We asked a range of contractors, gardeners and others what they avoid buying at big-box stores. Here's their advice for safety, style and savings.
Things You Shouldn’t Buy at the Home Improvement Store
Published on Jan. 23, 2025
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Plants
Houseplants and garden plant starts from big-box stores might not be suited to your local climate and are often treated with chemical fertilizers, growth retardants and pesticides that can be harmful to bees, birds and other wildlife.
“For healthier plants, it’s better to purchase from local nurseries or the farmers market,” says Randy Cummings, a growing specialist at Bootstrap Farmer. “They offer varieties specifically adapted to your area, provide expert advice and keep those dollars spent locally.”
Especially stay clear of milkweed, as it may not be the correct species for your area and has likely been treated with pesticides that contaminate the ecosystem you’re trying to support. Instead, buy from local plant nurseries or order seeds online from nonprofit organizations like Save Our Monarchs and Garden for Wildlife.
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Garden Seeds
The shelf-life of big-box-store garden seeds can be questionable, as they may have been sitting in packages for quite a while, plus fulfillment centers aren’t temperature or humidity-controlled, says Cummings. Also, their seed selection can be narrow and not tailored to your grow zone or resistant to local pests and diseases.
“You’ll do best when you can shop from a reputable seed company and select for disease resistance, heat or cold resistance, pest pressure and plant habits you’re most interested in,” he adds.
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Mulch
National supplier mulch is often dyed or made from recycled materials, which can include splintery wood or even bits of metal, says Cummings. “This is especially common with colored mulches and lower-cost bagged options, which are often put on sale,” he says.
Instead, make your own or buy in bulk from regional suppliers, which typically use wood from locally sourced trees, ensuring a more natural product. “This not only saves money but also helps build a relationship with a reliable source that may also supply topsoil, gravel and compost,” he says.
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Major Appliances
“Major appliances can be a gamble at big-box giants,” says Sofia Vyshnevska, a housing expert and co-founder at Jome. “You typically have a scant 48 hours to note any defects; an impossible time frame, especially if your poor new dishwasher decides to reveal its eccentricities on, say, day four.”
Also, the store might not have the expertise to help you determine what products are right for your home and needs, says Docia Boylen, owner at Handyman Connection of Golden. So, try a local appliance store instead.
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Painting Tools
Paint rollers and brushes are not an absolute item for “what not to buy at home improvement stores items,” but if you have access to a painting-specific store like Sherwin-Williams, start there, says Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy painting services.
The products are often of higher quality, and “these types of stores tend to have employees with more specialized knowledge on what type of materials you will need for specific projects, which can make them a better resource for you,” he says.
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Clearance Paint
Those clearance paint cans in the mis-tint section can be tempting at $10 or less, but they’re often a waste of money unless you’re painting something non-critical like a doghouse, says Steven Mena, CEO at AAA Fence and Deck Company. “The color is often inconsistent or unmatchable, and it may not be a quality paint brand,” he says. “Worse, cheap paint usually requires more coats.”
Instead, opt for mid- to high-grade paint from a specialty store like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. While they cost more per gallon, they’ll give better coverage and longevity, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
Chances are, someone at those stores will also be better able to steer you toward the perfect paint for your project. “Not to mention with lower foot traffic, the staff is likely to have more time to assist you,” says Thomas.
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Cheap Tools
“I learned this the hard way at a younger age when starting out as a journeyman plumber,” says Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Plumbing. “Budget tools might seem like a good deal, but I’ve had them break mid-project, causing me more frustration than savings.”
The same goes for wet/dry vacuums, which tend to burn out quickly and clog frequently, and universal electric testers (like those under $10), which can be dangerous if they give false readings, says Rinea Blanchard, founder and CEO of Superior Contract Cleaning.
Instead, if you can swing it, invest in quality brands from specialty tool suppliers. “It’s worth spending more upfront for tools that last, even if you don’t use them every day as most homeowners might not,” says Caccia.
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Water Softener and Filter Systems
Without a proper analysis of your water, it’s really difficult to know what type of water filter and softener you need, says Boylen. “Systems can be complex to install, and a poor quality system can cause damage to your plumbing or appliances,” she says.
Instead, enlist the help of a service or retail store that specializes in water treatment, who will also be familiar with water issues in your areas. You can also find a local environmental or water testing company that offers products along with their testing.
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Pesticides
A significant portion of home gardeners do not follow proper pesticide application instructions or use the wrong pesticide for the task they’re trying to accomplish. This misapplication can harm beneficial insects and wildlife, plus pose risks to human health.
Consider organic or non-toxic alternatives when possible, which are more readily available at local garden centers; but remember that even organic sprays can also be deadly to beneficial insects. Here are some ways to naturally cut down on pesticide use, and remember to use native plants whenever possible.
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Quick-Fix Products
Anything that touts a quick DIY fix over spending the time to fix something the proper way should be suspect. For example “quick-fix” roof coating and sealants often trap in moisture and can void your existing roof warranty, says Blanchard.
