The team at the newly renovated Timbuild in Somerset West. Photos: Barend Williams

The Helderberg’s trusted hardware destination has been transformed!

Timbuild Somerset West has unveiled their newly renovated one-stop shop, which now offers customers an enhanced shopping experience with improved layout, better accessibility, and fresh contemporary styling.

“We realised we could significantly enhance our customer experience and make visiting our store truly enjoyable. The space had tremendous potential, so we collaborated as a team to develop a comprehensive plan. With guidance from our franchisor on the design aesthetic, we knew it was the perfect time for a complete revamp.”

Timbuild managing director Dirk Viviers

The Timbuild team rolled up their sleeves for the renovation which began with exterior improvements including a fresh coat of paint on the roof and additional parking bays.

A new carport was erected at the collections point, while inside, the team retiled the shop floor and created an inspiration corner showcasing lifestyle images from suppliers, adding visual appeal to the space. Enhanced lighting in the customer restrooms completed the transformation.

Customer feedback described the previous layout as dark and poorly planned, but the makeover has created a brightly lit hardware store with clear labeling, seamless flow, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home.

When asked how the renovated store better serves customer needs, Viviers explained: “The product range has been increased significantly, giving customers access to a much broader selection. We’ve added more sales counters throughout the shop floor to ensure no customer goes unassisted, plus we have an inspiration corner to help customers with project ideas.”

Timbuild Somerset West’s success builds on its March 2022 relaunch (“Same location, staff and service,” DistrictMail, 24 March 2022) under the same ownership team: Dirk Viviers leading operations, Stuart Oliver on finance, and Liezl le Roux as silent partner.

Since acquiring the business in March 2015, the partners have transformed operations into a comprehensive one-stop shop for DIY and construction needs. This growth included establishing the Paint & Plant addition in October 2021 (“Paint, plant specialist a year old”, 19 October 2022) and The Creative Design Hub in February 2024, located on the corner of Victoria and Reitz Street, which serves as an interior design center created in collaboration with the community (“Timbuild nou ‘n volledige eenstopwinkel,” 7 February 2024).

“We’ve expanded significantly in our product range, services, and staff complement while becoming part of the Helderberg community by offering convenience, nursery expertise, and a personal touch with every customer.”

Viviers shared the key lessons learned during their decade of business success: “Listen to your customers and don’t be afraid to engage with them. Treat your staff as part of your own family and look after them well. Manage your cash flow carefully and don’t overextend yourself. And always give back to the community that supports you.”

Looking ahead, Viviers outlined plans to continue growing their stock range, improving customer service and experience, and expanding their cutting and edging facility. The latter specialised services, along with colour-matching, DIY smart units, knowledgeable and friendly staff, a garden section, deliveries, and dedicated sales representatives, set the business apart from big box retailers.

In celebration of the revamp and its 10th anniverary, Timbuild Somerset West is launching special offers running from today (Wednesday 9 July) until Saturday 19 July.

The store also maintains regular monthly specials that run from the 15th of each month until the 10th of the following month.

Additionally, they have just launched a new customer loyalty programme designed to further enhance the customer experience and reward their valued clientele.

For more information, call the store on 021 851 7160.

Alfred October (salesman at Timbuild) assists Liane Groenewald at the newly refurbished DIY cupboard section.
Alfred October guides Liane Groenewald to explore different tile options at the newly installed inspiration corner at Timbuild.
Ryan Rodgers reminds customers not to forget to visit Timbuild’s gardening section.
Simba Marangarire and Benjamin Xhanko help Jade Dare-Marais select plants for her garden.
Maggie Adams (sales veteran) displays the 20% discount on plants, excluding seedlings and promotional stock. Photo: Amike Viljoen
Ruan Dewet at one of the newly renovated sales counters located throughout the store.
The final friendly faces that customers will see before leaving the store with their purchase are Stephane Adams and Tanya Manie at the new cashier’s counter.
The team at the newly renovated Timbuild in Somerset West. Photos: Barend Williams

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