10 things I Never Buy At Home Improvement Stores

As the family handyman, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time walking the aisles of home improvement stores. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks and learned some hard lessons about what to buy and, more importantly, what not to buy.

From overpriced cleaning products to appliances that don’t measure up, I’ve figured out where to invest my money and where to hold back.

Here’s my rundown of the top 10 things I never waste my money on at home improvement stores.

Home Decor

I’ve got to be honest, when it comes to decking out the living room or giving the guest room a little facelift, I used to be tempted by the convenience of grabbing everything from Home Depot. But let’s talk about smart shopping.

For example, those stylish curtains you see at Home Depot for about $30? I found nearly identical ones at IKEA for just $10. That’s $20 back in my wallet, and who doesn’t love that kind of savings?

This kind of price difference isn’t just on curtains—it’s on vases, artificial plants, and even sheets. Always check around before you buy; even on clearance, you might find the same items way cheaper elsewhere.

Small Appliances

As your neighborhood fix-it guy, I’ve learned where to hunt for deals, and when it comes to small appliances, your best bet isn’t at the home improvement stores.

Places like Costco and Sam’s Club dominate with prices that big box home stores just can’t match. A microwave that costs you less than $50 at Costco could run you $60 to $80 at Home Depot.

And don’t get me started on food processors; even their sale prices are often just clever marketing. Always shop around and compare—those red sale tags aren’t always what they seem.

Countertops

When you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen counters, it might seem convenient to just swing by Home Depot. But here’s a handy tip from someone who’s seen it all: check your local options first.

Home Depot picks up their slabs from wholesale yards, then marks them up to cover their costs. You end up paying extra just for the privilege of buying from a big name.

Not to mention, the more hands those countertops pass through, the higher the risk of damage—and the higher the price. Local dealers often provide better value and care for such significant purchases.

Major Appliances

And when it comes to major appliances, I’ve got to be straight with you: steer clear of big box stores if you value customer service and product reliability.

Sure, the prices might tempt you, but the service during and after purchase can leave a lot to be desired. From damaged deliveries to installers rushing the job and not taking old appliances away, the headaches can pile up.

Local appliance stores tend to know their products better and focus on customer satisfaction. They might be the safer bet for making sure your new fridge or stove is exactly what you need, without the post-purchase blues.

Grill Gear

As the go-to handyman for all things home, including BBQs and backyard bashes, I’ve scoped out where to snag the best deals on grilling accessories. While Home Depot might display that shiny 20-piece stainless steel tool set right as you’re planning your summer party, don’t be too quick to grab it.

I’ve found these sets for much less online—Amazon had it for $25, not $36. Also, stores like Walmart and Target slash prices on grill gear during the summer.

Flooring Services

When it comes to laying down new floors, bigger isn’t always better, especially not with flooring services from places like Home Depot. They often contract out the job, and unfortunately, these third-party installers can miss the mark.

I’ve heard from neighbors and friends who’ve ended up with subpar work that needed costly fixes later. If you’re considering new tile or hardwood, you might want to either take a DIY approach or hire a specialized flooring company.

Cleaning Products

As someone who’s always fixing and cleaning around the house, I’ve learned that your dollar stretches further away from the home improvement store when it comes to cleaning supplies. While stores like Home Depot stock everything you need, their prices on items like Scrubbing Bubbles can be a bit steep compared to Walmart or Target.

And let’s be honest, cleaning products are often much the same, whether they’re brand name or not. I’ve found that dollar stores offer similar products for a fraction of the cost.

Kitchen Supplies

When it comes to kitchen essentials, home improvement stores just don’t cut it. I’ve picked up pots and pans from places like Home Depot, hoping to save a trip, but they barely made it through the year. Not to mention, the prices are often higher than what you’d find at a dedicated retailer.

Storage options are also sparse, and if you’re looking for something stylish like a utensil holder, you’d be better off checking out a store like Kohl’s or Macy’s. They offer more selection and better prices.

Rugs

When you’re hunting for that perfect area rug to complement your home decor, it might seem convenient to just pick one up while you’re browsing your local home improvement store. Yet, despite their best efforts, these stores often can’t compete with the variety and deals you can find online.

Places like Amazon, Overstock, or Wayfair dedicate more space and resources to providing a vast selection of colors, shapes, and sizes, which means you’re more likely to find exactly what you’re looking for—and at a better price too.

Batteries

Batteries are something we all need but often overpay for without thinking. While it’s tempting to just toss a pack into your cart as you wander through a home improvement store, this is actually one of the spots where they mark up their prices significantly.

For instance, you might find an 18-pack of AA batteries at a place like Home Depot for around $14, but did you know that over at Costco, you could get a 40-pack for about the same price? It’s worth making a trip to your bulk store or checking out online deals instead.