ie

Eamonn O Neill Dublin County Choppers ShankillHi folks,
we are delighted see that Eamonn O’Neill, who is a registered member on Tradesmen.ie, got chosen to take part in Dullamullóg, a new series on TG4. The series puts tradesmen into studio settings and pairs them with established artists in order to find out if they can transfer their skills and become artists.

Tradesmen.ie were originally approached by the company responsible for the production of Dullamullóg almost a year ago to ask did we have any Irish speaking tradesmen on our website.  We sent out a request to all of our tradesmen and a number of them got back so we were delighted to pass on their names for consideration.  Eamonn was chosen for the show which has been aired recently on TG4.

Each programme has a participant or tradesperson who has skills in an area of work not exactly related to the arts but that could still be quite creative (e.g. carpenters, builders, tree surgeons etc.), paired off with a well-known Irish artist. The artist acts like a mentor for this person, and also assists them in finding their inner-artist and in obtaining the skills and methods needed to create a work of art. They were looking for people to take part who they felt were genuinely interested in taking part in the project, and who may even use it as a means of opening new doors for themselves from a career point of view.  The final piece is then put in amongst professional art works which is scrutinised by art critic Ciaran Bennett.  Ciaran’s job is to decide which piece is made by the tradesperson.

The show features renowned Irish artists Cliodna Cussen, Peadar Lamb and Turner nominated Liam de Frinse. Eamonn O’Neill features in episode one and is paired with professional sculptor Séighean Ó’Draoi.

Eamonn is a Tree Surgeon based Shankill, Co.Dublin. Eamonn holds qualifications from NPTC and Coillte and specialises in Tree Surgery, Tree Dismantling and Onsite Logging. Eamonn’s company, Dublin County Choppers, offer a 24 hour Emergency Service also. For any tree surgery enquiries you can call Eamonn on 087 1399999.

Why not follow the series and see how Eamonn and our other tradesmen get on?

http://www.tg4.ie/ie/tg4-player/tg4-player.html?id=2092442508001&title=Dallamull%C3%B3g

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

P.S. you can see the original article that we blogged about the series below:-
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/03/tradesmen-wanted-for-new-tv-show-on-tg4

 

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Security Camera Tips for the Home

Hi folks,
in past security related articles we looked at 1. Different types of locks for the home, 2, Free ways to prevent a burglary in the home and 3. Tips for choosing an Alarm System for your home.  Today we provide you with a few simple tips on CCTV/security cameras for the home(by the way these tips can equally apply to businesses so if you have a business please read on).  First of all let’s look at three very common types of CCTV Camera in Ireland including a brief description of each:

1) Dome cameras
This camera is either ceiling mounted or suspended from a wall mounted bracket, Dome Camera CCTV Cameradepending mainly on the field of view required. One main distinction of this camera is the camera itself is positioned inside a transparent dome which, if tinted, may not be noticed by an intruder. Another speciality of this camera is that it can be upgraded to specialise thermally for night vision, be equipped with infrared illuminators (a red dot) or they can be made specialise for daytime use only.  The dome camera is one of the most versatile types of camera.  Many dome cameras offer 3-axis mounting.  This mounting allows you to mount vertical, horizontal and diagonally.  Prices range from €49 to €250

2) Bullet camera
A type of video camera mainly used in surveillance systems, ‘bullet’ describing what its Bullet Cameradesign looks like. Bullet cameras are small (2 to 2.5 inches long) and can be very effective as they can be placed in small areas easily. While bullet cameras are good for small spaces, the images may have cut-off corners because of the camera’s miniature size and design, which interferes with the operating of the camera lens.  The bullet camera is very versatile because the mounting bracket can swivel horizontally, and vertical adjustment can be made by adjusting a screw or bolt.  One thing to consider before installing a bullet camera is how high or low you will mount it.  If you have to mount the camera less than 10 feet above ground and are concerned about vandalism, then consider a different style camera.

