Competitive quote for a 2,500sqft 2 storey newbuild frm Mullane Builders Cork

Hi All,

we just got a very competitive quote for a 2,500 sq ft two storey new build from Mullane Builders in Cork, just wondering if any one out there has used them before and if so, how did ye get on with them?
Any info appreciated.

Thanks,
Serenn.

Re: Mullane Builders in Cork

AFAIK they are local to the (West/North) Cork area.

Re: Mullane Builders in Cork

Was quoted €204k including demolition of existing house, groundworks, two wells bored (one for geothermal), UFH, HRV installation, landscaping and driveway. House size is approx 2500 sq ft, so it works out at €81.60 per sq foot.

Re: Mullane Builders in Cork

Hiya,

I'm pretty aware of costs of HRV, UFC, geothermal, timber frame, roof, groundsworks prices etc., as we had planned on going direct labour with a timber frame construction.
We have a lot of 'direct labour' quotes gathered already.

Another builder quoted us €234k with no groundswork, well boring or lanscaping/driveway, that's why I'm so shocked at the €204k quote. It seems like a lot for very little...

I just wish I knew someone who had worked with them previously and could tell me whether they're any good or not...I'd hate to hire them and 5 years later still be going through a snag list in a crap house!

Serenn.

Re: Mullane Builders in Cork

I'm using Mullane builders at the moment to build my 2700 sq foot house and couldn't be happier. I was very surprised by his really competitive quote as well but I knew three people that used him. I phoned them and my engineer phoned their engineers and all good stories. I,m at first floor level now and I've found him really easy to deal with. Nothing is a problem and the quality of work so far is superb. Pm me if you want.

Re: Mullane Builders in Cork

i'm using mullane as well at the moment - same story as millie - his quote was very competitive (about 50k cheaper than most competitive) and i was a bit worred/surprised initially. spoke to previous people he had worked with and they were all very happy and the standard of his work looked excelletn when we went to see it at various build stages. pm if u want

Re: Mullane Builders in Cork

I know people who used them and were happy. They seem to have been consistently competitive price wise for the last few years.

I'd be worried that they have spread themselves over at least 2 jobs at the moment with cheap prices. What are their resources like? Staff, financials etc? That is what I would be looking for.
If you are happy with a buttoned down contract and specification with no 'extras' or variations go for it!!
I don't know anything about Mullanes but some companies are just buying turnover at the moment which can lead to serious cash flow problems and someone is going to be hurt, usually the customer.

Good luck with the project.

Bear in mind that this is a two storey house, therefore less foundations, concrete slab, etc. - very expensive, also less roofing - very expensive, than a bungalow. The quote seems ok to me. As for them stretching themselves too far, get a programme of works off them. Presumably you have a mortgage which will only be paid out on completion of various stages which will make the builder hit these stages ASAP.

Hi Guys,

thanks for all the replies. I've checked out the guy by local reputation and have only heard positive feedback.
The architect and the engineer have met him on site and they are happy with him, so it looks like it'll be all systems go in a month or so.
Fingers crossed!

Serenn.

In same position myself have got quotes back from 2 builders and am now comparing spec's before making final decision.
Was wondering are people finding it easy to bargin down prices with these contractors or are quotes pretty much taken as final figures?
Any thoughts or advice would be helpful.

I think it was Eddie Hobbs that suggested you shold ask for a further 10% disc on any price given by anyone in any sector.

I wouldn't do any big spending in the next week or two though as the vat rate (21.5% at least) is going to come down. Don't have a crystal ball but it's fairly likely.

Hi Sereen,

Well done for giving Mullane builders the job! Guys like him should be supported for doing a good job at a fair price. He won't let you down.

I just came across this string by change. I am currently in the closing stages of a 2500 sq ft house being built by Mullane builders. I can only speak very highly of Jer Mullane and his team. Their professionalism and quality of workmanship is outstanding. This is my second time undertaking a building project in under 5 years and the difference this experience has been has been incredible. Our new house had a complicated roof structure as we had to comply with strict city planning guidleines. The finished roof is excellent and this was not my opinion but comments from my Architect who is not easily impressed with anything 'builder' related. His electrician provided great ideas with lighting and some cost saving extras . Also, it is my opionion that the plumber is by far one of the most important tradesman on a building site and again I can only speak highly of these lads. (We are installing solar panels on the roof and was offered great advice and went out of his way to source particular panels that worked well for our roof). The plastering finish has also been excellent so expect a great finish. Of the extras I asked Mullane to undertake towards the end of the project ( landscapping etc) he always provided a very competitive price. In terms of insullation, Mullane took no short cuts, every wall and roof space was insulated using top brand names...... I know I probably sound like a sales person for Mullane but as I am that impressed with them, I could only take this opputunity and speak on their behalf. My recommendation would be to go with Mullane builders as you will not find anyone that offers this type of building service for this price range. Good luck! JC

Most unusual to hear so much unreserved praise from a number of subscribers for a contractor. Not a single word of criticism on any aspect of his operation from anyone! Is this guy a paragon?

It is unusual alright. But most of the recommendations come from people who registered some time ago and have posted on a variety of topics, so they seem genuine.

Of course, Mullane's will get so busy now that they will be able to put up their prices and probably will jump onto the next job before finishing it.

Brendan

Willowchase,

Dont get me wrong. Mullane is a builder after all and this is my second time around so my expectations are more balanced. You have to expect days when there is no one on site as no doubt he is trying to balance work load and keep all customers happy. When you start out with Mullane you sign a contract (standard stuff really). Part of the contract contains the agreed duration of the project. If you agree at the beginning that the project is going to take a certain amount of time you have to accept that builders will not always be on site. It is frustrating but like us, a quick call to ask for an update usually kept things moving week to week. As long as the building comes in on time, that is what matters. For me, I signed up for a 12 month duration. House was completed in 10 months. No bull****, no talk or pushing of extras at the end, no patronising excuses if you are not happy with something. JC

It's great to hear a good news storey especially in this area where we can often be at the mercy of the contractor. Good on you Mullanes.

Hi,

It looks like Mullane builders has a very good press office and even the pope himself has some faults but not Mullane Builders.

Timothy Paul,
That's very cynical of you! Believe it or not there are some good guys out there that do an excellent job and are not out to screw everybody they deal with. People like Ger Mullane deserved to be supported and praised for the work they do. God knows if all builders and developers were more like him maybe we wouldn't be in the crap we find ourselves in.