HHI show householders the way forward for home improvement

By Maurice Garvey

(Advertorial)

MATERIALS for homes have improved dramatically over the last 30 years, leading to higher standards and greater living comforts.

It is an area of expertise that staff at HHI – a specialist home improvement centre based in Robinhood Industrial Estate – know well.

HHI Robinhood Manager John Leahy, says technological advancements in the industry include the majority of homeowners switching from metal gutters to PVC gutter, and swapping traditional timber front doors to stronger composite doors.

“Composite doors are more sturdy, energy efficient, with better locking, and come in a range of colours, with black and grey very popular at the moment,” said John.

“The average composite door is €2,000 to €2,500, but they are an investment and don’t require any maintenance.”

However, some interesting trends, such as aluminum windows, are making a “comeback,” according to John.

“Aluminum is coming back in fashion. They upgraded the technology, and they are much sturdier than before, especially if the windows are a bigger size.”

Whilst PVC window frames have remained the most popular choice over the last 30 years, John says the quality of glass and double glazing in particular, has been a major improvement.

Gutters have moved from metal (prone to deteriorate) to PVC which represents “80 per cent of the market” today, but aluminum gutters are also sought out by some customers, for the style and colour.

A unique selling point for HHI is they are part of a bigger Plc business group, and they can access credit and manage customer projects “from start to finish.”

“If you go into a bathroom shop, you will still need to find someone to fit out the electrics. It is a lot of work for someone to find a plumber, a tiler, and get the job done at a good price and on time.”

HHI was first established in Newtownabbey in the 1980s, selling fascia soffit and guttering over a trade counter, before growing into a multi-branch company with five bases in Northern Ireland.

In recent months, HHI have expanded further, opening a first showroom, warehouse and trade counter in the Republic, through a premises in Robinhood Industrial Estate (facing Musgrave Cash & Carry).

John continued: “We are looking at three further expansions in Dublin, and increasing walk-in trade at Robinhood.

“The most profitable part of the business is bathrooms. We do a full refurbishment and fit-out between €3k and €5k.”

The showroom features 12 bathrooms, six full-size kitchens and displays of everything else contained in a house.

“Usually the first thing a person does when they move into a new house is the heating, then the bathroom, then insulate the attic, the house, and the last thing is the fascia and gutters. We do it all and project-manage from start to finish.”

HHI Robinhood Industrial Estate is open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm – phone 4604610.