new apprentices

Labour Shortages are a Massive Opportunity for New Apprentices

In recent years, the shortage of apprentices has been well documented. With 63% of construction companies struggling to find skilled workers to help build homes. Ireland is currently suffering from a growing housing crisis. People are crying out for affordable housing and places to rent. Third-level qualifications are rightly considered an achievement worthy of respect. On the other hand, becoming an expert tradesman has traditionally been seen as an ‘unskilled’ profession. The irony is that the drop-off in the availability of skilled manual workers has shown just how skilled – and essential – they are in the community. 

Working in the Modern Construction Industry

The old stigma around manual work is fading fast. Forward-thinking companies such as Sigma Homes are at the forefront of dispelling the old-school approach. Sigma Homes, and other innovative companies, have rapidly modernised the construction industry. We look at new technologies, materials, systems and approaches. We engage in R&D and use highly effective management systems borrowed from the worlds of software development and mechanical engineering.

There are many reasons to take pride in what we do. It’s satisfying to work with an interdisciplinary team of intelligent,  highly skilled professionals who get great satisfaction from their work. We’re constantly looking at innovative new ways to design and implement homes. We constantly examine our processes and find more efficient and effective ways of delivering the best quality results.

Low Supply + High Demand = Great Opportunity for New Apprentices

Ireland is crying out for skilled manual workers. With high demand and a shortage of workers, there is an opportunity to earn more. In the past, third-level education almost always equated to higher pay. Today, many manual professionals are highly paid. If you’re a young person and you are looking to decide what to do with your future, from our own experience, we’d say to take everyone’s thoughts and opinions on board. And most importantly of all, listen to yourself. What interests you? We know that many people are best-suited to more academic roles, such as in biosciences. But there are also many brilliant, considerate people who love to work with their hands. To solve problems. To fix broken things.  Or to imagine something great and see it become a reality.

Let The Light In

Most Irish homes were built in the last century, with low ceilings and close walls. Because these confined spaces with low ceilings and small windows are so ‘normal’ to us, we often don’t notice how they can affect us. A new build or renovation, if it’s carried out using modern design principles, can profoundly change your experience.  

Let the Light In

There have been many insights made in the last decade around how a building’s shape can shape our mood. If you are renovating your home today, you have an opportunity to experience something new. In the past, windows were a huge source of heat loss, and the technology wasn’t there to produce large glass panes. Today, glass can be produced with much larger dimensions and with excellent insulation. When these modern, large windows are well-placed, with consideration to sunlight at different times of the day and different seasons of the year, you can allow much more light and natural heat into your home and into your life. 

The visceral experience you feel when stepping into your newly renovated home, illuminated naturally through modern renovation principles. We check in with our clients after they’ve settled into their new home, and we often hear comments about how the sense of light, open space and the comfortable temperature has transformed their mood. The difference is like night and day.

Step Into a Happier, Healthier, Home

Architectural design and materials have progressed massively in recent decades. Today, there is far more understanding of the health impacts of different materials and designs. From heating and humidity to ventilation. For example, we know today that many buildings and materials render their occupants susceptible to all sorts of invisible health issues. Many older buildings having poor air quality, with high levels of carbon dioxide, moulds and toxins. These can aggravate or cause a range of health issues best expressed in the term, “sick building syndrome”.  Thankfully, today we have the understanding and the means to create living spaces that better support our health. 

Take a Breath Of Fresh Air

Draughts are a problem in a traditional home. We’ve all felt that finger of icy air that creeps into our muscles and bones, causing stiff necks and shoulders, tension and pain. We try to fend it off with thick layers in winter and heating at full blast. And because the heating takes a lot longer to reach a comfortable than it does to drop when we open a window, we often feel reluctant to open up our windows for too long. It’s because of this that a draughty home can hurt our health. Because we’re always fending off the cold, we don’t allow in enough fresh air. This means that the air tends to have a higher level of Co2, with elevated levels of trace toxins. In this way, many of us unwittingly live our lives in a sea of stale air that subdues our senses and hurts our health.

With an architect who takes these things into consideration, you can escape the dreaded draught. And with heat exchange technology, it’s possible to expel from your home all that stale air, all of those toxins, and pump in fresh, healthy air in its stead — all without loss of heat or the slightest draught. Just a cosy ambient temperature, allowing natural sunlight and optimal health.

