A couple from Donabate, Co Dublin, say they have been left financially devastated and living in a construction site after a home extension project went disastrously wrong with builder Mark Finnane of Ashmark Homes.
Peter and Roisín Mockler paid €178,000 for what was meant to be their dream dormer bungalow extension and renovation. Instead, they claim the work was so substandard that they had to demolish large parts of it and borrow more money to complete the project with a different contractor.
Key Facts of the Mockler vs Ashmark Homes Dispute
- Couple paid €178,000 to Ashmark Homes for extension and renovation
- Work started in June 2025 but quickly became intermittent and poor quality
- Independent engineer report highlighted serious structural and compliance issues
- Couple demolished much of the work and are now rebuilding with a new contractor
- Mediation process broke down after the story went public
The Dream That Turned Into a Nightmare
Peter and Roisín Mockler bought their home in Donabate with the intention of retiring there. In January 2025, they received planning permission for a 22.7 sq m rear extension to create a new kitchen and improve their living space.
They engaged Ashmark Homes and builder Mark Finnane, who mentioned during the initial meeting that one of his companies had featured on RTÉ’s *Room to Improve*. The couple felt reassured and signed the contract.
Work officially began on 12 June 2025, but problems started almost immediately. The Mocklers say workers frequently failed to show up, leading to long delays and frustration.
Multiple Complaints and Lack of Progress
Text messages and WhatsApp conversations between Roisín Mockler and Mark Finnane show repeated requests for updates and explanations for the lack of progress. Roisín described the schedule as “very intermittent” and requested a site meeting to discuss concerns.
By late July, the couple were increasingly worried. The back of their house was left open to the elements for months, leading to mice infestations and major disruption. They had to access water from an outside tap in the hedge and relied on a microwave and portable oven for cooking.
Independent Engineer’s Damning Report
After months of delays and poor workmanship, the Mocklers instructed an independent engineer to inspect the site. The report allegedly highlighted serious regulatory, procedural, and construction issues, including problems with external walls, steel beams, moisture control, and insulation.
The engineer recommended closing the site immediately. When the Mocklers confronted Finnane with the report, he disputed some findings but agreed to review certain aspects of the work.
Mediation Breakdown After Going Public
The couple attempted to terminate the contract and sought mediation. However, after the story was published in the Irish Independent on March 28, 2026, Ashmark Homes’ solicitors sent a letter stating they were withdrawing from mediation because the Mocklers had gone public.
The letter claimed the public disclosure caused their client “significant upset” and that mediation could no longer be productive. Roisín Mockler described the tone as aggressive and said the couple were the ones truly suffering, still without a proper kitchen or reliable water supply after nine months of disruption.
Financial Devastation and Next Steps
The Mocklers say they have had to borrow additional money from the bank to complete the work with a new builder. They estimate the total cost to finish the project properly will now exceed €138,000 including VAT. Finnane reportedly returned €31,000 of unspent funds.
Ms Mockler said ordinary families cannot simply absorb such losses and that they felt they had no choice but to go public to seek justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mockler Ashmark Homes Dispute
What happened in the Donabate extension dispute?
Peter and Roisín Mockler claim builder Mark Finnane of Ashmark Homes delivered substandard work on their €178,000 extension, forcing them to demolish parts of it and hire a new contractor.
Why did the couple go public with their story?
After months of delays, poor workmanship, and unsuccessful attempts at resolution, the Mocklers decided to share their experience to warn others and seek accountability.
Has mediation between the Mocklers and Ashmark Homes failed?
Yes. After the story appeared in the Irish Independent, Ashmark Homes withdrew from mediation, citing the public disclosure as the reason.
What is the current status of the Mockler home extension?
The couple have demolished much of the original work and are in the process of rebuilding with a different contractor. They remain without a proper kitchen and reliable water supply.
This article is based on court documents and statements from the parties involved as of April 2026. Building disputes can be complex, and both contractors and homeowners are encouraged to seek professional legal and engineering advice early.
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