how does one renovate and update properties without using mediocre materials bought from Home Depot?

[AnnieA]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

We still have many suppliers of quality building products other than Home Depot and Lowe's. I use them for things that are the same everywhere or are not critical, but for paint I go to the local Benjamin Moore and pay $60/gallon rather than the lousy $30 paint. When hiring a contractor, you can ask them where they buy their materials. For something like building a deck I shop at the local Cedar Lumber yard.

Originally Posted by Mr_Geek

I wouldn't completely discount HD and the like. I think the most important thing is who is doing the work and how. Yes you need good materials but you don't need THE best. The installers are the biggest factor in my opinion, as long as you don't buy complete garbage.

I have bought lots of building material, etc, from both HD and Lowe's. Sometimes, I have sifted through a whole pile of boards to try and get what I wanted. But, I wasn't having anything real fancy built.


I did find several lengths and widths of cedar boards at the HD in Central Fl to build my raised vegetable beds with. Granted, it was rough cut but, it was exactly what I was looking for. Forget Lowe's for that kind of thing. I have found that HD answers most of my needs, except they quit selling shade clothe in store. lol

[hunterseat]

Originally Posted by Mr_Geek

I wouldn't completely discount HD and the like. I think the most important thing is who is doing the work and how. Yes you need good materials but you don't need THE best. The installers are the biggest factor in my opinion, as long as you don't buy complete garbage.

That's it right there. It's frustrating when a homeowner quibbles over construction prices and then wants high dollar product.

There are a lot of high dollar suppliers that have the exact thing as the big stores.

I can't stand HD myself, but there are different grades of lumber there. Yes, sometimes we have to pick through to get straight sticks of lumber.

For many applications we go to a favorite lumber yard that carries consistently good product.