Choosing a Builder: 4 Important Tips to Consider

Choosing a builder can be tricky. We’ve all heard stories or had bad experiences with contractors. As builders in Cork working in the industry, we’ve had our fair share of encounters and experiences. We’ve seen time and time again how the wrong builder for the job can cost you time, money and peace of mind. Here are a few tips to consider when choosing a builder.

How to Choose a Builder: Seek Out Reviews

Whether referrals, recommendations, testimonials or reviews, make sure that the builder has some sort of evidence of previous work for you to go by. When you get an in-person recommendation for a family member or friend, be sure and compare the scope of your own project. Check the reviews for comparable projects so that you know you’re comparing like with like.

Choosing The Best Builder for the Project

Some builders can be excellent at a specific type of project, whether an extension or kitchen, but they may lack the skill or experience for larger builds, they

choosing a builder cork

 might not have the experience or finesse to get it done to your exact specifications.  If you can, ask if you can inspect the builder’s finished projects and pay special attention to the finer details and finishes. The proof is in the pudding, but the devil is in the details.

Check The Builder’s Skills and Experience

We’ve heard some horror stories. carpenters selling themselves as building managers and costing time and money and creating unnecessary stress for clients. Always check that the builder is fully insured. When hiring a project manager, be sure they know their craft. A skilled and experienced project manager will be able to read plans and communicate clearly. Do they listen to your questions, ideas and suggestions? How open are they to your ideas?

Clarify All Aspects of the Contract

Ensure that everything is clear and written on paper before hiring. For example, if it’s a new build, who will do the finishes such as plumbing and electrical services, piping and cabling. Also consider plastering, cabinets, sinks, fixtures, tiling and appliances?  What are the specific deliverables? Are they offering any guarantees? What is the agreed procedure for changes? It’s best to have everything clearly laid out so that both parties are on the same page.

We hope this was helpful. If you have any further questions or you’re just seeking clarity, feel free to give us a call today on  021-2348095. If you’re seeking a builder, please check out our testimonials page. We’re proud to be recognised as the 2018 Cork builder of the year.

 

How To Choose The Right Builders For Your Project In Cork

The Right Builders For Your ProjectWhen it comes to your home, you should never settle for anything less than the best. The quality of the work that is carried out will have a direct impact on your life for years to come, so choosing the best builders for the job is extremely important. There are a wide variety of factors that should influence your decision when you are trying to choose the right builders for your project. Here is how to choose the right builders for your project in Cork.

1: Location

If your project is in Cork, you should choose a construction company that is also located in Cork and has a history of completing building projects on time and to a very high standard in the area.

2: Easy To Contact

Being able to get in touch with a builder quickly and easily is very important. Over the course of a new build or an extension, you will probably have a few questions that you need answered or some changes you want to make along the way. If you can’t seem to get through to them or they don’t get back to you quickly, it can add a lot of unnecessary stress to the build.

3: Portfolio

Another important factor when choosing the right builder for your project is their portfolio. This should always be something that is readily available to you when dealing with any reputable builder. This a fantastic way to get a feel for their work and the type of projects they excel at. If there is no portfolio made available then you should keep looking for the right builder.

5: In-House Architect

If you’re building a new home, an extension or completing some renovation work you should always choose a construction company that has an in house architect or architecture team. Being able to change plans and cost things completely in house can save you a substantial amount of money. Also having the builder and architect working closely together can often allow them to team up and come up with creative ways to keep your project within budget while still delivering on key aspects of the build.

How To Choose The Right Builders For Your Project In Cork4: Reputation

The reputation of a construction company can really be what sets it apart from their competition. Google any companies you are considering and take a look at their reviews. What their past clients have to say about their experience and the quality of work that was carried out is just about the best indicator of how you will be treated as one of their clients.

When you’re choosing a builder for your project in Cork you should consider choosing a company with a good history of projects in the area, is easy to contact when you need them, has a great portfolio of past projects, has an in house architect and had a fantastic reputation with their clients.

Book your design and build consultation now by visiting us online or by calling us on 021-436-5866.

Visit Us at

Unit A4, Donnybrook Commercial Centre
Douglas, Cork

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