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

Build up or out – what’s best?

“Attic conversion or side extension: which adds most value to your home?” From The Irish Times – Life & Style – Alanna Gallagher – Sat, Oct 5, 2019. There are 3 ways we can add space to your home under the 40sqm (430sqft) planning threshold, what’s best for you? In her article, Alanna Gallagher weighs up the various options: converting the garage or the attic or building a rear extension.