Based on checking the website, Buildingshop.co.uk presents itself as a legitimate online supplier of building materials with over 30 years of experience in the industry.
It offers a comprehensive range of products from aggregates and cement to insulation and timber, catering to both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts across mainland UK.
The site highlights competitive prices and flexible delivery/collection options, suggesting a customer-centric approach to supplying essential building goods.
This review delves into the various facets of Buildingshop.co.uk, examining its product range, pricing strategy, delivery logistics, customer service, and overall user experience.
We’ll explore the pros and cons based on available information, helping you determine if this platform is a reliable source for your construction and landscaping needs.
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Whether you’re undertaking a major renovation or a small home improvement project, understanding the operational efficiency and reliability of your material supplier is crucial.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Navigating the Buildingshop.co.uk Website: User Experience and Interface
When you hit Buildingshop.co.uk, the first thing you’ll notice is its straightforward design.
It’s not flashy, but for a building materials site, that’s often a good thing. You want clarity, not complexity.
Initial Impressions and Layout
The layout is clean and intuitive, making it relatively easy to find your way around.
Key categories are prominently displayed, and the search bar is right where you’d expect it.
This focus on utility over elaborate aesthetics ensures that users can quickly locate the products they need without unnecessary distractions. Contactsamerica.com Reviews
It’s a no-nonsense approach, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to source materials efficiently.
Product Categorization and Search Functionality
The product categorization is well-structured, with main categories like “Building Cement & Aggregates,” “Bricks & Blocks,” “Insulation,” and “Timber & Sheets” leading to more specific subcategories. This hierarchical structure helps users drill down to exactly what they’re looking for. For instance, under “Insulation,” you find “Acoustic Insulation,” “Cavity Insulation,” and “PIR Insulation.” The search bar is also effective, allowing for quick retrieval of specific items. For example, searching for “plasterboard” immediately brings up relevant results, including different sizes and types, highlighting the site’s efficient indexing.
Mobile Responsiveness and Performance
While the website appears functional on desktops, its mobile responsiveness could be improved.
Some elements might not render perfectly on smaller screens, potentially impacting the user experience for those browsing on smartphones or tablets.
However, the core functionality, such as adding items to the basket and proceeding to checkout, generally remains accessible. Cool365.co.uk Reviews
The site’s loading speed is decent, ensuring that pages load quickly without frustrating delays.
Product Range and Quality: What Buildingshop.co.uk Offers
Buildingshop.co.uk boasts a broad inventory, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for various building and landscaping projects.
This extensive selection is a major draw for both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Comprehensive Building Materials
The site covers a significant spectrum of building materials, from foundational elements to finishing touches.
Core categories include:
- Aggregates & Cement: Essential for any construction work, including various types of cement and aggregates like MOT Type 1.
- Bricks & Blocks: A diverse range of bricks e.g., LBC Common, Engineering Bricks and blocks e.g., Dense Concrete Blocks, Thermalite Shield.
- Insulation: Offers different types of insulation, including PIR insulation boards from brands like Recticel, a popular choice for thermal efficiency.
- Timber & Sheets: Provides various timber options kiln-dried, sawn, prepared and sheet materials plywood, OSB, MDF, chipboard.
- Drainage & Roofing: Includes rainwater and underground drainage solutions, along with roofing materials and roof windows.
- Landscaping: Features paving sandstone, utility slabs, decking, decorative aggregates, fencing, sleepers, and topsoil.
This comprehensive array means you can often source multiple components for a project from a single vendor, simplifying logistics. Mmtrafficschool.com Reviews
Brand Partnerships and Product Standards
Buildingshop.co.uk appears to stock a mix of well-known brands and general building supplies. For instance, they prominently feature Recticel PIR Insulation, a reputable manufacturer known for high-performance insulation products. They also mention “weberpral M” for render, indicating a commitment to quality brands in specific product lines. The website states that “Alternative brands of the product may be supplied, please advise if this is an issue.” This transparency is crucial, as it allows customers to specify if they require a particular brand, mitigating potential dissatisfaction. Based on the product descriptions, the materials seem to adhere to standard industry specifications, although detailed technical datasheets for every product aren’t always immediately available on the product pages themselves.
Availability and Stock Management
While the website lists a vast range of products, it doesn’t always provide real-time stock levels.
This is common for building material suppliers, where stock can fluctuate rapidly.
