The managing director of outdoor transformation specialists Harbron Home Improvements has urged customers looking for a resin path or driveway installer to exercise extreme caution.

James Harbron said his company’s in-house installation team have been hired by a number of clients recently to put right poor workmanship carried out by other installers.

Issues that can arise are shown in the photos. The top two are of a driveway without protection against UV and the bottom two, where the resin has been incorrectly mixed. 

“There are many highly proficient specialists working with resin products across the region who, like us, take great pride in completing a professional finish to the highest of specifications,” said James.

“As with any service though, there are a minority who give their trade a bad name, so it is worth taking a little time and doing some research into those companies people are considering for their project.”

James said that there were a number of simple checks people can do to root out those builders it is best to avoid, and one of the main alarm bells is those who insist on cash payment, or part cash payment up front.

Paying cash for the whole project will mean no comeback if the work is of a poor quality or if the builder fails to complete it. Payment should only be made once the job has been satisfactorily completed and if the work requires payment of instalments, this must be agreed in advance - and in writing.

Also, avoid those builders who refuse to sign a contract agreement or produce any paperwork and those who refuse to agree even a basic timescale for the work. Any reputable and experienced builder will know roughly how long a project is likely to take.   

It is also important to check that a builder is also VAT registered as any company taking on large projects must be. Check for a registered business address too, as well as at least a mobile telephone number, so you have a point of contact if something goes wrong.

“Any professional builder with an established reputation will be also able to provide you with written references too, and make sure you check them thoroughly,” said James.

“Ask to speak to those customers they have previously done work for too and go and view that work if possible. Recommendation is still a highly effective way of finding the best in any business.”        

Outdoor transformation specialists Harbron Home Improvements have launched another key service – tree works and hedge trimming.

The service will be delivered in-house by the company’s own team of operatives, who are all fully trained in a variety of tree and hedge disciplines.

Harbron Home Improvements is fully accredited by the National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) and Lantra, the leading award body for land based industries in the UK.

The Newton Abbot based company – which is already a recognised specialist for resin driveways and artificial grass - also has all the relevant licences for the necessary tree works machinery.

This includes cranes for large tree removal, stump grinding equipment, cherry pickers and wood chippers.

“Clearly tree and hedge maintenance is an integral part of garden management and will complement our existing landscaping and other outdoor building services,” said James Harbron, Managing Director of the Harbron Group.

 “It is all part of our focus on offering the very best and most complete range of outdoor transformation solutions for both residential and commercial clients.”

The tree works division will be offering a range of comprehensive and cost effective services to include tree felling, sectional removal, crown reduction/reshaping and pruning.

Hedge pruning and trimming will also be a key element of the division’s work. Regular hedge maintenance will ensure diseased areas are removed to promote new growth, as well as any large branches/limbs posing a hazard.The specialist hedge trimming work will enable customers to maintain their privacy too, by encouraging the centre of the hedge to fill out .

“It is also worth bearing in mind that keeping hedges neatly trimmed, as well as trees shaped and under control, can potentially add value to your home. It will certainly make your home more appealing to buyers,” added James.  

Senior management at construction specialist the Harbron Group were so impressed with the response they got from advertising in a Devon based magazine series - they bought the company.

Publishing marks quite a departure for the family owned, independent building business, which runs Harbron Home Improvements, and its sister company Harbron Recruit, a specialist construction recruitment firm. 

A key part of the new owners’ immediate plans is to expand the bi-monthly magazine, which already has a new in-house distribution team.     

A Brixham Matters has been added to the existing titles in the group, which covers Torbay, South Devon and even into Somerset.

There will also be an increase in the number of copies of each magazine and more pages too, as businesses harness the power of a more traditional form of local advertising.

James Harbron, Managing Director of the Harbron Group, is delighted with the acquisition.

“I think it surprised everyone here at the business the level of response we received from our own advertisements in Devon Matters and it just so happened that also coincided with an opportunity to purchase the company,” said James.

“In a digital age where social media and online marketing are increasingly the norm, it’s quite refreshing to see that there is still a place for a more traditional, localised approach to advertising and promotion.” 

With more than 15 years of experience in the business, Devon Matters has become a respected and reputable publishing house and now staff are all looking forward to forging ahead with the development plans.

 Brixham Matters joins the other members of the Matters family, Bovey Matters, Cockington and Chelston Matters, Highweek Matters, Kingsteignton and Chudleigh Matters, Preston and Marldon Matters, St Marychurch and Babbacombe Matters, Teignmouth and Dawlish Matters and Wells Matters.

It’s not just the size of the print stable at Devon Matters though - the statistics make for impressive reading too with 5,000 copy circulation in each area, the magazines reach 40,000 homes and 4,000 businesses.

