Based in Knocknagoshel, Tralee, Co Kerry, Lee Roche Construction Ltd specialises in building homes, renovating of existing dwellings and extensions to domestic and commercial properties. Building Ireland touched base, with its Managing Director Lee Roche, to learn all about the ins and outs of the company – from its origins to the state of business today.
Since its inception in 2001, Lee Roche Construction Ltd is a company which has grown and continues to go from strength to strength providing a quality service to its clients.
Operating with ten full-time staff from its premises in Knocknagoshel, Co Kerry, the company provides high-quality construction services that exceed expectations which, in turn, produces satisfied clients on every project.
Building Ireland spoke with the Kingdom native to hear more on how he got up and running with his firm and the different residential and commercial projects during the decades.
“After completing my apprenticeship, I set out as a subcontractor, employing two apprentices, completing work for local builders. I worked hard to build a good reputation which lead to bigger contracts being won,” Lee outlined.
“The work has grown organically over the years and so has the team; we grew from three employees to ten. I continued to work on all projects but as the work evolved and I started to tender for full build contracts my role moved to planning and project management.
“With a bigger team, I was afforded the opportunity to tender for and win larger contracts. These contracts aided the growth of the company. The progression of the company however was stalled slightly due to COVID.
“In 2017 I was excited to be involved in the renovation and refurbishment of an old shed. The project saw the shed being fully converted into a local convenience store that would serve the community. The shop’s owner had secured a contract with national shop brand offering excellent quality and value-based products to a small rural village.”
He added: “The last four years have been particularly busy with the domestic housing market, however the commercial work it now starting to increase.”
“Even with the busy period I wanted to ensure that the team continued to upskill, to this end, we are approved installer of Laydex Flat Roof Systems, Standing Seam Cladding. We are also registered with SEAI and Baumit for External Insulation.
“All the recent talk is suggesting that there will be a slow down on both Domestic and Commercial work. The industry has seen large Construction companies going into insolvency proceedings or scaling back. It is not clear if this is from the cost of resourcing, cost of raw materials or the fixed price quoted on certain projects. I am therefore aware having already been through a recession, the need to ensure the business is not too exposed.”
Since his teenage years, Lee’s passion has always very much been in construction and, that considered, it’s no surprise to see his firm taking further steps to ensure diversification of work which, all going well, should see it growing even more down the line.
“I’d always an interest in building from ‘Day One’ and, even in secondary school, I would’ve done projects based on houses and would’ve achieved high marks in Construction Studies. So, I would’ve always had an interest in it,” said the MD.
“Getting off the ground with this business at the start, it was tough enough, especially during the recession. Thankfully, we still were able to drive it on though and we seem to be going from strength to strength at the moment.”
As for right now, Lee Roche Construction Ltd is immersed in several different projects throughout the Munster region.
“We recently commenced a contract in Tipperary for a large furniture distributor, the works will see the building of two new offices, toilet block, loading bay, and entrance area. Another mid-size contract underway is an extension to a school local to me.
“Business is steady, the work is consistent, tenders are still being received the business appears to be moving in the right direction,” Lee stated.
“I have a talented team making my job so much easier. The team is experienced and understand the standards I am looking to achieve. I also work closely with a dedicated team of subcontractors, the majority of these I have been working with for many years and we all look out for each other.”
So, all of that considered, the burning question is what has been the secret behind the success to date of Lee Roche Construction Ltd?
How has a small start-up grown into what is now very much a thriving construction business which holds a good reputation amongst its clients?
Lee sees it as coming down to a combination of different qualities which the company has operated with from the start.
“I think we offer a good, friendly reliable service to them. I think we give it a good personal touch,” said the company’s founder.
“I’ like to take on new apprentices each year, this has the advantage of helping to alleviate the skills shortage, develop good quality carpenters and motivate other employees.”
Whether it’s building homes, renovating dwellings, or adding an extension, Lee Roche Construction Ltd has the resources and proven expertise to complete projects of all sizes, saving its customers money, time and stress in the process.
Looking towards the months ahead for the business, Lee is as optimistic that the company can continue to deliver quality projects for its clientele.
“We are looking to continue with the business growth that we have seen over the last few years. We however expect the growth will be much steadier.”
Great to hear.
Lee Roche Construction Ltd
Knocknagoshel,
Tralee,
Co Kerry
V92 C9Y2
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 087 671 4923
Office: 089 610 7347
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, July 2024, Vol 10 No 7
