Specialising in high-end one-off builds, renovations, extensions, retrofits and attic conversions, Max Building Services Ltd is a fast-growing carpentry and construction company which recently featured on the hit TV show ‘The Great House Revival’.
Fronted by Ferenc ‘Frank’ Farkas and Corey Mulhall, the Newbridge, Co. Kildare-based firm took on the task of restoring an historic brick-terraced house in Drumcondra, Dublin 9 with the name Olympus in gold above the front door, and adding a unique modern extension to reflect the tastes of owners and architects Rob Curley and Alfonso Bonilla. Also collaborating with civil and structural engineer Paul Cuddy of PCA Consulting Engineers, the main contractor was delighted with the finished product and the reaction to the show which aired on RTÉ1 on Easter Sunday.
Presented by architect Hugh Wallace, ‘The Great House Revival’ follows homeowners across Ireland as they try to restore and transform their derelict properties into comfortable homes fit for today – while saving a piece of the country’s architectural heritage.
Every aspect of the work is documented, from missed deadlines and budgets to battles fought and challenges overcome. Every property is different and each brings its own unique set of problems for the brave homeowners, for whom every restoration is a personal passion project.
In this instance, Rob and Alfonso bought their home four years ago for €460,000 and had a very precise budget of €319,000 to make their dreams come true. The project hit an early snag when it was discovered that there were no foundations to the existing extension while it was being demolished. Underpinning was required and this contributed to the budget over-running by about €80,0000.
Because they are architects, Rob and Alfonso wanted to get everything exactly right, so much so that 18 versions of the original plan were drafted before they finished their home. They had to make many compromises and sacrifices, but in the end, were extremely happy with the final product which Hugh Wallace lauded as a “tour de force, of simplicity and elegance of shapes and forms.”
“It was a very challenging, but very enjoyable project to work on,” Corey Mulhall of Max Building Services says.
“It consisted of a full renovation of the existing listed building and a new modern extension. The house is a fusion of the old and the new. Rob and Alfonso had a major input into it and they were very pleased with the outcome. Once our clients are happy, we’re happy.
“We’ve got great feedback from the show. Hopefully, it will lead to us working on similar projects in the future. We’ve never been as busy.”
Max Building Services has earned an enviable reputation for quality construction since its inception in 2017. Between them, directors Frank and Corey have a wealth of experience and a proven track record in delivering on their promises. Whether it’s a one-off build, attic conversion, refurbishment or extension, they bring the same attention to detail and meticulous quality control to every job.
They treat every home as if it were their own. Indeed, that is the secret of their success. They demand the very best workmanship and accept nothing less than the best from their skilled specialists in all trades. Frank and Corey employ only the most skilled and enthusiastic tradespeople to make your dream become a reality.
Furthermore, the 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 clients.
By employing highly-skilled people, collaborating with clients’ design teams and engineers, and using only the very best building products, this fully-insured contractor is able to deliver construction projects of the highest standards.
“While I only joined last year, Frank and I go back 18-19 years,” Corey explains.
“Frank is a carpenter and I’m a cabinetmaker. We’ve worked together for a long time. Since setting up this business in 2017, Frank has forged strong relationships with high-end clientele. Because we come highly recommended, we’ve never had to advertise. The quality of our work speaks for itself.”
Frank and Corey are supported and supplemented by the same tried and trusted subcontractors, while they also enjoy an excellent relationship with their suppliers and architects. The subcontractors / suppliers on ‘The Great House Revival’ project were GI Electrical, CUBO Rooflights, Premium Scaffolding, Nev-Mech Heating & Plumbing, Talbot Building & Civil Engineering, Brouder Bros Steel, True Colours Decorating, Exquisite Construction, CMC Interiors, Core Builders Providers, Kilsaran, Proline Architecture Hardware and CSK Roofing & Maintenance.
Max Building Services has worked on many projects with The House Architects’ team. Stephen Molloy was the architect for the Drumcondra project, while Frank and Corey’s permanent partner is Martin Egan, a quantity surveyor who prepares all of their tenders.
“We subcontract out everything. We’re lucky to have great subcontractors and suppliers. We have big plans for the future which our subcontractors, suppliers and design teams will be an integral part of. As we continue to go from strength to strength, Frank and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their unwavering support to date,” Corey concludes.
Max Building Services Ltd
9 Blackberry Way.
Newbridge,
Co. Kildare,
W12 R205.
Telephone: 087 062 5982
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.maxbuildingservices.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, August 2024, Vol 10 No 8
