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Business Details
43 Years
experience
Expert Heating, Plumbing & Bathroom Installations in Kent
Founded in 1983 by Mick Barden and his wife Carole, our company began trading as Mecar Heating and Plumbing. In 1994, their son Tristam joined the firm after leaving school and, upon completing his NVQ levels two and three, became a partner, prompting the name change to M B Barden & Son. As a small, family-run business, we uphold core values that include a no-nonsense approach to heating and plumbing services and the provision of honest advice. We provide clear, detailed estimates so clients know exactly what work we will undertake, and we never sell unnecessary products or services. Punctuality is paramount; we always arrive when promised and contact customers in advance if any delay arises. We treat every home with respect, using dust sheets where needed and ensuring a thorough clean-up upon completion. Our commitment is absolute: we are only satisfied when our customers are 100% happy with the finished work.

Based just outside Ashford in Kent, we primarily serve the county but also undertake projects in Sussex and occasionally London. Our comprehensive services encompass full bathroom and kitchen installations, including design, removal, plastering, electrical work, carpentry, tiling and flooring. Additionally, we deliver a full range of heating and plumbing solutions, from central heating installations and boiler replacements to ground-source heat pumps and power flushing. All work is guaranteed, and we are proud to be Gas Safe and OFTEC registered installers, ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance. With over four decades of experience, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver reliable, efficient results for every client.
Services
Bathroom installation Kitchen installation Central heating installation Boiler replacement System updates Fault finding Radiator installation Heat pump installation Power flushing Kitchen design
Details
  • Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
  • Family-run business with over 40 years experience
  • Gas Safe and OFTEC registered installers
  • Full bathroom and kitchen renovation service
  • Honest advice with clear upfront estimates
  • Guaranteed workmanship and 100% satisfaction commitment
Associations and certifications
  • Gas Safe Register
  • OFTEC
Services
Bathroom Installation
We provide complete bathroom installation services, managing every stage from initial design and removal of old suites to final tiling and flooring. Our team coordinates plastering, electrical work and carpentry to deliver a seamless, hassle-free renovation. All installations are carried out to the highest standards, ensuring a modern, functional space tailored to your requirements.
Kitchen Installation
Our full kitchen installation service includes bespoke design, safe disposal of existing units, and comprehensive project management covering plastering, wiring and carpentry. We supply a wide range of styles and finishes, with samples available to help you choose. The result is a modern, light-filled kitchen with maximised storage, completed with minimal disruption to your household.
Central Heating Installation
We design and install full central heating systems tailored to your property, incorporating high-efficiency boilers, radiators and controls for optimal performance. Our Gas Safe and OFTEC registered engineers ensure every installation meets rigorous safety and efficiency standards. We also advise on energy-saving products such as thermostatic valves and high-recovery cylinders to reduce running costs.
Boiler Replacement
Our boiler replacement service offers expert advice on selecting the most suitable high-efficiency model for your home and hot water demands. Installation is performed by Gas Safe and OFTEC registered engineers, guaranteeing compliance with all current regulations. We also provide system flushing and inhibitor treatment to protect your new boiler and extend its operational lifespan.
Ground-Source Heat Pump Installation
We specialise in the installation of ground-source heat pumps, providing a renewable heating solution that significantly lowers carbon emissions and energy bills. Our experienced team manages the entire process, from groundworks and system design to final commissioning and handover. Each system is carefully sized and configured to deliver reliable, year-round comfort for your property.
People
Mick Barden
Founder and Partner
Mick Barden co-founded the company in 1983 alongside his wife Carole, establishing Mecar Heating and Plumbing. With decades of hands-on experience, he oversees the firms commitment to honest advice, quality workmanship and total customer satisfaction across all heating and plumbing projects.
Carole Barden
Co-Founder and Partner
Carole Barden co-founded the business in 1983, contributing to the formation of Mecar Heating and Plumbing. As a partner, she helps maintain the family-run ethos, ensuring clear communication, transparent estimates and respectful treatment of every clients home throughout each project.
Tristam Barden
Partner
Tristam Barden joined the company in 1994 after leaving school and achieved NVQ levels two and three in plumbing and heating. He became a partner shortly after, bringing qualified technical expertise and a dedication to upholding the firms reputation for reliable, guaranteed workmanship.
Questions
What areas do you cover for heating and plumbing work?
We are based near Ashford and primarily serve Kent, with additional coverage in Sussex and occasional projects in London.
Are your engineers Gas Safe and OFTEC registered?
Yes, all our heating engineers hold current Gas Safe and OFTEC registrations, ensuring safe and compliant installation of gas and oil appliances.
Do you provide full bathroom and kitchen renovation services?
We manage complete renovations including design, removal, plastering, electrical, carpentry, tiling and flooring for a hassle-free experience.
What guarantees do you offer on your workmanship?
All work is fully guaranteed, and we are committed to 100% customer satisfaction, only considering a job finished when you are completely happy.
Can you install renewable heating systems such as heat pumps?
Yes, we install ground-source heat pumps and other energy-saving products, providing full design, installation and commissioning services.