Over the past twelve years, Sirius Construction has earned a stellar reputation as an industry-leading niche builder, delivering high-end residential and commercial construction and renovation solutions. We spoke to director John McGee to find out more about this exceptional company which offers turnkey new build, deep retrofit and renovation services.
Since its inception in 2011, Sirius Construction Ltd. has been associated with excellence, establishing itself as an in-demand provider of high quality workmanship within the commercial, residential and conservation sectors of the construction industry.
Priding itself on their ability to invariably deliver complex, high-end projects on time and within budget, Sirius Construction work regularly with leading architects, engineers and project managers, which consistently results in finished projects of the highest quality.
Founder and proprietor John McGee boasts over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry and has managed a wide range of projects, from major civil engineering to the most exacting residential, commercial and conservation jobs. Sirius Construction has upgraded many listed buildings over the years, including:
By insisting on using only the best tradesmen, materials and subcontractors, collaborating closely with clients and architects, and supervising all aspects of the work, the highest standards are achieved and maintained from start to finish across every project large or small.
“The business has grown slowly over the years but we are happy to stay small and ensure we can give each project the focus required to deliver to the standard we set ourselves,” John states. “We are very selective about the projects we choose to work on and who we choose to work for. We like to work with architects who give the same attention to a project as we do, as we find co-operation and buy-in from each member of the team, both client and contractor side, is a key to a successful project.
“We believe in giving the right price when we tender, and we don’t go for projects where quality is sacrificed for price – our experience is that nobody wins in those circumstances.”
At the time of writing, Sirius Construction were engaged on a luxurious €750,000 penthouse apartment in Killiney, a change of use from a catering establishment to an apartment in Cabinteely; and a renovation and deep retrofit project in Crumlin, as well as several conservation projects including re-roofing and internal conservation works on Exchequer Street and façade restorationthe North Quays.
They are also in advanced negotiations for the construction of five new homes in Harold’s Cross.
“The main drivers for new work is repeat clients and word of mouth (both from clients and architects – as well as fellow contractors from time to time!).
Providing direct employment for a team of four full-time personnel alongside himself, plus a strong core pool of subcontractors, John feels Sirius is at a nice size at present and says that any growth will be carefully considered. .
“There’s plenty of work out there,” he adds. “We pick our projects carefully and we try to only take on a maximum of three or four at a time, to ensure that they all have our full attention. It’s a delicate balancing act but we have the experience and expertise to deliver high-quality projects.”
For an elite construction company with such a prestigious portfolio of completed projects, it’s perhaps surprising to learn that there is no major secret behind the success of Sirius Construction. “We just try to bring quality work to every project, make sure it’s delivered on time and make sure we manage the project properly all the way through,” the unassuming director reveals matter-of-factly.
“Our staff are skilled tradesman with many years under their belts. Our supply chain is relatively settled having built up good relationships with them over the years. There is still a skills shortage in the country so when we find talented people, suppliers or sub-contractors, we try to nurture these relationships. That has helped us manage the recent supply chain issues due to the war in Ukraine (and its knock-on effects throughout Europe) and Covid. This has helped us and our clients during these challenging times. In addition to the cost of finance being impacted by Europe wide inflation, the concrete levy is about to hit in September, so that is another new challenge to be considered in the current environment.
“The bottom line is that when you work in the industry we are in, you have to deliver quality workmanship on time,” John concludes. “To achieve this, you need a team of skilled and motivated people who will get the job done … and do it right.
“There’s nothing easy in this industry. You have to earn your money in construction and the best way to do that is to produce quality work on time every time.”
Sirius Construction Ltd.,
Rathmines,
Dublin,
Tel: 01 532 2399
Mobile: 087 261 2221
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, December 2023, Vol 9 No 12
