Alison Cork gets to the nuts and bolts of DIY decorating on a budget.
Brewers
The UK’s largest independent supplier of decorating materials, with branches throughout the UK. A family run company and hot on customer service. A great antidote to the super powers of the diy world, and take note that these smaller outfits are often cheaper than the sheds.
BrickMatch
Clever service that matches virtually any brick for you, in both colour and texture. Especially useful for anyone attempting the renovation or construction of a period type property. Also very price competitive.
Energy Saving Trust
Government-backed website offering householders up to £3,500 in grants to improve heating and energy efficiency in their home. Well worth a trawl to see if you are eligible.
HSS
Hiring equipment can be a lot cheaper than purchasing, especially for a one off job, and HSS has the largest supply of tools for hire in the UK. Look out for the cheap weekend deals – three days hire for the price of two.
Machine Mart
Stocks a huge range of power tools from leading brand names, aimed at both professionals and diyers. Also has a nationwide chain of some 56 superstores. Check out the price buster section online.
Plumbworld
The UK’s largest specialist online retailer of bathrooms and plumbing supplies – a very useful one stop shop with a clearance section regularly offering 50% off brand names such as Grohe.
Screwfix
The grand daddy of building supply websites, this one is aimed squarely at the trade but no reason why a diyer shouldn’t benefit from the massive choice, clearance prices and next day delivery etc. It doesn’t come bigger than this.
Select Wallpaper
Over 15,000 wallpaper lines from all the leading brands, and up to 70% off names such as Cole and Son and Graham and Brown. If it’s not here it’s probably not worth knowing about.
The Greenshop
The UKs leading eco friendly building supplies shop – you’ll find everything here from natural paints to sunpipes, and all of them sustainable and low impact. Check out the specials section.
Wickes
Of all the DIY sheds, this is the one favoured by the trade and which, arguably, offers the best choice and prices. Current promotions include 70% off paint lines and 25% off its excellent own brand kitchens.
