Things You Shouldn’t Buy at the Home Improvement Store

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.

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!!"

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.

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.

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."

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."