Union Homes Ltd is a leading construction company based in Union Hall, Co. Cork. Specialising in new builds, extensions, renovations, external insulation, groundworks and all aspects of carpentry, including fitted furniture, the family-run business can make your dream home a reality.
Taking its name from the small West Cork fishing village in which it’s located, Union Homes was established in 2011 by Shane Hurley who is joined by his wife Ashling and three top-class tradesmen, with several others employed on a sub-contract basis. The company is synonymous with quality construction and is dedicated to customer satisfaction at all times.
Outstanding workmanship, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients are the hallmarks of Union Homes. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and never more so than in this Covid-19 era. From concept to completion, Shane and his small, but dedicated 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 renovation, extension or new build, Union Homes’ one-stop-shop approach will ensure that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The West Cork 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 / designers and scores of satisfied customers.
“Most of our work is carried out between Clonakilty and Schull, and everywhere in between, including Skibbereen,” Shane explains.
“We’ve got a good name in the industry and stand over every job we do. We have our own joinery workshop in Union Hall and also have our own machinery for groundworks. We provide a turnkey service.”
The CIF member enjoys an excellent working relationship with sub-contractors, architects / designers and suppliers alike. Sub-contractors include Michael Limrick Electrical in Union Hall, Donal O’Donovan Plastering in Rosscarbery and John Twomey Plumbing, while suppliers are Munster Joinery in Ballydesmond, SIG Ireland in Cork, West Cork Building Supplies in Clonakilty and Barry’s Builders Providers in Skibbereen. Michael Burns in Skibbereen and MSA (Mike Shannon Architects) in Clonakilty are Shane’s main architects.
“By employing highly-skilled people, using the same tried and trusted sub-contractors, working closely with our architects and using only the very best building products, we’re able to deliver the highest quality construction to our clients,” adds Shane, who is father to Annie (13), Seán (nine) and Beth (17 months).
Union Homes has an array of top-class machinery and plant to cater for groundworks, including Kobelco excavators ranging from three to 13 tonnes and Manitou telehandlers. Shane deals with McSharry Bros in Roscommon for Kobelco and Lynch & McCarthy in Little Island, Cork for his Manitou needs.
Union Homes’ new builds typically range in size from 2,500 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft. The company is currently carrying out two extensions in Glandore and a refurbishment in Skibbereen. It is never short of work, despite the uncertainty caused by sky-rocketing energy and building material costs.
“We haven’t been affected by rising costs in terms of securing work. But it’s definitely a worry going forward. When you price a job now, you know it’s going to be a different price a week or two later. In six months, there will be 20% added on to the cost of the same materials. It’s very important to keep customers abreast of these ever-changing costs,” he stresses.
Construction isn’t the only thing Shane is well-known for. He won three Cork senior football championship medals with Castlehaven in 2003, ’12 and ’13, and continues to line out for the club. His younger brothers Brian and Michael have regularly featured together in the Cork senior football attack in recent years, with full forward Brian having captained the Rebels this season.
“I won three county finals, but it’s the four I lost that stick in my mind!” the affable builder laughs.
Passionate about building, Shane would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers, suppliers and architects for their continued support as well as his staff and sub-contractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
For a free quotation, be sure to give him a call.
Union Homes Ltd
Cahergal,
Union Hall,
Co. Cork.
Telephone: 086 375 1438
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, January 2023, Vol 9 No 1
