KHCL Ltd (Kevin Harper Construction Ltd) is a leading construction company specializing in new builds, extensions, renovations and groundworks. The Arklow-based contractor provides high standards of service in building and civil engineering projects for both public and private sector clients in Co. Wicklow and beyond.
Established in 2000 by Kevin Harper, KHCL Ltd employs eight staff directly and numerous others on a sub-contract basis. The Avoca man also runs a property development company called Pixer Homes which is currently building four new homes in Aughrim.
“We provide a turnkey service, from turning the sod on a greenfield site to putting down pavements at the end,” Kevin says.
“Building and civil engineering is our ‘bread and butter’. My background is in groundworks. I was a foreman with Fanning Construction before deciding to go out on my own. We’ve come through a recession and a pandemic, and continue to go from strength to strength.”
The company’s greatest asset is its people. The KHCL team is made up of highly-skilled, dedicated and experienced individuals who always work to the highest standards. KHCL Ltd has a unique ability to combine local knowledge with an absolute focus on its client’s requirements and a level of service that delivers quality construction projects in a safe, professional and sustainable manner.
Outstanding workmanship, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients are the hallmarks of KHCL Ltd. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and never more so than in this post Covid-19 era. From concept to completion, Kevin and his team are with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved. All of their work complies with the highest industry regulations.
Whether your next project is a new build, extension or renovation, KHCL Ltd’s one-stop-shop approach will ensure that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The Wicklow contractor’s reputation for quality construction and ability to complete projects on time and within the agreed budget is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from architects / engineers and satisfied customers.
With an office in Kilbride, Arklow and a yard in Avoca, KHCL Ltd has a versatile fleet of machinery and plant to cater for all your groundwork needs. The modern fleet includes track machines, excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, a low loader and a 200hp Massey Ferguson tractor with a new dump trailer. The company is equipped to work in all sectors of the construction industry on a wide range of groundworks, demolition, roadworks and civil engineering projects. It specializes in all aspects of earthworks, from bulk excavations to foundations as well as the laying of water mains, electrical ducting and sewer lines.
“We’ve built up a large and loyal customer-base over the years,” Kevin explains.
“We enjoy an excellent relationship with our sub-contractors who include Brian Moran Electrical, David Currid Plumbing, Larry Byrne Carpentry and John Reilly Tiling. The same goes for our suppliers and architects. Our main suppliers are Munster Joinery, Carlson Windows, Rationale, Topline Boland Arklow, Wood Industries (Rathdrum) Ltd, Roadstone and Dan Morrissey & Co in Rathdrum. The four architects we collaborate with on a regular basis are Eugene Copeland, Eleanor Sheehan, Noel Quinn and Martin Cleary.
“By employing highly-skilled people, working closely with our architects and designers, and using only the very best building products, we’re able to deliver the highest quality construction to our clients.”
All of KHCL Ltd’s jobs are priced by local quantity surveyor Richard McGrath. The company completes up to 15 projects a year and is currently building one-off homes in Laragh and Ballinabarney. It recently completed similar builds in Rathdrum and Ashford.
As for Pixer Homes, which was set up four years ago to cater for larger projects, it has just finished a two-house development in Ballinaclash and is now engaged in a four-house development in Aughrim.
The rising cost of building materials is a huge concern for Kevin who is keeping his fingers crossed that it will plateau soon.
“I can’t see it lasting much longer. A new build we priced in April has since gone up by €22,000. I’ve never seen anything like it. It needs to level out soon because there continues to be a shortage of houses in this country,” he adds.
Kevin is joined in the business by his wife Catriona. Their 16-year-old son Paddy is showing a keen interest and Kevin is hoping he will follow in his footsteps.
In summary, KHCL Ltd provides a range of services to clients who want to construct a new home or alter, extend or improve the space they live in. Kevin would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers, suppliers, sub-contractors and design teams for their continued support as well as his staff for their hard work and expertise.
Contact KHCL Ltd today for a free, no obligation consultation.
KHCL Ltd
Arklow Business Enterprise Centre,
Kilbride Industrial Park,
Kilbride,
Arklow,
Co. Wicklow,
Y14 T440.
Telephone: 0402 26911 / 087 2270514
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, October 2022, Vol 8 No 10
