Defective homeowners being quoted ’extortionate building prices’ - Donegal Daily

It has been claimed that some builders are quoting ’extortionate’ prices for defective concrete works, with contractors travelling from as far away as Cork and...

It has been claimed that some builders are quoting 'extortionate' prices for defective concrete works, with contractors travelling from as far away as Cork and Dublin to charge ' € 5.50 a block'.

A number of county councillors, speaking at yesterday's Donegal County Council Defective Concrete Block Committe meeting in Lifford, highlighted 'massive variations' in prices quoted to homeowners.

The issue was initially raised by Councillor Martin Scanlon.

The Councillor queried if the committee could look at various costings for 'different jobs' and also highlight to homeowners that the highest price doesn't always mean the best work.

He said: "There are massive variations between how some people are getting the work done for a certain amount and others.

"I think people are scared they're not going to be able to get someone else to do the work and they're going ahead with the elevated prices.

"I don't know if there's anything we can do as a committee."

Committee Chairperson Councillor Gerry McMonagle said he did not think they could 'tell developers or builders what they should be doing' and added that 'it's up to individuals who they select'.

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However, he added that he shared Cllr McGarvey's concerns and agreed that 'some people are being charged extortionate amounts of money for works.'

"But, I don't think there's anything we, as a committee, can do. All we can say is: 'Shop around and get the best price'.

Councillor Tomás Seán Devine told how in some instances, there is €150,000 difference in quotes being received by homeowners.

He continued: "Builders are coming from Cork and Dublin to come to Donegal for €5.50 a block.

"It's shocking and cruel that some builders are charging these extortionate prices. I don't know they can sleep in their bed at night.

"People are going through enough without having to be robbed."