Prices range from €195 to €495

3) Fake security cameras
Similar to the dummy alarms from our previous blog, These ‘dummy’ Dummy Security Camera cameras are mounted on a wall and don’t actually do anything. They are simply used to act as a deterrent to possible intruders while also representing an inexpensive option in terms of cost, as it is not connected to any surveillance system.  Prices range from €14.95 to €79.95 for dummy cameras.

Here are some things below to consider when deciding on which CCTV surveillance system to choose:-

1. Map a plan of the room/ area, including all possible camera spots.
How much of the area do you want the camera to cover? A more powerful camera is needed for rooms which need more surveillance. Try to locate your camera as close to the  area you want to monitor first (for example facing the door through which the intruder is likely to enter or facing out from above the safe where the he/she will definitely be rumaging!), then decide on the amount of zoom you need.

3. Resolution:
Would you prefer get an image of a person’s face or a license plate on a car? Factors like these determine the location your security camera will have to be mounted in and the quality of camera you will need to get the desired resolution for your workplace/home.

4 .Vandalism: Is there a good chance that the camera could be damaged by vandals? If so, could it be damaged easily? Vandal resistant cameras are available at a small extra cost then standard cameras, which ensure that your security camera is protected from any environment.

5. Lighting: Is the space well lit or fairly dark? Does an outdoor influence affect the lighting of a room/area? Do you want to monitor the area with the lights turned off? You should decide whether you need a low light or an infared sensor.

6. Covert Cameras: While a CCTV camera or dummy CCTV camera may act as a deterent to burglars, the more obvious they are the more likely the criminal will be to avoid being caught on it either by vandalising the camera or wearing a mask or hoody to avoid detection.  In view of this you could also consider using one or more covert or hidden cameras in strategic places in addition to the ones that can be seen.  Hopefully these hidden cameras will catch the unsuspecting burglar when they have de-hooded under the illusion that they are no longer under survellance!

7. Budget: As with everything in life, the more you spend, the better the system you get.  You should talk to a CCTV camera installer before you rush into buying a cheap camera system on the Internet or in a high street store.  Often times these cheap cameras have poor resolution, poor flexibility and are not built to last.  An experienced CCTV installer should be able to recommend a camera system that is built to last and more importantly that he is familar with and is able to set up quickly and easily.  A low cost camera is better than no camera but try and get the best system that you can afford.

—————

The usual rules apply with selecting an security camera installer for the job, make sure to get references, insurance details and any other information that you need to make sure that you are totally happy with the alarm installer that you choose.  And yes make sure they are PSA licensed installers.  Getting advice and quotes from a number of security camera installers ensures that you get the most information to make an informed choice. Always check whether the prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT and get a written quotation before you agree to a price.

I hope this helps some of you who are looking at improving the standard of security for your home or office and if you decide to go ahead with installing a security camera system don’t forget that to get up to 4 security camera quotes fast from rated CCTV installers click here!  If you have a tip or a suggestion to share on choosing a security camera system please feel free to share it with us below.

Cheers,

Oliver Dempsey,

Tradesmen.ie

2nd February 2013

Here are more security related articles you may be interested in below:-
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/door-locks-explained-most-common-types-features-etc

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/ten-easy-ways-to-prevent-a-burglary

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/12/burglar-alarm-tips-what-to-look-for

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Result and Video of our January Draw 2013

Congratulations!!!Hi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback. So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in December was held on January 31st and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Vincent Weir, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.  The 2nd prize of €30 went to Claire Finucane, Blanchardstown,  Dublin 15.

Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone. You can see the video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So what are you waiting for, get posting today!:)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
31st January 2013

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition, builders competition, contest winners, cash prize winners, competition entries or entrants

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Video Testimonial – Happy Customer gives Feedback


Here is a video testimonial we received recently from Ciarán Mac Samhráin. Many thanks Ciarán for taking the time to make this video and glad you were happy with the service! Well done also to Paul Mulcahy, the tradesman who did a great job for Ciarán.
Ciaran Mac Samhain
Don’t forget that everyone who posts a job
and provides feedback will be entered in a draw
at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So what are you waiting for?
Get posting your job today!:)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

 

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60,000 Jobs Posted on Tradesmen.ie!!