Same for foundation repair kits. “Just, no,” she says. “They’re expensive snake oil that often makes the problem worse. Foundation repair is not a DIY job!!”
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Inexpensive Plumbing Fixtures
When it comes to home fixtures it might be tempting to grab the cheapest faucet or shower head on the shelf, but these often use lower-quality materials like plastic instead of brass, says Caccia. “They tend to wear out quickly and lead to leaks that can become more costly than buying a high-quality fixture,” he says.
Instead, he recommends buying plumbing fixtures from specialized plumbing supply stores, which have more options to choose from, are built for durability and often come with better warranties.
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Products That Mitigate Danger
It is best to buy any product that could potentially damage your home or threaten your safety from a specialty store, such as circuit breakers and other electrical components.
“These are crucial safety components, and purchasing them from a specialized electrical supply house ensures you’re getting high-quality, certified products,” says Caccia. “You also have expert professionals to answer your questions, and with no disrespect to home improvement employees, you are not always getting the true expert advice.”
The same goes for mold removal products, since big-box quick fixes can be ineffective for serious mold problems, says Pete Duncanson, vice president of training and development at ServiceMaster Restore. “They often provide a surface-level clean but fail to address the root cause, which can lead to recurring issues,” he says. For those, it’s probably best to call a professional restoration company.
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Fire Safety Devices
Duncanson also recommends against buying fire extinguishers and cheap smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors from home improvement stores. Detectors may lack features like connectivity, longer battery life and multi-sensor capabilities vital for home safety; and fire extinguishers might be too general-purpose.
“For example, different types of extinguishers are designed for grease fires, electrical fires, or combustible materials, and the wrong one could make a fire worse,” he says.
Instead, buy both from specialized safety companies. These companies can guide you through purchases designed for your home’s layout, appliances and potential fire risks and train you to use them effectively.
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Greenhouse Plastic
Although big box stores sell thick, clear plastic, it’s generally just construction plastic, which doesn’t contain UV inhibitors or stabilizers. “This means that it will deteriorate in three to five months and turn into confetti,” says Cummings. Also, many construction plastics are opaque and thus don’t offer the light transmission of a greenhouse-specific plastic.
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Cabinets
Pre-assembled stock cabinets from big-box stores can seem like a quick fix, especially with their lower price tag, but they’re often made from particleboard that warps or chips easily, especially in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms, says Mena.
They also lack a deeper sense of craft, says Vyshnevska. “Walk into a home improvement store, and you’ll spot rows of cabinets that look chic in the showroom but can feel oddly soulless once you get them home,” she says. “Mass-produced units often skimp on the finer details like those hidden corners and special finishes that transform a kitchen from purely functional to quietly fabulous.”
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Lawn Mowers
Lawn mowers make the list for what not to buy in home improvement stores because they are often mass-market models with limited features and support, says Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal lawn care. For a better return on investment, visit a local specialty dealer.
“They offer higher-quality equipment, expert advice on the right mower for your lawn type, and better after-sales service, including maintenance and repairs,” he says. “Specialty dealers also tend to carry commercial-grade options that are built to last, saving homeowners money in the long run with fewer breakdowns and better performance.”
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Off-Brand Impulse Items
Those end-cap and holiday displays offer tempting impulse buys, but before reaching for them, make sure it’s a name-brand product with good customer service or technical support, says Todd Tripp, a home improvement expert at JustAnswer.
“I find that there are a lot of foreign products that don’t even have a place to call or email or even a website to get assistance or help replacing simple parts; and seasonal items are notorious for having a part that will go out,” he says. “I’m not saying buy only American, but be selective in getting items from established companies that will stand behind their product.”
About the Experts
- Rinea Blanchard is founder and CEO of Superior Contract Cleaning, which she has run since 1997 in the Lafayette, Louisiana area.
- Geno Caccia is CEO of Caccia Plumbing in San Mateo, California, and has more than 30 years of experience in the plumbing and construction industry.
- Carr Lanphier is CEO of Improovy, a Chicago-based painting service helping homeowners connect with insured and licensed interior, exterior and commercial painters.
- Gene Caballero has more than 25 years of experience in the landscaping industry and is co-founder of GreenPal, which has been described as the Uber for lawn care.
- Docia Boylen is owner of Handyman Connection of Golden, Colorado, and was honored with several awards at the 2024 Handyman Connection Annual Conference.
- Pete Duncanson is vice president of training and development at ServiceMaster Restore, where he has worked since 1995.
- Randy Cummings has worked with Bootstrap Farmer since 2011, helping growers find success by consulting with them on inputs, tools, supplies and market trends.
- Todd Tripp is a general contractor and founder of Trip Mills Builders in upstate South Carolina, and a home improvement expert with JustAnswer.
- Steven Mena is CEO at AAA Fence and Deck Company in Raleigh, North Carolina and has been in the industry for 30 years.
- Julian Thomas is a DIY and home lifestyle expert and Command Brand partner.
- Sofia Vyshnevska is a housing expert and co-founder at Jome, a marketplace for new construction homes.
