Placemakers is basically a delux hardware store. They've got everything you could possibly need to…read moremake your DIY dream come true... Personally, i'm more of a Bunnings girl. The staff are waaaay nicer and definitely efficient. Don't expect any sort of hello when you enter Placemakers. Need assistance? The 10 staff on the floor are suddenly no where to be found. We came in recently to buy outdoor rubbish bins. We found them (sans lids, which were missing) and headed to the check-out counter, which was manned by one lone ranger. After watching them struggle to process the transaction of the lady in front of us we gave up and drove down the road to Bunnings! Pick up your game Placemakers!

We are currently building a house at Hobsonville Point and Apollo Bathrooms and Kitchens are doing…read moreour kitchen. We went there to talk with Nathan, the guy in charge of our kitchen and he was so helpful. We were tossing up between lots of different colours and textures and he wasn't pushy but definitely gave very good advice where we needed it. He was able to take us through the whole build and how it would all play out. In front of him he had our plans but he also was able to show us example of how it would look made up with their show kitchens that they have on display. This was great as we could see our plans transform from lines on a page to a real 3D object that we could touch, open and experience. It got me really excited and gave us a way better picture of what we wanted.

Stripping wallpaper is not the most enjoyable job around but thanks to Hirepool and their…read morecommercial-strength wallpaper steamer, the time absolutely flew by. Also, their staff - well, at least the ones I dealt with - were fantastic, both on the phone and in person providing tips and carry the equipment to my car. Did I mention they have a drive-through - so so great! Oh and they also have half-day prices if you want to hire for less than 4 hours.