Home Depot vs. Lowe’s: We Compared 5 Common Home Repairs
Why pay a professional when you can repair things at home yourself? Well, for a variety of reasons, but sometimes you can tackle basic plumbing pickles or get your yard back in fighting shape. So, before your motivation hedges, you are probably debating whether to go to Lowe’s or Home Depot, and you want to base your decision on which one will not strip your budget down to the studs.
When it comes to Home Depot versus Lowe’s prices, the winner really depends on your specific project. Some repairs are cheaper at one store, while others are a better deal at the other. Go figure.
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Your best strategy is to compare both before you buy and focus on high-value items where the price difference matters most. Here are common home repairs and maintenance projects to see where you’ll get the best value (speaking of something in need of repairs) in the current economy.
1. Painting Your Ceiling
Whether you need a fresh coat of paint to brighten a room or give the whole space a facelift by painting your ceilings, you’re going to need a fair bit of gear. Here are a few price comparisons to give you an idea of where to fill up your cart with interior paint, rollers, brushes and painter's tape.
Home Depot
From Home Depot, you'll need to buy 5-gallon Behr Premium Plus Ultra Pure White Ceiling Flat Interior Paint & Primer, which costs $120. You'll also want Mr. Longarm Tele-Roller Paint Handle with Cover (35.5-inch) for $13.41. And lastly, you'll need ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape (3 rolls) for $19.94.
Total: $153.35
Lowe’s
At Lowe's you'll be getting 5-gallon Vaspar Ultra Bright White Flat Ceiling Paint and Primer for $115, as well as Wagner PaintStick EZ Roller Smooth Paint Roller Cover (13-inch) for $34.98. And lastly, you'll need ScotchBlue PROSharp Painters Tape (3-pack) for $23.98.
Total: $177.96
Winner: Home Depot
2. Fixing a Leaky Bathroom Faucet
Any type of plumbing project can get expensive. However, if you are competent in your DIY abilities, here’s a look at a few things, such as washers, cartridges and faucets, you’ll need.
Home Depot
To fix a leaky faucet, you'll buy Danco Flat Faucet Washers and Screws Assortment (14-Piece) for $3.95 at Home Depot. Add on Delta Ceramic Stem Cartridge for 2-Handle Faucets for $20.98. And finally, buy Glacier Bay Centerset Double Handle Low-Arc Bathroom Faucet in Brushed Nickel for $29.98.
Total: $54.91
Lowe’s
At Lowe's, you'll start with Danco Assorted Rubber Universal Washers (14-pack) for $9.98. Next you'll buy Delta Brass and plastic Faucet Cartridge for $19.98. And you'll also need Delta Foundations Chrome Centerset 2-handle WaterSense Mid-arc Residential Handle Bathroom Sink Faucet with Drain for $39.
Total: $68.96
Winner: Home Depot
3. Replacing Light Fixtures
Keeping the lights on can be hard, just when it comes to paying your utility bills; however, what happens if the electricity is on but the overhead light isn’t? Whether you need a new one for functionality or to upgrade your aesthetic, switching out the light fixtures can require more than a few tools.
Home Depot
To replace light fixtures, buy the Ashburrow Light Brushed Nickel LED Ceiling Flush Mount Fixture for $69.97, along with the Klein Tools Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper and Cutter for $22.96. And don't forget the EcoSmart Universal Select A19 Dimmable LED Light Bulb (3-pack) for $15.98.
Total: $108.91
Lowe’s
At Lowe's, start with the Project Source Nickel Indoor Light LED Flush Mount Light for $49.98, and add on the Klein Tools Wire Stripper and Cutter, Self-Adjusting for $22.98. Lastly, you'll need the GE Relax EQ A19 Soft white Medium screw base Dimmable LED General purpose Light Bulb (4-Pack) for $13.98.
Total: $86.94
Winner: Lowe’s
4. Replacing a Toilet
If your toilet is acting up, it’s not worth the risk of waiting until the situation becomes really, well, sitchy. You can head to your local hardware store, or for bigger projects like replacing a toilet, you may need all-in-one suppliers like Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Home Depot
Here's a look at what to buy and how much it'll cost:
Kohler Highline Arc Single Flush Elongated Chair Toilet in White, 2-piece: $199
Total: $214.98
Lowe’s
At Lowe's, these are the prices you'll pay:
Kohler Elliston White Elongated Chair WaterSense Soft Close 2-piece Toilet: $199
Total: $213.98
Winner: Tie
5. Landscaping and Garden Upgrades
Oh, it’s that time of year all right. Getting dirty in the garden is a time-honored tradition when the weather gets warmer. If your outdoor landscape needs more than just a rake, you’re probably going to need some supplies.
Home Depot
Start your garden work with Earthgro Black Wood Shredded Bagged Mulch (1.5 cubic feet) for $3.97. Also buy some Miracle-Gro Garden Soil All Purpose for In-Ground Use (0.75 cubic feet) for $4.57, and add on Anvil 3-Piece Wood Handle Garden Tool Set (Trowel, Transplanter, Cultivator) for $12.98 ($4.38 per tool).
Total: $21.52
Lowe’s
At Lowe's, you'll want to buy Sta-Green Premium Black Mulch (2 cubic feet) for $3.98, and add on Miracle-Gro In-Ground Use 0.75 All-purpose Garden Soil (0.75 cubic feet) for $2.50. And the last item you'll need is the 4-Piece Project Source Garden Hand Tool Kit (Trowel, Transplanter, Cultivator, Hand Weeder) for$14.98 ($3.75 per tool).
Total: $21.46
Winner: Tie
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Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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