Johann Hunt
Impulse purchases at home improvement stores often drain your wallet. While many items serve their purpose well, others fall short in durability or practicality. Knowing what genuinely deserves your money can prevent wasted effort and expense. Here, you’ll find 10 frequently bought products that usually don’t live up to the value you expect.
Major Appliances
Items like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers require more thought than a quick visit to a home improvement store. Store staff typically receive only basic training, and delivery teams are usually subcontracted, which can lead to installation issues. On top of that, the 48-hour return period feels extremely tight for purchases of this scale.
Cleaning Supplies
It might seem convenient to grab cleaning products while browsing a home improvement store, but you’ll likely pay more than necessary. Prices are often higher than those at supermarkets or discount retailers, and the selection can be hit-or-miss. For better value and variety, shop at grocery stores or warehouse clubs.
Small Kitchen Gadgets
Big-box retailers charge more for their limited selection. So, it’s better to buy from specialty kitchen shops that carry unique gadgets, which are rarely found in home improvement stores. Kitchen-focused stores also provide a wider variety of tools, giving you more options to equip your space efficiently. Even online sellers feature affordable bundled deals.
Light Bulbs In Bulk
Warehouse clubs such as Sam’s Club and Costco shine when it comes to bulk light bulb savings. As for online retailers, they’re also affordable and give you the ease of direct-to-door shipping. Home improvement stores, on the other hand, usually offer a narrower selection, particularly for specialty types.
Basic Hand Tools
While home improvement stores offer convenience, their basic hand tools often come at a premium without delivering superior quality. Many starter kits sold there are mass-produced and not built to last, making them poor long-term investments. Instead, consider buying from specialty tool shops or online retailers that offer better durability, performance, and warranties—often at a lower price.
Pet Supplies
Smart pet parents should skip the home improvement store’s pet section. Pet specialty stores not only provide free samples of treats and food but also feature loyalty programs for regular customers. Additionally, their extensive selection comes with better pricing than hardware retailers.
Storage Bins And Organizers
Home improvement stores often charge higher prices for storage bins and organizers while offering limited sizes and styles. Specialty stores or online retailers provide better selection, custom labeling options, and occasional seasonal discounts, making them a smarter choice for organizing your home efficiently.
Batteries
Skip standard batteries at home improvement stores—they tend to be overpriced. Specialty types and recycling are convenient, but big-box stores and warehouse clubs beat them on price and quantity. For AA, AAA, and other common sizes, shopping smarter saves both money and hassle.
Generic Paint Brushes And Rollers
The frustration of paint bristles shedding mid-project can ruin your walls. Generic paint brushes from home improvement stores often wear out quickly and deliver uneven results. Investing in higher-quality brushes from specialty paint stores ensures smoother finishes and a more durable, professional-looking result.
Rugs And Carpets
Buying rugs and carpets at home improvement stores limits your options to standard sizes and ordinary designs. Specialty rug shops and flooring stores deliver higher-quality materials, custom fits, and personalized service, including in-home consultations, ensuring your space looks stylish, functional, and uniquely yours.