Welcome to the fourth in the series of “We Ask Our Experts”. In this series of posts, we focus on our customers and our friends in the business community. The concept is to pose a series of quick questions to known experts in the various industry verticals.

Today’s post is all about the construction industry as we speak with Adrian O’Sullivan from J&B O’Sullivan Builders.

Tell us a bit about your company.

J & B O Sullivan Builders was started by James Snr & Betty O Sullivan almost 40 years ago.

James & Betty worked tirelessly during the early years of the business (and still do….) to build a reputation for competitively priced, quality work and integrity in business.

In 2006 James Jnr and Adrian joined the business officially and J & B O Sullivan Builders Ltd was formed.

We primarily build one-off, custom homes but have constructed filling stations, hotels, school extensions & warehouses over our long history.

 

What would be your top tips for people planning home improvements or buying a property in 2021? 

With planned home improvements or new builds in 2021, it is important to note that material prices & labour rates are continuing to rise, so “the sooner the better” is advisable.

Also, many local councils are working on revised county development plans which, when adopted, will possibly make obtaining planning permission outside urban centres very difficult.

With regard to property purchases, prices appear to have risen a few percent over 2020 with a lot more ex-pats in the market than normal.

With the above-mentioned change to planning policy, properties in the countryside will possibly become much more valuable for those looking to live in the country.

If there is an existing property on a site, no matter about its condition, you are almost guaranteed to get planning permission.

Have you noticed a significant impact on mortgages and the housing market? 

We would have noticed a “relaxation” in mortgage approvals over the last few years with more and more people qualifying.

A lot of our clients in the one-off housing market are largely unaffected by the more recent COVID-19 crisis due to the stability of their jobs and ability to work remotely.

This has kept our market buoyant and the signs are positive for the remainder of 2021.

Have you noted any trends within the housing market and the availability of properties? 

The availability of new houses for private purchase remains very poor. We believe this is due to the high cost of development and low sale prices achievable.

We have assessed a number of development sites over the last few years and in our region, the numbers just don’t stack up.

How have you found navigating through the ever-changing lockdown restrictions? 

It’s been a challenge to be fair! Although our sites generally have small numbers on them, we have put all the necessary hand washing, sanitisers & signage in place.

All our employees & sub-contractors also undertook the CIF inductions to cover Covid-19 precautions & procedures (generously provided to non-members by the CIF free of charge). We have been able to continue with some works during the current lockdown but it’s very limited.

How have you managed to give your customers peace of mind throughout the different levels as plans are changed/delayed? 

Again, this has been a tough one! Some of our clients are largely unaffected by the delays but some are facing months of extra rent & mortgage payments.

Our clients have been understanding but it has been frustrating as they have been planning their builds for a number of years.

Although this is a time of disruption, would you agree that it is also a time of opportunity?

I believe that the current situation may give people the opportunity to evaluate how people work & live and what value they place on things.

How can the property market best rise to the challenge?

I believe the property market & supply can only be improved when the costs of building are reduced.

Our building regulations are of a very high standard, which leads to a great product, but ultimately adds to the cost of building.

With housing estates, the fees for utility connection and to local councils are very high and we believe this needs to be investigated at government level.

If these items are not looked at & changed, the way the industry can respond is using more off-site solutions to try to reduce labour costs.

How has your business changed in the last year? 

We have all gotten more used to “Zoom” site meetings!

What is the number one thing you wished people knew about J&B O’Sullivan Builders? 

We believe we provide an exceptional level of customer service and have a great relationship with all of our past clients.

I believe this speaks volumes for the service we provide.

What is the most positive thing to have happened for (company) in the last year? 

We have remained strong as a team! All our loyal employees have stayed with us during the various lockdowns and risen to the new challenges that we have faced.

Some key takeaways from the article:

If you have any specific questions regarding J&B O’Sullivan Builders and how it can help you please let us know and we’ll pose these questions on your behalf. Alternatively please feel free to reach out J&B O’Sullivan directly visit: https://jandb.ie or contact:

Hill Road,
Abbeyfeale,
Co.Limerick.

Email: info@jandb.ie
Tel:068 31383