Specialising in residential new builds, extensions, renovations and pyrite remediation, Proconstruct Ltd in Killala, Co. Mayo has enjoyed a very successful first year in business.
Proconstruct was established in February 2023 by Joe Kinhart and Chris Murphy who had previously worked in the construction industry across the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Ireland. By combining their global experience, the two friends knew they could deliver the highest quality homes, while also providing clients with the value and attention they deserve. This is the foundation Proconstruct was built on – putting clients first.
Proconstruct understands that for most people, building your own home is the biggest investment you will ever make. The company’s goal is to make the whole process as seamless as possible by helping you through every step of the process. With full transparency, you won’t stumble on any surprises. That’s the trust and accountability you can expect with Proconstruct.
“As a main contractor, we take care of everything,” Joe says.
“Chris and I both returned to Ireland in the past two years after emigrating in 2010 and 2015 respectively. Chris spent a few years in Australia first, then Canada and finally New York. I also worked in the US and Australia before making my way back to London.
“With 30 years’ combined experience, we decided to set up this company over a year ago and haven’t looked back since. We’ve been extremely busy and have a strong book of work for the rest of this year and next year also.”
With a background in construction management, Chris leads the operations side of the business. Meanwhile, Joe – who is a quantity surveyor by profession – looks after the commercial and administration side of things. “We have very different skill sets, so it makes for a great combination,” he points out.
The co-directors are joined by a six-strong team who are supported and supplemented by the same tried and tested subcontractors. Proconstruct also enjoys an excellent relationship with its suppliers, including Molloy’s Concrete in Ballina, Archers Ballina, Cooney’s Homevalue in Ballina and Chadwicks in Castlebar, as well as the design teams at Simon Beale + Associates, Ballina and MFA Consulting Engineers, also Ballina.
What makes Proconstruct different?
· Experiencing the construction industry globally allowed Chris and Joe to gain more exposure to how different markets and cultures operate. They saw an opportunity to bring that global experience back to the West of Ireland.
· They have invested in a lot of different softwares and programs which has streamlined the whole process and made everything more efficient, for the company and for its clients. For instance, they offer detailed construction programs for clients so they can track every step of the journey and know exactly when decisions need to be made to mitigate delays. They also provide detailed budgets for every project so that everything is completely transparent and the client can see what they’re getting for their money and if there’s any changes the savings are passed on to them.
· Chris & Joe are focused on building trust and relationships, they look after their people and partners and with a focus on quality, they always want to ensure the end product is perfect. They are only as good as their subcontractors and suppliers, so they look after them and they look after them in turn.
· Sustainability is at the core of the business. Proconstruct is committed to reducing and recycling waste as much as possible to help protect the environment.
· Proconstruct is active social media, especially Instagram. Similar to most builders, Proconstruct relies quite a bit on referrals and word of mouth. However, the company sought to gain more exposure using social media to take people along on the journey which has been helpful at this early start to build brand recognition.
Joe reveals that up to 80% of Proconstruct’s work relates to homes affected by pyrite around Mayo.
“My own family home and my wife’s family home both have pyrite, so I have an understanding on a personal level of the impact it has and can resonate with people who have been impacted.
“The Defective Concrete Blocks Grant is currently 100% redress, but is capped. So how much of a grant you get depends on the size of your home.”
He continues: “We built three new homes in Killala in a development called ‘The Acres’. But the most demand right now is for pyrite homes and refurbishments. More people are availing of Government grants to do up vacant and derelict homes.”
Despite the ongoing challenges facing the industry, including the ever-increasing cost of materials, labour shortage and wet weather which can impact work programmes, the future looks bright for Proconstruct.
“We get huge satisfaction from seeing a project come to life. From initially working with architects and engineers with the plans on paper to seeing a house become a family home is very fulfilling.
“Commercial opportunities have presented themselves, but we will continue to focus on residential projects for the time being as that is our core business and we want to perform well. It’s still early days. It’s been a case of ‘so far, so good’.”
As Proconstruct continues to go from strength to strength, Chris and Joe would like to take this opportunity to thank their clients, suppliers and design teams for their support as well as their staff and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Proconstruct Ltd
Cooneal,
Killala,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo.
Telephone: 087 409 9196
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.proconstruct.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, October 2024, Vol 10 No 10
