Recognised as Ireland’s foremost façade solutions specialist, SF Plastering has been delivering high-quality finishes to the construction industry since 2006. Stephen Fitzpatrick explains more about his successful Dublin-based company which continues to prosper in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From humble beginnings, SF Plastering has grown to employ over 120 staff and has the capabilities and resources to carry out the most challenging of projects. Working along leading construction companies such as BAM, Sisk, ABM, Cairn Homes and Walls, it has completed some of the largest commercial and prestigious residential projects in the country. A multi-disciplined internal and external sub-contractor, SF Plastering currently specialises in high-volume residential projects along with specialist plastering applications on large-scale projects.
“We set up the company 14 years ago, just before the recession hit,” Stephen starts off by saying.
“It was a tough time for everyone in the construction industry, but we got through it. We were involved with ABM Construction in a number of rapid-build school projects and had 10-15 staff at the time. We’ve obviously grown quite a bit since then.
“We initially did façade only and our largest façade project to date has been the new National Children’s Hospital for BAM, who are the main contractors. We’ve also worked on a lot of private rental schemes for Cairn Homes and are currently completing a number of social housing schemes for Sisk Living as well as four apartment blocks across Dublin.
“At the moment, we’re involved in €18 million worth of projects for developers and main contractors. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, our books are full up until March 2022, so we’re kept busy,” adds the affable managing director, whose wife Aishling is also a director and brother Peter is lead project manager.
Exceptional workmanship, attention to detail, an insistence of using the best materials and an ability to complete every project on time and within budget, combined with a strong emphasis on Health & Safety, are the cornerstones of SF Plastering’s success. The family-run business’ plasterers benefit from its own inhouse training and are kept up-to-date with the latest application methods and products. SF Plastering prides itself on keeping its workforce supplied with the latest machinery and equipment. This ensures that the consistency of the finished product is to a high standard, while application efficiencies help to accelerate the work programme.
“Our people have made us what we are today. Some of them have been with us since the very beginning. Our plasterers are experienced and highly-skilled with a strong work ethic. It’s a real team effort,” stresses Stephen, who is a native of Doolin, Co. Clare.
The main services provided by SF Plastering are: insulated render, monocouche render, suspended ceilings, plastering, rainscreen cladding and metal stud partitions. The contractor’s insulated render division is a leading installer of external wall insulation systems, supplying energy efficient façade solutions to the commercial market for many years. SF Plastering has dedicated specialist installation and commercial teams who understand project requirements from pricing through to delivery. A close relationship with the leading system suppliers enables SF Plastering to provide value-added solutions for all of its commercial clients. The company is an approved and preferred contractor for Parex Lanko, Ceresit and Weber, and is also Ireland’s only contractor approved by the NSAI for multi-storey buildings.
As one of the most progressive external render systems applicators in Ireland, SF Plastering takes great pride in its workmanship and efficiency which is reflected in the large volume of repeat business it receives. The contractor can deliver any size of project required and has a wealth of experience in all types of finishes and materials.
SF Plastering manages its own suspended ceiling packages and can offer value engineering options from both a specification and installation perspective to architects and main contractors. By only using products from leading manufacturers such as Gypsum, Knauf, Lafarge, Armstrong, Rockfon and Ecophon, clients are assured of peace of mind and technical back-up.
SF Plastering delivers the highest level of service, quality and reliability in plastering. The contractor can provide consistency of labour and management, and can also draw on the commercial strength in the marketplace of its other divisions to ensure it buys right.
In addition, SF Plastering provides a complete rainscreen solution, including full support frame, ventilated fire cavity barriers and insulation to suit every client’s needs. It supplies and fits rainscreen cladding from all the premier manufacturers. The company also has vast experience in using all types of metal stud partitions and is able to deliver the highest levels of quality, service and reliability. Its dedicated, specialist installation teams understand even the most complex project requirements from concept to completion, ensuring that you receive the best finished product.
Health & Safety has always been paramount with SF Plastering, and never more so than in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The company operates strict Health & Safety procedures to ensure the safe running of every project. It works closely with its clients to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained and is proud of its exemplary safety record.
SF Plastering enjoys an excellent working relationship with many clients, including Sisk Living who it is collaborating with on social housing schemes in Ayrfield, Malahide Road, Corkagh Grange, Scribblestown, Finglas, Dunleer, Co. Louth, Convent Lands, Wicklow Town and Craddockstown, Naas. The bundle consists of 534 units and SF Plastering was awarded the entire plastering contract which includes external rendering, drylining and the installation of partitions.
“Sisk are great to work for as they provide us with continuity of work and also provide a fantastic workplace in terms of Health & Safety,” Stephen says.
“Companies like Sisk and Cairn Homes choose us because of the quality of our work, coupled with our progress onsite and manpower. We insist on doing things right – if you don’t have accountability, you have nothing. That is driven from the top down. The leading suppliers also push our name because they know that their products will be installed properly.”
Stephen would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients and suppliers for their continued support, and his staff for their expertise, hard work and dedication.
SF Plastering
Unit C2,
Centrepoint Business Park,
Oak Road,
Dublin 12.
Telephone: 01 5456819
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sfplastering.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, February, Vol 7 No 2