However, the typical delivery times indicated e.g., “1-2 working days,” “2-3 working days” suggest that popular items are generally in stock or readily available from their supplier network.
For large or specialized orders, it’s always prudent to contact them directly to confirm availability and lead times. Geekstudio.us Reviews
This proactive approach can save you significant time and prevent delays on your project.
Pricing Strategy and Value Proposition
When you’re buying building materials, cost is a huge factor.
Buildingshop.co.uk seems to be playing in the competitive arena, aiming to offer good value.
Competitive Pricing Analysis
Buildingshop.co.uk often promotes “Competitive Prices” on their homepage, and a quick scan of their product listings supports this claim. Many items, especially bulk purchases like paving packs or insulation boards, are offered with noticeable discounts. For example, Indian Natural Sandstone Paving packs are frequently on sale, showing reductions from original prices e.g., £660.24 down to £532.80 inc. VAT for an 18.9m² pack. This isn’t unique in the building supply market, but it indicates they are actively trying to undercut or match competitors. Comparing their prices against other major online or local builders’ merchants would be essential for large orders, but for smaller, everyday items, their rates appear to be quite reasonable.
Sales, Discounts, and Bulk Order Savings
The website clearly highlights “Sale!” items, indicating active promotions. Beyond these specific sales, the structure of their pricing for larger quantities, particularly for products like PIR insulation where free delivery is offered on orders over £150, points towards incentives for bulk purchases. This is a common strategy to attract trade customers or those undertaking larger projects. For instance, buying a full pack of paving stones rather than single slabs often yields a significant per-unit saving. This strategic pricing can make a substantial difference to the overall project budget, especially for larger construction or landscaping endeavors. Namebadgesinternational.co.uk Reviews
Transparency in Pricing Inc. VAT
One commendable aspect is the clear display of prices including VAT “inc.
VAT”. This eliminates guesswork and ensures that customers know the final cost upfront, without hidden charges appearing at checkout.
This transparency is crucial for budgeting and avoids frustration.
In the building trade, where VAT can be a significant addition, knowing the all-in price is a major benefit.
This level of clarity fosters trust and makes the purchasing process smoother. Metroprepaid.co.uk Reviews
Delivery and Collection Services: Logistics and Efficiency
Getting your materials to the site efficiently and cost-effectively is just as important as the price you pay.
Buildingshop.co.uk emphasizes its nationwide delivery and collection capabilities.
Nationwide Delivery Network
Buildingshop.co.uk leverages a “network of suppliers” to facilitate deliveries “all over Mainland UK.” They claim to typically deliver from “within 10 miles of anywhere in Mainland UK.” This suggests a distributed logistics model, which can often lead to faster delivery times compared to a single central warehouse.
The ability to reach almost any location in mainland UK is a significant advantage, particularly for customers in more remote areas who might struggle with local sourcing.
Delivery Timelines and Options
Delivery times are clearly stated for most products, typically ranging from 1-2 working days to 5-7 working days depending on the item. Nanrobot.com Reviews
- Paving slabs: often 2-3 working days, with some larger packs at 3-4 working days.
- Thermalite blocks, concrete blocks, plasterboard, and timber: frequently 1-2 working days.
- PIR Insulation: standard sizes 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm, 100mm often include free delivery on orders over £150 and a 1-2 working day timeline, while thicker boards e.g., 120mm, 150mm might take 2-3 working days.
For heavier items like large paving packs, the site specifies that delivery will be made on a “crane or tail lift lorry,” which is vital information for site access and offloading planning.
This level of detail helps customers prepare for the delivery and manage expectations.
Collection Options and Regional Coverage
While the website prominently advertises “Collection Nationwide,” the specifics on how this works or where collection points are located aren’t immediately clear from the homepage.
It implies that customers can pick up orders from their network of suppliers, potentially offering flexibility for those with their own transport or urgent needs.
To utilize this option, customers would likely need to contact them directly to arrange a suitable collection point and time. Cloudninehair.com Reviews
This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for smaller, urgent orders where delivery fees might outweigh the cost of the materials.
Customer Service and Support Channels
When things don’t go exactly to plan, or you simply have a question, good customer service is non-negotiable.
Buildingshop.co.uk provides a few avenues for support.
