It seems like everyone’s so busy these days, they’re turning to convenience over value when it comes to home improvement purchases. Box chains like Lowes and Home Depot make it seem like buyers are getting a discount on household items, but lately, consumers are looking at their receipts and wondering, “Have we been duped?”
Unfortunately, the answer may be yes! While these chain stores may come in handy for many purchases, intelligent shoppers are advising their peers on items they should shop for elsewhere.
What are these products, you ask yourself? Let’s explore.
1. Lawn Fertilizer
No one wants to be the house on the street with the dying lawn, and without proper fertilizer, it’ll stick out like a sore thumb. If that’s your home, look for the HOA leader (if you have one) to knock on your door.
Skip the box stores, here, and seek out professional lawn care services to advise you on your property’s landscape. These experts know everything there is to know about grass and can guide you to the proper products, while retail employees might not be as experienced.
2. Cleaning Products
It might sound convenient to grab some cleaning wipes and disinfectant spray as you leave the hardware store. But next time you’re walking down the aisle in Home Depot or Lowes, be sure to check out the prices. These items are often over-priced.
It’s true these products can be priced as much as 10% higher than at stores like Walmart or other big box stores. But they know what they’re doing, they place the products strategically for a compulsive buy, but you’re smarter than that. Pick up cleaning supplies elsewhere.
3. BBQ Grill Accessories
Chain hardware stores are great places to pick up a new grill for the backyard. There are usually multiple options and employees can assemble the unit on-site and even offer same-day delivery. Still, they can price gouge you for accessories like thongs, brushes, knives, and cleaning supplies.
Take it from a seasoned outdoor cook. These tools are sold at stores like Walmart, HomeGoods, and even Ross for nearly half the price. Unless you plan on cooking up burgers the second you get home, make a second stop at one of these stores for some fantastic deals.
4. Wood
Every DIYer loves the feeling of loading up a cart with wood. It’s a statement to the other shoppers in the store that you have a big project, and you are the assigned foreman. However, experienced builders might laugh at you for how much money you could potentially be wasting.
If you need a wood supply for a home project, your best bet is to visit your local lumberyard. Cuts of wood beams can sometimes be found at half the price of the bigger stores. They also have a bigger selection and employees can advise you on different cuts and types to better suit your needs.
5. Wall Décor
Stores like Lowes and Ace Hardware might be your first thought when it comes to home improvement. But did you know they sell home décor as well? If this is news to you, you are already in the correct mindset. If you’re planning to decorate your home and purchase décor at one of these stores, pay attention.
At stores like these, you will find only basic, cookie-cutter, low-quality products. There are plenty of online shops like Etsy, Wayfair, HomeGoods, and local shops that will make your home much more unique. The last thing you want is to attend a holiday party and see your neighbors with the same decorations!
6. Plants
There’s no denying hardware stores have a quality selection of plants for sale. Still, you can save money by shopping at local nurseries.
Local nurseries help give back to your community because you’re buying directly from the local growers. These business owners are passionate about their crafts and can tell you all the minute details a plant needs to thrive. I’m a big proponent of supporting small businesses, so I encourage everyone to seek out their local nursery instead of a chain hardware store.
7. Batteries
Everything from flashlights to video game remote controls rely on batteries to operate. Even with the invention of USB cables, batteries are still a vital part of a household. Trust me, there will be chaos when something dies and you have no replacements on hand.
It’s so easy to keep your back pile of batteries stocked with a simple click of a button on Amazon.com. Buying them in bulk is a surefire way to always have them at hand and save a few bucks while doing so.
8. Windows
Anyone living in a cold-weather climate can tell you how important properly sealed windows are to a home. You never want to let that freezing cold in. Overusing your heater will waste energy, cost hundreds of dollars, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the appliance.
So, what’s your best option? Seek out a window and insulation expert. These people are trained specifically for this type of project. They will be able to answer all of your questions, provide the right materials, and give the best installation advice (or come install them) to keep you and your family warm in the winter.
9. Home Appliances
If you’re in the market for a new washer/dryer, dishwasher, or refrigerator, a store like Lowes or Home Depot is a perfect place to start shopping. After all, they have all the name brands, offer all the specifications, and have employees who can answer all your questions. The bad news is once they sell you the machine, they give you the manufacturer warranty and are done with you—no more customer service.
Once again, you’re better off going to a specialized store. You will get superior customer service, better repair responses, and streamlined directions to warranty information.
10. Countertops
One of the benefits of shopping at a big box store is the selection. If you shop for new countertops, you could spend hours flipping through the catalogs at your neighborhood Home Depot. They offer a ton of brands and styles. They also have very little competition, allowing them to set their prices, which tend to be higher than those of smaller companies with similar products.
Savvy homeowners have discovered that local stone yards can handle the job at a much lower price. New countertops can cost a fortune, depending on the materials you choose, so saving some money on them in a home renovation can help you stretch your dollar as far as you can.
11. Basic Hardware
Have you ever found yourself facing a simple fix, but you’re missing a single screw or washer? You’ve searched your toolbox but can’t find the right bolt to do the job? That’s the worst. Why? Because you know you’re going to have to buy a pack of 20 bolts to get just the one you need.
That’s when the local, old-man hardware store down the street becomes your oasis. You just know he has that exact bolt in his treasure chest of hardware. And the best part is he will charge you a quarter for a single bolt rather than $10 for a pack of 20.
12. Area Rugs
Just because a store sells a product doesn’t mean you should buy it there. That is the case with area rugs. Once again, stores like Ace Hardware and Lowes are known for selling home improvement items, not decorations. After all, would you buy a new toilet from a furniture store?
An area rug makes a big statement in your home, so you don’t want a basic piece. Instead of shopping at the hardware store, look at niche decoration sites and find something creative.
13. Moving Boxes
Oh, the dismay of moving. It’s always a daunting task shopping for boxes to store away all of your stuff before you get to a new home. Sure, hardware stores sell them, but they’re so expensive you will kick yourself for not saving all of the Amazon packages you’ve had delivered over the years.
Unless you’re moving at a moment’s notice, you have time to prepare. Ask all your friends to save any cardboard boxes they have. Also, seek out local convenience and liquor stores. They often have a stock of boxes they’re looking to get rid of. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to find free moving boxes.