A boring review, but a review none the less! There's so many big stores like this on the Boucher…read moreRoad. Within a mile radius you have B&Q, Homebase and Dunelm Mill - all essentially selling the same sort of things. So why go to Homebase over the others? Well first up they have a dedicated garden section. Secondly they are always really well staffed and you can ask for help rather than aimlessly wandering the isles. They also nearly always have sales on - if you buy anything at full price here you're doing it wrong. One negative is the parking situation. Unlike B&Q across the road they don't have dedicated parking for large purchases. So if you're heading to Homebase make sure you try and get a space close by. It's either that or take a few wing mirrors off whilst negotiation you large purchase through parked cars. Don't say I didn't warn you! 3 stars, nothing more, nothing less.

This Homebase store is massive. You could spend a week in here and never make it through every…read moreaisle. This is great if you have time to spend hoking and poking through garden furniture, paint and odd bits and bobs, however not so great if you've called in for a quick purchase. The store is bright and airy, with its high ceilings and white walls. Yet it can get a little cold when you're wondering around so make sure you have a cardigan or jacket on hand. What I find about this store is that weekends in particular seem to bring the masses in. Whether there has been a recent advertisement that D.I.Y enthusiasts have jumped to, a couple have recently moved house or people going for a nosy, they all arrive at the weekend. So, if you don't fancy queuing, make use of the late week night openings as they tend to be a lot quieter with time to ponder over difficult decisions.

Popped in here yesterday to pick up some electrical terminal blocks to fit a ceiling light, that…read moresounded very professional didn't it? To be honest I only had a vague idea of what I was looking for but the blokes in Castle helped me out as soon as I walked through the door. This is an old school DIY and hardware store - they seem to have everything behind that counter. The good thing about coming here rather than going to a chain shop is that I was able to walk in ask an expert and leave within 5 minutes. I also didn't have to buy anything I didn't need. They stock plumbing, electrical and decorating equipment including paint but I would suggest just going in and speaking to the guys who work there - they couldn't have been more helpful. What's more, the electrical blocks cost me under £2! Great value!

Castle DIY is an independent hardware store on the Antrim Road, just off by the Cavehill Road…read moreintersection. It's a great place for a bit of local knowledge. I'm not a driver so if something goes wrong or I need to get some paint, its hassle to go to one of the big B&Q or the other big stores. The staff have a great knowledge of everything they sell. I needed some orange paint and whilst they didn't have a certain insane colour (not my choice!), but they offered to get it delivered in withouth any extra charge. Pleasant, knowledgeable guys who will go that extra mile to help.

One of those shops that seems to have all sorts of household items that you often don't realise you…read moreneed til you walk in here. Mops, buckets, mats, bathroom mirrors... there's a bit of everything in here.

Place has always been a joke.... This is one of only a few…read moreDJ shops in ni so they charge scandaless prices ...went in store for a £5 cable only to be pushed onto a £65 interface which was not needed best part the interface was only £45 online store

One of the cons in being a single lady is you have to do things like this for yourself. Boys just…read moreknow about gadgets intrinsically right? Anyway, anytime I break something electronicy I own I gotta go in and explain vaguely what I'm after, usually some form of cable or attachment thingy. This place are really helpful though. They're more kinda specialized than places like Curry's and they are known for their sound equipment. My housemate makes her own electronic music on Ableton and recommends this place for music production stuff. And she really knows what she's talking about. Guys who are into gadgets would wet themselves upon entering this store, for me its just a chore though! A great little shop with helpful staff.

Homebase is an excellent store for DIY, decorating, lighting, home, gardening, bathroom/kitchen…read morefurniture and accessories. I'm definitely not a DIY, gardening or domestic type person - in fact I positively hate such things! That as it may be, I actually enjoy a (rare) visit to Homebase. I love that this particular store is large, but not huge enough to be bewildering, as some massive DIY Stores are. Staff are very helpful. On a recent trip to pick up padlocks and outdoor security light bulbs I located staff immediately and they assisted me in finding the items I needed. Often I just pop in and out of Homebase quickly to grab what I need. Sometimes however, I do like to have a browse amongst the flowers, plants and garden furniture. This store is always my first choice for all my DIY needs.

There collection of neon paint and cheap wood is what I visit for. This one is a bit isolated, but…read moregreat parking and close to other shops to finish off your shopping after grabbing your neon paints and hula hoops. They have a little toy section to keep kids entertained. The pricing is good, nothing is too expensive and things are of a good quality. If you're looking paints wood, door knobs or plants go here.

This is one of those places where you've always been able to get your paint and other DIY malarkey…read more They're also pretty popular as an establishment where you can hire all sorts of tools and equipment whether you're tidying up the garden or building an extension. You can hire equipment from hedge clippers and lawn rakers to kangos and cement mixers. It seems the only thing they don't do is a crane, but I'm sure if you asked them... It's a family owned business and in recent years has diversified to offer other services. They now do a line of party items, Halloween costumes, and even floral arrangements for weddings. Still, their hire services for equipment is pretty useful, especially if you're sitting about the house with nothing to do and think, "I reckon that wall would look better with a hole in it..."