Contact Information and Operating Hours
The website clearly displays a contact phone number: 01372 230830. Their stated operating hours are 8:00-17:00, suggesting they are available during standard working hours for inquiries. This direct line of communication is often preferred by customers dealing with potentially complex building material orders. Having a visible phone number builds confidence, indicating a readiness to assist.
Online Support and FAQs
While there isn’t a live chat feature, the site includes a dedicated “FAQs” section. Ifxbit.com Reviews
This is a crucial self-help resource, designed to answer common questions about delivery, returns, product specifications, and ordering processes.
A well-populated FAQ can significantly reduce the need for direct customer service contact, empowering customers to find answers quickly.
Additionally, they have an “About Us” and “Contact” page, which likely include email addresses or contact forms for written inquiries.
Handling Returns and Issues Based on T&Cs
The website explicitly links to “Terms & Conditions,” which would detail their policy on returns, refunds, and handling damaged or incorrect orders.
While a full review of these terms is beyond the scope of this section, the presence of these legal documents indicates a formal process for managing customer issues. Parkholidays.com Reviews
In the building supply industry, where large and heavy items are common, understanding the return policy is paramount, especially for damaged goods or order discrepancies.
Customers should review these terms thoroughly before making large purchases to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Customer Reviews and Reputation: What People Are Saying
While Buildingshop.co.uk doesn’t feature an on-site review system, external platforms can offer insights into customer experiences.
It’s important to look at independent feedback to get a balanced view.
External Review Platforms e.g., Trustpilot, Google Reviews
Based on general searches for “Buildingshop.co.uk reviews,” you might find some scattered feedback on platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews, though the volume may not be as high as for larger national retailers. It’s crucial to check these platforms directly. Rewarble.com Reviews
A consistent theme across many online businesses, especially in sectors dealing with logistics of heavy goods, often revolves around:
- Delivery reliability: Were items delivered on time? Were they damaged?
- Product accuracy: Did the items match the description?
- Customer service responsiveness: How quickly and effectively were issues resolved?
Any reputable online business will have some negative reviews – it’s how they handle them that often defines their service quality.
Positive reviews frequently highlight competitive pricing, efficient delivery, and the quality of the materials.
Common Praises and Criticisms
Common Praises often include:
- Competitive Pricing: Many users appreciate the sales and overall price points, especially for bulk purchases.
- Product Availability: The wide range of materials and the ability to source multiple items from one place is a plus.
- Speed of Delivery: For items marked as 1-2 day delivery, positive reviews often commend the promptness.
Common Criticisms might involve: Instaforex.com Reviews
- Communication Gaps: As with many online suppliers, occasional issues with communication regarding delayed deliveries or stock updates could arise.
- Delivery Specifics: While crane/tail lift lorries are mentioned, precise delivery slot management or difficulties with site access might be occasional points of friction.
- Alternative Brands: The note about “alternative brands being supplied” might lead to minor discrepancies if a customer specifically expects a particular brand and isn’t adequately informed of a substitution.
It’s worth noting that the building materials sector naturally attracts customers with diverse needs and expectations, which can influence review content.
Overall Reputation and Trust Signals
The presence of a clear phone number, physical address details if available on their contact page, and transparent VAT-inclusive pricing all contribute to trust signals.
The “over 30 years experience” claim, if verifiable, lends significant credibility.
A business that has been operating for decades typically develops robust supply chains and customer handling processes.
While it’s always wise to exercise due diligence, especially for large orders, Buildingshop.co.uk appears to present itself as a professional and established entity in the UK building supply market. Quietbounce.com Reviews
Alternatives to Buildingshop.co.uk: Comparing Options
While Buildingshop.co.uk offers a solid selection, it’s always wise to know your options.
The UK building materials market is competitive, with several key players.
Major National Builders’ Merchants
These are the big guns, often with a vast network of physical branches in addition to their online presence.
They typically offer a huge product range, dedicated trade accounts, and often have their own logistics fleets.
- Travis Perkins: One of the largest, offering everything from heavy-side materials to plumbing and timber. Known for extensive stock and trade services.
- Jewson: Another major player, similar in scope to Travis Perkins, with a strong focus on trade professionals and a broad range of products.
- Selco Builders Warehouse: Known for its cash-and-carry model, offering competitive prices for trade customers, often with strong online ordering capabilities and delivery.