Hundreds of local businesses, councils, charities, schools, colleges sports/leisure clubs are already taking advantage of Devon Matters quality artwork design and competitive advertising rates, while the company also offers a bespoke, door to door leaflet distribution service.   

In-house fitting teams delivering Harbron Home Improvements new composite decking services have completed specialist training with one of the UK leaders in the product.

Millboard put the company’s installers through their paces on an advanced design and installation course of its composite decking range, which is setting new standards in excellence.

Already specialists in resin driveways and artificial grass, it will enable Newton Abbot based Harbron Home Improvements to add yet another premium services to its range of outdoor transformation solutions, for both residential and commercial customers.

James Harbron, Managing Director of the Harbron Group, said that Millboard’s composite decking has the edge on conventional composite products in terms of quality and durability.

“It really is an excellent product range and one we are delighted to be associated with,” said James.

“Now that our in-house installation have completed Millboard’s exacting training course, we are ready to bring a new level of knowledge and expertise to this product for the benefit of all our customers.”

What makes Millboard composite decking special is the quality of the materials and the company’s hand moulding expertise in the manufacturing process.

While many composite products are formed by extrusion techniques, Millboard’s craftsmen hand mould the deck from original timber and then hand colour it. This gives the finished product a far greater authenticity in terms of its wood finish.

Materials used are very different too. Unlike most conventional deck, which is a combination of plastic and wood fibres, Millboard combines mineral stone with unique resin mineral.

It means a decking board that is both extremely strong and very durable. It won’t rot or warp and is free from damp and insect infestation. Despite its tough composition, the decking is also easy to cut and shape – and no pre-drilling is required for the fixings either.

With an extensive range of colour choices and different finishes, Harbron Home Improvements can help customers to transform their outdoor space with a product that’s stylish, yet tough enough to withstand the elements all year round.

It's been another crazy busy week at Harbron Home Improvements, the Southwest's leading home improvements company! With up to 4 jobs being completed each week, the team are working flat out! We are now taking bookings for November and December 2017 with some fantastic offers available.

Our Showroom & Design Suite is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm. Please do not hesitate to pop by, we'll be delighted to welcome you with a coffee or tea and discuss all the options available to you without any obligation to buy.

Looking for a professional decking installer? Alongside our Resin and Astro sectors we also have a skilled team of decking fitters, for more information about our extensive range of services visit: http://www.hhigroup.co.uk/services

Make sure you choose the right supplier when choosing Resin!

Sad to say but our team is pulling up and laying another poorly laid drive!

The installation of Resin is an extremely skilled process, our team of in house installers have been trained to the highest possible standards. It is important that Resin is mixed and laid correctly to ensure its integrity which is why Harbron Home Improvements guarantee all Resin work for 10 years.

Harbron Home Improvements are being asked to repair or replace more and more poorly laid Resin installations and Encourage anyone interested in the product to carefully check and research there installers before work is carried out.

- Does your installer have a reputable installation team?

- Have you visited your installers showroom / previous work ?

- Do they have genuine good customer reviews?

- Do they guarantee their work? 

 If you are in any doubt about your current installer call Harbron Home Improvements and our friendly Customer service team will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Zac is all set up and waiting to take your bookings! come and see us today at Tesco Newton Abbot (opposite the racecourse) we have some fantastic offers available on Resin Drives, Paths, Patios, Artificial Grass, Decking, Fencing, Groundwork's and much much more!

The team have been hard at work finishing off the Harbron Home Improvements design suite this week, we aim to give our customers the best possible service, the design suite is the next step in that process. Customers will soon be able to visit the design suite and have a hands on approach to the design and installation of their project. To book your appointment call us on: 01626 323 523

Trying to keep a garden looking lush green and healthy is a huge challenge for pet owners who battle muddy paws, stain patches on lawns, digging damage and the dangers faced by animals from grass preserving pesticides. Time outside for our pets is important and we want to provide a friendly and safe environment for them to run, roll, play and go to the toilet without stress to you or them. As most dog owners know, however, our furry, four-legged friends do not share our concerns when it comes to preserving the look of our lawns or our personal enjoyment of outdoor spaces at home.

Three new Harbron Home Improvements vehicles added to the fleet this week, with a growing schedule we are expanding our fit teams and services to fulfill our customers needs. We have a dedicated team of skilled installers that are currently working flat out 6 days a week! Now taking bookings for September 2017.

Want to know more about Resin and how it can improve the look of your driveway, patio, steps, paths & walkways? Here is a sneak peek at our Torre Marine Resin installation completed earlier this week. Over 800m2 of Resin was laid in two days by our skilled Harbron Home Improvements installers. For more information and to book your FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE, visit: www.hhigroup.co.uk or call: 01626 323 523