6+ Things You Shouldn’t Buy At The Home Improvement Store
Home improvement stores are great for big projects, quick fixes, and last-minute supplies, but not everything there is worth the price or the hassle. Some items are lower quality, overpriced, or just not the best option compared to what you’d find elsewhere. Knowing what to skip can save you tons of money and frustration, so here are some things you should think twice about before running to the hardware store to grab.
Paintbrushes and Rollers
You’d think all paint tools are the same, but the cheaper ones at home improvement stores often shed bristles, leave streaks, or fall apart after a few uses. If you’re painting a room, you don’t want loose bristles stuck in the paint or a roller that soaks up more paint than it spreads. Higher-quality brushes from a paint or art supply store will last longer and give you a smoother finish. It’s worth spending a little more on good tools, especially if you plan to use them more than once.
Light Bulbs
Many people grab light bulbs from the home improvement store without thinking twice, but the selection is often limited, and prices can be higher than you should be spending. You might also find outdated models that aren’t as energy-efficient as newer ones sold at specialty lighting or big-box retail stores. Shopping elsewhere lets you compare wattage, lumens, and color temperature more easily, so you don’t end up with dim, flickering, or overly harsh lighting.
Cabinet Hardware
Handles and knobs seem like a small detail, but cheap ones from the hardware store can look outdated, feel flimsy, or wear down quickly. The finishes can chip, and the screws may strip easily. Higher-end hardware stores, online retailers, or salvage shops offer more stylish, durable options that can completely change the look of your cabinets, sometimes even vintage options (which you know are often built better). Good-quality hardware makes a noticeable difference on things you use every day!
Extension Cords and Power Strips
Electrical accessories at home improvement stores are often overpriced and not necessarily the safest or longest-lasting. Some cheap extension cords have thinner wiring, which can overheat and fail over time. Power strips may not have enough surge protection, making them risky for expensive electronics. Office supply stores or online retailers usually offer better deals, higher-rated products, and options that were built with heavy use in mind, meaning your tech will be better protected.
Air Filters
Most home improvement stores carry air filters, but the selection can be limited, and prices are often extremely marked up. You might end up with a rather basic filter that doesn’t effectively trap allergens, dust, or pet dander. Specialty stores or direct-from-manufacturer websites offer a wider variety of filters that fit your specific HVAC system (or wherever else you need a filter) and provide better air quality for your home.
Cleaning Supplies
It’s convenient to grab cleaning supplies while picking up home repair items, but you’ll likely pay far more for name-brand products at the hardware store. The selection is also smaller, and you may not find the most effective or eco-friendly options. Grocery stores, warehouse clubs, online marketplaces, even dollar stores often have better prices, more variety, and larger quantities. Making your own cleaning solutions with vinegar, baking soda, and other simple ingredients can also be a cheaper and safer alternative.
Plumbing Fixtures
Faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures at home improvement stores can be hit-or-miss. Many look nice but have plastic internal parts that wear out quickly, leading to leaks and breakdowns that are annoying to fix. Higher-end fixtures from plumbing supply stores or reputable brands online offer better materials like brass fittings and ceramic disc valves, which last longer and work more efficiently. If you want something that holds up over time, it’s worth shopping elsewhere.
Garden Hoses and Nozzles
It’s easy to assume all garden hoses are the same, but the ones at home improvement stores often kink, crack, or leak after a short time. Nozzles can break easily or have weak spray patterns, too. A high-quality rubber hose from a garden center or specialty supplier will last longer, resist weather damage, and save you from constantly replacing cheap versions. Investing in a better hose means fewer headaches and a well-watered yard all summer long.
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Home improvement stores are great for a lot of things, but some items just don’t hold up in quality, price, or selection. Being mindful of what you buy and where you buy it can save you time and money. Sometimes, spending a little more or shopping at a specialty store is worth it in the long run., especially since, when it comes to home projects, having the right tools and materials makes all the difference.
Daniel Mitchell