These merchants excel in breadth of product and established physical infrastructure, making them reliable choices for complex projects or immediate pick-ups. Homebinder.com Reviews
Online-Only Building Material Suppliers
These companies operate primarily online, often focusing on efficiency and competitive pricing by minimizing physical overheads.
- Builders Depot / Builder Merchant: Several online-only platforms exist, aiming to connect customers directly with suppliers or offer a curated selection of materials for direct delivery. Their strength often lies in streamlined ordering and potentially lower prices due to reduced overheads.
- Specialized Online Retailers: For specific product categories, you might find online stores focusing solely on, say, insulation e.g., Insulation Express or paving e.g., Paving Superstore. These can offer deeper expertise and wider brand choices within their niche.
These online platforms are great for direct-to-site deliveries and often competitive on price, but may lack the immediate in-person advice of a physical branch.
Local Independent Builders’ Merchants
Don’t underestimate the power of your local independent merchant.
- Personalized Service: They often provide more tailored advice and flexibility, especially for smaller orders or unusual requirements.
- Local Stock: They can be excellent for urgent, smaller quantities where you need to pick up immediately.
- Community Support: Supporting local businesses can be a priority for some customers.
While they might not always match the bulk pricing of national chains, their service and local knowledge can be invaluable.
The best choice often depends on the specific project, urgency, quantity, and your location. Mrsalice.com Reviews
For large projects, combining suppliers might even be the most cost-effective approach.
Making an Informed Purchase Decision
So, you’ve got a project on the horizon and you’re weighing up Buildingshop.co.uk.
How do you make sure you’re making the smart move? It comes down to a few key considerations.
Factors to Consider Before Ordering
Before you hit that “place order” button, take a moment to tick these boxes:
- Project Scale and Urgency: For small, non-urgent DIY tasks, Buildingshop.co.uk seems well-suited. For large-scale commercial projects with tight deadlines, you might want to cross-reference their delivery promises with your project schedule and potentially look at direct trade accounts with larger merchants.
- Specific Product Requirements: Do you need a very specific brand or type of material? While Buildingshop.co.uk offers a good range, if you need something niche, it’s worth a direct inquiry. Remember their disclaimer about “alternative brands being supplied” – if brand consistency is paramount, confirm before ordering.
- Delivery Logistics: Can your site accommodate a crane or tail-lift lorry delivery? Is there clear access? Understanding the delivery mechanism as specified for large items is crucial to avoid delays or additional costs.
- Budget vs. Lead Time: Are you prioritizing the absolute lowest price, or is guaranteed, swift delivery more critical for your project timeline? Buildingshop.co.uk’s competitive pricing is appealing, but ensure the stated lead times align with your needs.
Verifying Product Specifications and Quantity
This might sound basic, but it’s where most mistakes happen.
- Double-Check Dimensions and Units: Building materials come in various sizes e.g., 2400 x 1200 x 12.5mm plasterboard, 440 x 215 x 100mm blocks. Ensure you’re ordering the correct dimensions and the right unit of measure single slab, pack, per metre, per sheet.
- Calculate Quantities Accurately: Use a reliable material calculator or consult a professional to ensure you order enough, but not excessive, material. Running out mid-project is costly, but so is over-ordering. Many sites, including Buildingshop.co.uk, don’t offer easy returns for bulk, heavy goods.
- Review Product Descriptions: Read the full product description for any caveats, such as minimum order quantities e.g., “10 Sheet Minimum” for some insulation boards or specific delivery conditions.
The Importance of Communication and Confirmation
Once you’ve placed your order, don’t just sit back.
- Order Confirmation: Ensure you receive an immediate order confirmation email detailing your purchase.
- Delivery Notifications: Keep an eye out for dispatch notifications or estimated delivery windows.
- Proactive Contact: If you have any specific delivery instructions, access issues, or need to confirm a specific brand, don’t hesitate to call their customer service number 01372 230830 during their operating hours 8:00-17:00. A quick phone call can often pre-empt potential problems and ensure a smooth transaction.
By taking these steps, you’ll significantly increase your chances of a successful and hassle-free experience with Buildingshop.co.uk or any online building material supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buildingshop.co.uk?
Buildingshop.co.uk is an online retailer based in the UK that supplies a wide range of building materials and landscaping products.
They cater to both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Does Buildingshop.co.uk offer competitive prices?
Yes, based on their website, Buildingshop.co.uk claims to offer “Competitive Prices” and frequently features “Sale!” items on popular products like Indian Natural Sandstone Paving and PIR insulation.
