Experience is a vital component to be successful in any business and there is no doubt that we never stop learning when it comes to running our own company.
The construction industry has gone through many trials and tribulations over the years as numerous recessions have resulted in businesses ceasing to exist, but there are those that keep turning the wheels no matter what state the economy is in.
One such company is the profile of this month’s article as we take a look at Donegal based Gallagher Builders, which has been trading since the early 1960s when Frank Gallagher first set up the business.
These days, Frank’s son Michael runs the business under the trade name Michael Gallagher, Gallagher Builders and they are headquartered in Laghey.
“We are a family run business that offers a professional service to a large customer base,” said Michael. “We are very busy at the moment and have a number of projects ongoing.”
Gallagher Builders prides itself on offering the personal touch to its clients as they focus on providing a wide range of services and maintenance works to customers throughout Donegal and surrounding counties.
“We specialise in new builds, extensions, and renovations mainly, while we would also do some insurance work as well as some commercial work.”
Having the technical ability to see any job through from start to finish not only eases the burden on the client, but gives them the peace of mind that the work will be completed to the highest standard possible.
“We are experienced, trustworthy and hard working. We rely on our reputation for most of our work, so we strive to do the best job for all of our clients – large or small. We are always happy to refer prospective clients to previous customers and examples of our work.”
Gallagher Builders carry out a large amount of work for repeat customers, which is a testament to the quality of work that they deliver.
“We are regularly asked by local architects to tender for work – established partnerships that rely on directing their clients to builders they can trust. Subject to your budget, we strive to source the best materials for the job and use local / Irish companies where possible. We are fully insured and are diligent in working to the best Health & Safety practices. We deliver on time – and on budget.”
With the majority of their clients within a 30-40 mile radius, it means that this family run business can give the time and dedication needed on each project to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget and most importantly to the customers’ satisfaction.
“As we’re based just outside Donegal Town, it’s no surprise that the bulk of our work is in the County. We’ve also worked in Leitrim, Sligo and across the border in Northern Ireland.
“We have a long standing partnership and work closely with local architects in order to help our customers from the very start; this means you can count on us to provide expert advice and assistance from the early stages of: consultation, pre planning and/or planning, all the way to architectural and engineering drawings, followed with a premium build by our team.”
Gallagher Builders employ five people direct, while they use a number of sub-contractors that are adapt at doing things the Gallagher way.
“Most of the lads are with us years, even the subbies would be guys that would be very experienced.”
The lack of skilled workers in the construction industry is a cause for concern throughout sector and there is no sign of this changing in the near future.
“It is hard to attract skill workers as they are few and far between, plus the fact is that the rates are better in Dublin than they are up here or in any part of rural Ireland. A lot of guys left the industry during the last recession and they haven’t returned, while not many young people taking up careers in building, so it is hard to see how the issue will be resolved.”
Since returning to work following a few weeks lay off at the start of the first lockdown, Gallagher Builders has been kept very busy indeed.
“We have four extensions ongoing at the moment and we have a number of jobs coming up, so we would be happy with how business is going at the moment. We have a good core of clients there and we have found that word of mouth is the best form of advertisement for us, as they say, you are only as good as your last job.”
Businesses like Gallagher Builders have been around a long time and look set to be around for a lot longer, sticking to their own mottos has stood them in good stead down through the years, while their level of unrivalled experience will always see them being one of the top building companies in the north west.
Contact Details:
Michael Gallagher
Gallagher Builders
Laghey,
Co. Donegal
F94 HN62
Tel: +353 (0) 74 97 22176
Mob: +353 (0) 87 6317225
E-mail: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, March, Vol 7 No 3
