DIY Academy category

Buying Guides DIY guides.

Clear UK homeowner guides for materials, trade counters, paint, tools, TV sizes, product choices and where spending more actually matters.

Beginner · 12 min read Where to buy building materials in London

For London homeowners, the best place to buy materials depends on the job: Screwfix and Toolstation are strong for tools, fixings, plumbing bits and same-day collection; B&Q and Wickes suit visible DIY materials and weekend access; Travis Perkins and builders' merchants suit bulk building materials, timber, aggregate and trade deliveries. Cost: planning only; pro: depends on material basket. Timeline: 1-3 hours for an initial homeowner decision, or several days for a proper specification, quote comparison, material schedule and delivery plan.

Best for: Homeowners comparing products, merchants or materials before spending money. Call a professional if: Book help if the job becomes unsafe, time-sensitive, regulated, technically uncertain or more expensive to fix if it goes wrong. Read guide Beginner · 13 min read Screwfix vs Toolstation vs B&Q vs Wickes vs Travis Perkins

Screwfix and Toolstation are usually fast trade-counter choices for tools, fixings and small parts Cost: planning only; pro: compare like-for-like basket. Timeline: 1-3 hours for an initial homeowner decision, or several days for a proper specification, quote comparison, material schedule and delivery plan.

Best for: Homeowners comparing products, merchants or materials before spending money. Call a professional if: Book help if the job becomes unsafe, time-sensitive, regulated, technically uncertain or more expensive to fix if it goes wrong. Read guide Beginner · 11 min read Where to buy paint in London and the UK

Buy paint based on room use, finish, durability and colour accuracy Cost: £25-£120 per room materials; pro: from £220/day. Timeline: 2-6 hours for choosing, testing and preparation decisions; actual decorating work can take 1-3 days per room depending on repairs, drying and finish level.

Best for: Homeowners comparing products, merchants or materials before spending money. Call a professional if: Book help if the job becomes unsafe, time-sensitive, regulated, technically uncertain or more expensive to fix if it goes wrong. Read guide Beginner · 12 min read Best paint for bathroom mould and damp rooms

Anti-mould or bathroom paint can help in damp rooms, but it is not a cure for condensation, leaks, cold surfaces or poor ventilation Cost: £25-£120; pro: from £220/day. Timeline: 1-3 days for one normal room including preparation, filling, sanding, drying time and two coats. Whole-property decorating is usually several days to several weeks.

Best for: Homeowners comparing products, merchants or materials before spending money. Call a professional if: Book help if the job becomes unsafe, time-sensitive, regulated, technically uncertain or more expensive to fix if it goes wrong. Read guide Beginner · 10 min read What size TV should I buy for my viewing distance?

For most living rooms, TV size should be chosen from viewing distance, wall width, seating height, glare and how the room is used Cost: planning only; pro: TV mounting from £89 call-out. Timeline: 30 minutes to 2.5 hours for a straightforward installation after measuring and checking wall type. Heavy items, poor walls, hidden services or multiple fittings take longer.

Best for: Homeowners comparing products, merchants or materials before spending money. Call a professional if: Book help if the job becomes unsafe, time-sensitive, regulated, technically uncertain or more expensive to fix if it goes wrong. Read guide Beginner · 11 min read What tools every homeowner should have

A homeowner toolkit should cover safe observation and small fixes: tape measure, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable spanner, level, torch, utility knife, hammer, Allen keys, gloves and a basic drill only if you know wall types. Cost: £40-£200; pro: handyman from £55/hr when the task is beyond tools. Timeline: 1-3 hours for an initial homeowner decision, or several days for a proper specification, quote comparison, material schedule and delivery plan.