Successfully Working with family in North County Dublin

Project Overview
In this case study, I reflect on how my brother, a seasoned project manager with a lifetime of experience in the construction industry, successfully undertook the ambitious project of building his dream home. Nestled in the scenic hills of North County Dublin, this project was a testament to his expertise and meticulous planning, as well as the strength of our collaborative effort as family members.

​

The Challenge

My brother was building his own house—a project that required significant planning, budgeting, and management. Despite his vast experience, taking on such a personal endeavor brought unique challenges. From securing financing and applying for grants to estimating costs and managing subcontractors, the project demanded a precise and structured approach.

To streamline the process, he decided to leverage his skills in project management while seeking my support in quantity surveying. The goal was to manage costs effectively, keep quality at the forefront, and deliver a home that met his family’s needs.

​

Our collaboration followed a structured and professional process:

​

1. Initial Costing and Financial Planning
   I worked closely with my brother to produce a detailed cost estimate for the project. This allowed him to confidently approach the bank for a construction loan. The estimates included labor, materials, and contingencies, ensuring every potential cost was accounted for.

2. Grant Applications
   We researched and assessed all potential grants available for home construction in Ireland. These included sustainability grants that aligned with the project’s focus on energy efficiency and innovation. With my assistance, he submitted strong applications that secured financial support.

3. Bill of Quantities
   I prepared a comprehensive Bill of Quantities (BoQ), which enabled my brother to subcontract specific elements of the work efficiently. The BoQ detailed every aspect of the project, providing a clear framework for tendering and procurement.

4. Project Management and Execution
   Leveraging his industry connections, my brother sourced highly skilled subcontractors at competitive rates. The project adopted Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) as the primary construction method, chosen for its exceptional thermal efficiency, durability, and speed of construction.

5. Boundary Management
   One of the key factors contributing to the project’s success was our ability to maintain professional boundaries. We worked toward shared goals without allowing personal dynamics to interfere. Both of us approached the project with mutual respect, focusing on results rather than egos.
    

Key Benefits of the ICF Method

The decision to use ICF construction brought several advantages:

• Energy Efficiency: The home achieved excellent thermal performance, reducing heating costs.

• Durability: ICF provided a robust structure capable of withstanding environmental challenges.

• Speed of Construction: The method expedited the building process, saving both time and labor costs.
   

The Outcome

The result was an outstanding family home, perfectly suited to my brother and his wife’s needs. The house not only met but exceeded their expectations in terms of design, quality, and energy performance.

This success was rooted in my brother’s professional expertise as a project manager and his ability to lead the project with confidence and precision. The collaboration between us as family members was instrumental, proving that, with clear boundaries and mutual respect, working with family can indeed be highly rewarding.

​

Conclusion

This project underscored the importance of expertise, planning, and effective collaboration. My brother’s background in construction and our ability to work seamlessly together ensured a smooth and successful journey from concept to completion.

While working with family doesn’t always yield positive results, this experience demonstrated that it can be incredibly successful when approached with professionalism, respect, and shared goals.We also had a great shared experience and a great laugh throughout the project.