60000 Jobs PostedHi folks,
today we exceeded 60,000 jobs posted on Tradesmen.ie since we launched the website in June 2008.  Based on the value of the jobs posted the potential value of this work to tradesmen is over €183 million.  I’d just like to say thank you so much to all of the customers and tradesmen for your support over the last four and a half years. We particularly appreciate how you are spreading the good news and more and more of the jobs posted come from word of mouth. It just shows that there is still plenty of work to be done and this service makes it easier for customers and tradesmen to find each other quickly and hopefully get a better quality job done at a more competitive price. Please continue to help us to spread the message about Tradesmen.ie and help us do our bit to create and sustain jobs in Ireland!

Many Thanks
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

16th January 2013

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Product Design and Patent Internship

One man innovation processWe have 2 Product Design and Patent Internships available to identify opportunities to create a new service related product that does not exist already or to develop a new way of delivering an existing service that has not existed previously. The positions entail doing extensive research into ways and methodologies for delivering existing services through web based applications and seeing how new patentable services or new patentable ways of delivering services can be invented.

Ideally you would work at our office here in Co. Laois, Ireland but other arrangements can be made if that is not suitable as long as it is acceptable for your placement supervisor.

Duties:

  • Learn how to research existing systems and methodologies, carry out research with target user groups, collect feedback and interpret the data
  • Learn how to develop detailed specification documents based on data collected
  • Learn how to determine appropriate architecture, and other technical solutions
  • Learn how to engage in outside-the-box thinking to provide high value-of-service to the company.
  • Learn how to identify emerging technologies, web and mobile applications and the opportunities to integrate them into operations and activities.
  • Odd Jobs / Errands

Qualifications:

  •  You should be studying Computer Science, Product Design or a related field
  • You should have a high aptitude in Mathematics and English

Pay

This is an unpaid position but we will pay expenses, please ask for further details

About our Business

Tradesmen.ie is an interactive service that lets home owners and businesses obtain a number of quotes for jobs which are advertised over the web.  It also helps tradesmen locate work for the trades and the areas in which they are interested.   Sms text messaging is used for real-time notification of all parties.  Buyers and sellers are matched based on locality, skills, and requirements.  The interactive nature of this service means that deals can be done much more quickly than by traditional means.

Tips For Your Application

When applying for jobs or internships make sure to write a cover letter that shows you have researched what the company is about and that you have the relevant skills and experience appropriate for the job or internship you are applying for.  Here are some tips below to help with your job or internship application

Tips to Improve your CV

  1.  Put the most relevant product design experience and qualifications at the top
  2. Use bullet points to display important information
  3. Spell check and proofread your resume several times

Tips to Improve a Cover Letter

  1.  Address your cover letter to the right person
  2. Capture the reader’s attention, mention some product design interests or experience here
  3. Spell check and proofread your cover letter several times

On your cover letter and CV find a way to show that you are smart, love product design, and are constantly growing, learning, and exploring new ideas. Talk about your relevant hobbies if you have any, like contributing to open source projects, community support forums or getting involved with a local product design or innovation group on Meetup.com or similar. If a local product design or innovation group does not exist in your area then set up one and invite others to get involved.  Let your potential employer know if you like developing products and coming up with new and innovative ideas enough to deal with them outside of your work or studies.

It is a really simple formula for the employer. While two candidates may be equal today, the candidate with passion will be far more advanced in the weeks and months to come than the candidate who treats it as “just a job.”  And if you haven’t been partaking in any of these activities outside of your studies up to now, start as soon as you can and it will really develop your skills, help you to network with other like minded people and open up new opportunities that would otherwise never have been possible.

By following these tips you will be well on your way to getting noticed by employers in the hope of being called for an interview. The whole purpose of a CV and cover letter is to get an interview, so the work you put into improving your documents is well worth the effort.  Best of luck!

To Enquire about this internship or for any other details please contact the Managing Director Oliver Dempsey here or on mobile at:-

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

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