When I arrive at your SW London home for a handyman appointment, I will have a full range of professional handyman tools and standard fixing materials. As I work across the trades and there is such a huge range of fixtures and fittings on the market I can’t carry everything on my van. I may advise you to buy specialist materials or fittings before I arrive, which can save you money and make my appointment efficient.

Here is a list of shops, both local and online which I would recommend for you:

Ironmongery


IronmongeryDirect
Screwfix – online and local shops in Battersea SW11, Tooting SW17, Wimbledon SW19, Wandsworth SW18
SDS London Architectural Ironmongery (probably best for advice, but slightly more expensive) – online and shop in Battersea/Clapham SW11
The Shed, Sheen SW4 – good for advice and all sorts of bits and pieces

Blinds and curtain poles


For basic blinds I suggest the following online suppliers, but follow the instructions very carefully when putting in the measurements. If in doubt, I can do the measurements in an initial appointment.
247blinds
Blinds2go
Swiftdirectblinds
John Lewis is probably the safest option for ordering curtain poles

Taps and other plumbing


I suggest avoiding cheap taps which will not be possible to repair if they go wrong, instead buy Franke taps for kitchens and Hans Grohe taps for bathrooms.

It is always best to go to a local plumbers’ merchant for advice on what to buy – try to avoid a national DIY store as they often give the wrong information. If you don’t know where your local one is, go into Google and search for ‘plumbers merchant’. A couple of good ones are:
Acrelane Timber in SW2 – brilliant for plumbing, electrics and of course timber, and very friendly and helpful
Masons Plumbing and Heating Supplies in Richmond/Sheen TW9

Tip: If you are buying a new toilet seat, carefully check it is the right size, right shape and right fixing (top or bottom fix). Ideally, if there is a manufacturer’s name on the seat, then try to get an exact replacement.

Lighting/electrical


Again, there are lots of good specialist local lighting companies around which you can find on Google, or I can recommend:
Acrelane Timber in SW2
CRS Electrical Supplies in SW20 and SW4

Timber


Both of these are good if you need timber, ply or MDF cut to size:
Champion Timber in SW19 and KT3
Acrelane Timber in SW2

Silicone


I will normally have white or clear silicone with me for your appointment, but if you want a colour, then suggest you buy Mapei Mapesil Silicone Sealant in advance – there are several online suppliers with a range of colours.