14 Things You Shouldn’t Buy in Home-Improvement Stores
Updated: Apr. 18, 2024
Find out which items you're better off leaving on the shelves the next time you're at a hardware megastore.
Wood
Americans spent an estimated $16.16 billion on home renovations in the past year, according to Finder.com research. And many of them borrowed the funds from friends and family or paid with credit cards and loans, so it goes without saying that it’s important that they save wherever they can, says Jennifer McDermott, consumer advocate for Finder.com. “Wood is one item that comes in at a much cheaper price from a local lumber yard than at the hardware. If you are buying big quantities the savings here can be quite significant.” For example, a white pine timber beam could run you about $30 at Home Depot, while at your local lumber store, you may be able to find it as low as $12. Check out these 31 home improvement projects that will double the value of your home.
Rugs
Many local home-improvement stores have some area rugs tucked away in their decor sections and also offer carpeting services. However, Debbie Gartner at The Flooring Girl suggests alternative online sources for purchasing your decorative carpet pieces because it’s likely these stores don’t dedicate too much space and financial resources to keep rugs on display or in their inventory. You may have more luck finding the piece of your dreams in the color, shape, and size you want by looking on Amazon, Overstock, or Wayfair.
Household batteries
If you’re buying your standard everyday AA, D, and other size batteries (here’s why you’ll never see B batteries), chances are you would pay less for them at Walmart or Costco than at the hardware store. For example, for about $14, you could get an 18-count pack of Duracell AA Batteries at Home Depot or a 40-count pack at Costco. On the other hand, find out the things you should never buy at Costco.
Tradesmen/installation services
Some home-improvement stores offer trained workers to install appliances or even renovate for you. However, you might get more bang for your buck by sub-contracting directly versus having your hardware superstore manage the service. When you pay for a project installation through a store, they usually take a cut of your money and sub-contract to other businesses and tradesmen who do the work. Even those who are sub-contracted may sub-contract yet another person to do the work, and by then, the quality of the service may not be as high as what you’re paying.
Tools you don’t know how to use
It feels great to decorate your kitchen, build a veggie garden, or complete a home project, but there is hardly anything more wasteful and dangerous than taking on a task you’re not qualified to complete—especially if it requires you buy tools you don’t know how to use. To avoid forking over money for hardware that will collect dust in a corner or, worse, injure you and damage your home, ensure that you know the ins and outs of your tools before you buy them. These are the 12 home improvement projects you should never, ever DIY.
Kitchen or grill accessories
Sometimes, when you buy a grill or other major kitchen appliance, though, stores try to throw in a few spatulas, pans, and accessories as part of the sale. These megastores might have high-quality heavy-duty devices, but it’s not likely they invest as much in getting the best quality accessories to go with them. Next time you buy yourself a sleek stove or barbecue, stop by JCPenney, Walmart, or another home goods store to grab the smaller accompanying gadgets.
Home decorations
Looking for an affordable piece of art to hang on your walls or a nice adornment for your balcony? While hardware stores are great for buying tools and other supplies for your home, you can find something more aesthetic and at a better price for your home at a retailer like HomeGoods, Pottery Barn, or your local flea market, says Jill Caponera, consumer savings expert at Promocodes.com. Decorating your home soon? Find out 10 budget-friendly decorating tricks that will make your house look way more expensive.
Major appliances
Cyber Monday isn’t the only time you can score mega-deals online. In fact, there are hundreds of discounts, coupons, and deals happening online every day. Home-improvement stores are no different. Shoppers who see a product they want in store first might be tempted to buy it on the spot, but that same product might be discounted on the store’s website with free delivery or pick-up in store options. It’s always worth taking a look online, especially for the more expensive appliances before making a final purchase in-store.
Smartwatches
Even though some home-improvement giants sell smartwatches and other wearable tech, you’ll likely find better prices, greater variety, and higher quality products at an appropriate tech-based store.
Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
“Store-bought smoke detectors are generally inexpensive because they use a technology called ‘Ionization’ smoke detection,” says Maxwell (who goes by the single name), co-founder of TrueSecurity. “This form of smoke detection causes many false alarms, and, more importantly, can miss fires entirely.” Also, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors from a hardware store typically don’t alert authorities in times of crisis, an especially important function if you ever have a carbon monoxide leak, as these can quickly incapacitate you. Opt for monitored detectors and carbon monoxide communicators instead.
Lawn fertilizer
A big box home-improvement store might steer you wrong and sell you a fertilizer that you don’t understand or that won’t get the job done, says Zach Hendrix, co-founder of GreenPal. An established lawn, a new lawn, new sod, and a winterized lawn all benefit from different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in fertilizer. Your local nursery or lawn care service is likely a better bet.
Shipping products
Packaging and materials for shipping freight are often more expensive and may be a lower quality at home-improvement stores, says Therese Kerrigan, director of marketing communications at FreightCenter. “Lesser quality boxes may break during freight transportation, and subsequent damage claims may be denied because of the packaging.” Look online for better quality materials and pricing or, at the least, check that the boxes at the hardware store are up to standard.
Cleaning products
Though grabbing those Clorox wipes as you’re picking up the gardening tools you need may seem convenient, you may not want to make it a habit. Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch says you could end up paying 5 to 10 percent more for cleaning supplies at home-improvement stores versus grabbing them at Walmart or bulk store.
More than what you need
It is tempting to buy everything in bulk at home-improvement stores, however, how likely are you to use 500 nails when you simply want to hang up a few picture frames? “If you want to buy smaller amounts of any home-improvement item, talk to customer service before lugging a big box to the register,” says Nelson Garcia from Student Loan Hero. “They might point you in the direction of one-off purchases or, especially in smaller hardware stores, give you a deal on a smaller amount of what you need.” Next, find out the 40 home repairs anyone can do.
