News

Perfect Storm: Builders hands are tied & homeowners are left in limbo

Labour shortages + Material shortages = Unmanageable delays & price hikes industry-wide. Even where the home-owner is willing and able to pay more, the builder is unable to secure the labour and materials required. It’s a quandary and the frustration across the industry is beyond palpable. The situation is unmanageable due to the lack of commitment on all sides and the outlook is not favourable. “Some contractors simply can’t stand over the prices they gave three months ago. They would go out of business if they tried to.” (CIF) This is a summary of some key points in recent articles across various publications including The Irish Times, The Examiner & The Sun. Read the articles in full via the relevant links.

News / Projects

Rise in cost of building materials and tight supply put construction on the back foot

Rise in cost of building materials and tight supply put construction on the back foot. ‘The increases are due to very severe supply shortages.’ A rise in construction materials costs is the latest setback to hit the industry. It won’t be news to anyone that the construction industry has been released out of lockdown straight into high demand for building projects of all kinds – it’s busy out there. As much as builders would love to tackle this demand head on, it is met with a new obstacle: increasing material prices & decreasing supply….

News

Before asking for a builder’s price, what do you need?

In our experience at Sycamore, there are a few preparatory steps which save our clients a lot of hassle in the long run: A scaled drawing, a firm idea of what you would like priced and your own budget expectations. “You don’t want a design for something you can’t afford…” Hiring a professional like an architect or quantity surveyor is about “spending money to save money.” Before you speak to a bulder, an architect (or designer) should be the first port of call.

News

Common considerations when extending to the rear

Common considerations when extending Rear extensions can be a priceless investment. Transform pokey kitchens, inefficient layouts and dark corners into bright, open plan spaces. Here are a few elements you’ll …

Extend Your Living Space
News

Extend Your Living Space from €25,000+VAT

What a difference an extension can make to the way you use existing space. An improved living/dining space looks terrific and works hard. Price: €25,000 + VAT. Includes: Extension to rear @ 12 sqm; Lean-to roof with aluminium glazing & 1 roof light; Steel works and Engineer’s structural sign off; Electrics & plumbing as standard; Extension finished in laminate flooring & painted.

News

Renovations in lockdown: ‘There is no timeline to completion’

Renovations in lockdown: ‘There is no timeline to completion.’ From The Irish Times – Life & Style – Alanna Gallagher – May 9, 2020. What happens when you finally get your dream home project off the ground, only for Covid-19 to shut down the build? In her article, Alanna Gallagher explores some of the impacts Covid-19 is having on Ireland’s residential construction sector. SOCIAL DISTANCING AND DELIVERY HOLD-UPS WILL DELAY BUILDING WORK ON DOMESTIC EXTENSIONS, PUSHING UP COSTS.

News

A complete guide to home renovation costs

“Instead of asking how much will it cost, you should ask how much can you spend.” From The Irish Times – Life & Style – Joanne Hunt – Thu, Apr 16, 2020.
Tailoring a renovation to our client’s budget is our specialty. It is beneficial to know what’s possible within a range rather than discussing ideas and expectations which may be unachievable once the bottom line becomes clear. It is refreshing to see this article distinguishing between market rates for new extension work and all the other costs which come into play once you alter an existing house.