Planning a home improvement project can be exciting, but choosing the right materials, tools and supplies is often one of the most important parts of the process. Whether you’re working on a small DIY project, renovating a room, improving your garden or taking on a larger extension, having access to the right products can make the job much easier.
Travis Perkins is a UK builders’ merchant offering building materials, timber, tools, landscaping products, plumbing and heating supplies, decorating essentials, kitchens and other products for construction and home improvement projects. The company serves both trade professionals and self-builders through its branches, website and app.
1. Start by Planning Your Home Improvement Project
Before buying materials, make a clear plan for what you want to achieve. A simple decorating project will require very different supplies from a new extension, garden renovation or structural alteration.
Start by considering:
- What area of the home are you improving?
- What materials will the project require?
- What tools do you already have?
- What needs to be hired or purchased?
- How much material will you need?
- Do you need professional assistance for any part of the work?
Travis Perkins provides products for projects ranging from smaller jobs to extensions and new builds, so planning your requirements before shopping can help you avoid unnecessary purchases.
2. Choose the Right Building Materials
Building materials form the foundation of many home improvement projects. Travis Perkins currently offers categories including bricks and blocks, cement, aggregates, insulation, plaster and plasterboards, roofing, drainage, lintels, guttering, building chemicals and damp-proofing products.
For example, if you’re working on a wall or extension, you may need bricks or blocks, mortar and other masonry materials. For roofing projects, roofing materials, insulation and associated products may be required.
Choosing materials according to the specific requirements of your project is important rather than simply selecting the cheapest option.
3. Don’t Overlook Timber and Sheet Materials
Timber is another important category for home renovation, construction and DIY projects.
Travis Perkins offers sawn timber, sheet materials and timber sleepers, alongside other timber-related products.
Timber can be used for a wide range of applications, including framing, joinery, shelving, garden structures and other construction projects.
When choosing timber, consider the intended application, dimensions, treatment requirements and the environment where it will be used.
4. Improve Energy Efficiency With Insulation
Insulation can be an important consideration when renovating or improving a property. Travis Perkins includes insulation within its building-material range, alongside plasterboard, roofing and other construction products.
If you’re renovating a loft, wall or another part of a property, insulation requirements should be considered during the planning stage rather than treated as an afterthought.
The correct product depends on the application and building requirements, so always check product specifications and relevant building regulations before installation.
5. Give Your Garden a New Look
Home improvement isn’t limited to the inside of your property. Outdoor areas can also benefit from a well-planned upgrade.
Travis Perkins’ current categories include fencing and trellis, paving and walling, decking, driveways, garden buildings and timber sleepers.
These products can be used for projects such as creating a new patio, improving garden boundaries, building outdoor structures or refreshing an existing garden layout.
For a larger landscaping project, plan the overall layout first and then calculate how much paving, timber, aggregate or other materials you’ll require.
6. Choose the Right Tools for the Job
Even good-quality materials won’t produce the desired result if you’re using unsuitable tools.
Travis Perkins offers tools and equipment alongside its building-material range and also provides a tool-hire service. The company’s branches can provide access to various services and specialist product areas depending on location.
Tool hire can be particularly useful for occasional DIY or renovation work where purchasing an expensive specialist tool doesn’t make sense.
Before starting work, make a list of the tools you’ll need and determine which ones are worth buying and which may be more practical to hire.
7. Upgrade Doors, Windows and Joinery
Doors and windows can make a noticeable difference to the appearance and functionality of a property.
Travis Perkins‘ range includes doors, windows and joinery, while its branch services can include doors and joinery centres.
For example, its range includes uPVC sliding patio doors with clear glazing, security features, trickle ventilation and specified thermal-performance ratings for selected models.
When selecting doors or windows, don’t look at appearance alone. Consider dimensions, glazing, security, ventilation, thermal performance and compatibility with the existing structure.
8. Refresh Kitchens and Bathrooms
For homeowners planning a larger renovation, kitchens and bathrooms can be important areas to consider.
Travis Perkins‘ wider offering includes kitchens, plumbing and heating, while some branches provide kitchen design services and bathroom-related displays or services.
A successful kitchen or bathroom project requires careful planning because multiple trades and product categories may be involved. Plumbing, fixtures, electrical requirements, flooring, walls and cabinetry all need to work together.
Creating a detailed project plan before purchasing materials can help ensure that the different components are compatible.
9. Add the Finishing Touches
Once the structural work is complete, finishing products can transform the appearance of a room.
Travis Perkins offers products connected with painting and decorating, as well as other finishing materials. Selected branches also provide decorating centres and paint-mixing services.
Think about the overall style before choosing colours and finishes. Neutral colours can create a timeless appearance, while stronger shades can be used to create feature walls or highlight specific areas.
10. Get Advice Before Starting
One of the useful aspects of shopping for building supplies is having access to product and project information.
Travis Perkins has an Expert Advice section covering topics such as bricks and blocks, timber, tools and workwear, safety, building regulations and construction-industry developments.
This type of information can be especially helpful if you’re taking on a project for the first time.
For technical or structural work, however, homeowners should make sure they obtain appropriate professional advice and follow applicable building regulations.
11. Think About Delivery and Local Availability
Large home improvement projects often involve materials that are difficult to transport yourself. Travis Perkins operates a large UK branch network and provides delivery services, with specific availability depending on location and product.
Before placing a large order, check product availability, delivery options, dimensions and quantities. This can help prevent delays when you’re already working on the project.
Final Thoughts
A successful home improvement project starts with good planning and the right materials. From timber and building materials to insulation, landscaping products, tools, doors, kitchens, plumbing and decorating supplies, Travis Perkins provides a broad range of products for different types of projects.
Whether you’re refreshing a garden, renovating a room, upgrading doors and windows or planning a larger construction project, start by identifying exactly what you need, checking specifications and calculating quantities.
With the right preparation, suitable materials and appropriate tools, your next home improvement project can be easier to organise from the first stage through to the finishing touches. Travis Perkins can be a useful place to explore the materials, tools and services needed for projects ranging from everyday DIY jobs to larger renovation and construction work.