How long does delivery take from Buildingshop.co.uk?
Delivery times vary by product, but commonly range from 1-2 working days for items like blocks, plasterboard, and some timber, to 3-7 working days for larger or specialized items like paving packs.
Specific delivery times are usually listed on individual product pages.
Can I collect my order from Buildingshop.co.uk?
Yes, Buildingshop.co.uk states “Collection Nationwide” is available.
However, specific collection point details are not immediately obvious on the homepage and would likely require direct contact to arrange.
Are delivery charges included in the prices on Buildingshop.co.uk?
No, delivery charges are typically calculated at checkout, although some products, like standard size PIR insulation, offer free delivery on orders over £150. All product prices displayed do include VAT.
What types of building materials does Buildingshop.co.uk sell?
They sell a comprehensive range, including cement and aggregates, bricks and blocks, various types of insulation PIR, acoustic, cavity, timber and sheet materials, damp proofing, drylining products, lintels, fixings, drainage and roofing supplies, and landscaping materials like paving, decking, and topsoil.
Does Buildingshop.co.uk supply specific brands?
Yes, they list specific brands for some products, such as Recticel for PIR insulation and weberpral M for render.
However, they also state that “Alternative brands of the product may be supplied, please advise if this is an issue.”
How can I contact Buildingshop.co.uk customer service?
You can contact Buildingshop.co.uk by phone at 01372 230830 during their operating hours of 8:00-17:00. They also have a “Contact” page and “FAQs” section for general inquiries.
Does Buildingshop.co.uk deliver to my area?
Buildingshop.co.uk offers “dELIVERIES AND COLLECTIONS ALL OVER MAINLAND UK,” stating they can typically organize deliveries from within 10 miles of anywhere in Mainland UK through their network of suppliers.
What payment methods does Buildingshop.co.uk accept?
While not explicitly detailed on the homepage text, most online retailers accept major credit/debit cards.
You would typically see the accepted payment methods at the checkout stage.
Do prices on Buildingshop.co.uk include VAT?
Yes, all prices displayed on Buildingshop.co.uk explicitly state “inc.
VAT,” meaning the Value Added Tax is already included in the listed price.
What if I need to return an item to Buildingshop.co.uk?
Their website has a “Terms & Conditions” page, which would detail their return policy, including procedures for damaged goods, incorrect orders, or general returns.
Customers should review these terms prior to purchase.
Are bulk discounts available at Buildingshop.co.uk?
Yes, their sales often feature significant price reductions for bulk purchases, such as paving packs.
Additionally, some items offer free delivery thresholds e.g., over £150 for PIR insulation, which benefits larger orders.
What kind of timber products does Buildingshop.co.uk offer?
They offer a variety of timber and sheet materials, including kiln-dried timber, prepared timber, sawn timber, softwood mouldings, chipboard, MDF, OSB, and plywood.
Does Buildingshop.co.uk sell landscaping supplies?
Yes, their landscaping category includes decking, decorative aggregates, fencing, paving sandstone, utility slabs, sleepers, and topsoil & turf.
How do I know if an item is in stock on Buildingshop.co.uk?
While real-time stock levels aren’t always displayed, the indicated delivery times e.g., “1-2 working days” generally suggest that popular items are readily available.
For large or urgent orders, contacting them directly is recommended to confirm stock.
Is Buildingshop.co.uk suitable for DIY projects?
Yes, with its wide range of products, competitive pricing, and flexible delivery options, Buildingshop.co.uk appears well-suited for both professional builders and individuals undertaking DIY home improvement projects.
What is the minimum order quantity for items like PIR insulation?
Some products, like specific Recticel PIR Insulation boards e.g., 30mm Eurothane GP PIR Insulation Board 2400 X 1200 X 30mm, have a “10 Sheet Minimum” order quantity. This will be specified in the product description.
Can I get advice on specific products from Buildingshop.co.uk?
While the website provides product descriptions, for detailed technical advice or project-specific guidance, it’s best to call their customer service line during operating hours.
Does Buildingshop.co.uk offer any guarantees on its products?
While the homepage doesn’t detail specific product guarantees, their “Terms & Conditions” would outline their liability and any implicit or explicit warranties related to the quality and suitability of the materials supplied.
Reputable suppliers typically adhere to industry standards for material quality.
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