Celebrating 21 years in business, EJP Concrete Structures Ltd is a leading general building contractor specialising in new house builds, extensions, renovations, roofing – including fibre glass roofing systems – attic conversions, wheelchair accessibility, chimney inspections / repairs and electrical contracting.
Based in Mountrath, Co. Laois, the company was previously involved in concrete and steel structures, hence the name EJP Concrete Structures. “I started in construction when I was 18 and worked in England and Northern Ireland in the area of reinforced concrete structures and raft foundations. I moved into general contracting after that and have been building houses for the last 20 years,” founder and owner Eddie Phelan explains.
“My first job as a general contractor was building an extension to the psychiatric wing of the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, which was a good start. We became a limited company in 2010, having been a sole trader before that. While new one-off house builds, extensions and renovations have become our ‘bread and butter’, we still do raft foundations as well as concrete works for farmers.”
Outstanding workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of EJP Concrete Structures. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and never more so than in this COVID-19 age. From concept to completion, Eddie 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.
Whether your next project is a new build, extension or refurbishment, EJP Concrete Structure’s one-stop shop approach will ensure that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The Laois 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 satisfied clients.
“We have a proven track record in the construction sector and are a reputable company,” says Eddie, who employs four directly and is supported by his wife Colette and son Oisin, who works as a site manager with a well-known civil engineering company.
“We ensure that all projects are done with utmost professionalism using quality materials, while offering clients the support and accessibility they deserve. For us, honesty is the only policy and we strive to complete projects with integrity, not just with our clients, but also our suppliers and contractors. With thousands of successful projects under our belt, we are one of the most trusted construction companies in Ireland.
“Anyone can say they can build, but we can deliver. We have the knowledge, expertise and personnel to turn your dream home or building project into a reality.
“We put community needs and safety first for every project. We develop relationships with people, forging success through partnerships and collaboration. We strive to maintain the highest standards, while exceeding client’s expectations at all levels.”
Eddie has put together a small, but committed and experienced team to deliver a cohesive approach on each project. He uses the same tried and trusted sub-contractors, including his brother Dan, who is a partner in Phelan & Byrne Plastering, and his next-door neighbour Kieran Fitzpatrick, who runs Kieran Fitzpatrick Plumbing & Heating. By employing highly-skilled people, working closely with leading architects and engineers, and using only the very best building products, the midlands-based contractor is able to deliver the highest quality construction to its clients.
“We insist on working with architects that finish a job well such as Leslie Colton in Stradbally and BCF Architects in Mountmellick,” Eddie continues.
“We also ensure our customers have peace of mind by providing an unrivalled after-service. We stand over every job we do.”
Covering counties Laois, Kildare, Offaly, Carlow, Tipperary and Kilkenny, EJP Concrete Structures builds beautiful bespoke homes that typically range from 2,500 sq. ft. to 3,500 sq. ft. in size, have an A2 or A3 BER rating and incorporate air-to-water heating and heat recovery ventilation systems. The company has new builds ongoing in Kilkenny city (two), Templemore, Ballyfin, Borris-in-Ossory and Mountmellick, while it recently completed a full deep retrofit renovation of Bayswell House, which is a 250-year-old listed building in Crosspatrick, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny.
The COVID crisis, and the delays it has caused to building projects, has led to a sharp rise in residential property prices across the country as supply struggles to meet demand. To compound matters, the cost of building materials sky-rocketed during the pandemic and this is being acutely felt in the new build sector.
“I’m hoping things will settle down soon because if they keep going the way they are, we could be heading for another recession,” Eddie warns.
“House prices have shot up through no fault of the builders. A lot of it is to do with shortages in materials caused by COVID and Brexit. Steel has gone up by 30-40%, insulation has gone up by 25% and timber has also become more expensive. The price hikes have put an extra financial strain on people who are building their own home or are trying to get on the property ladder.”
Passionate about construction, Eddie would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers, suppliers and design teams for their continued support and cooperation, and his staff and sub-contractors for their hard work, dedication and skill.
Here’s to the next 21 years!
EJP Concrete Structures Ltd
4 New Line Close,
Mountrath,
Co. Laois.
Telephone: 087 8368526
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ejp.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, August, Vol 7 No 8
