How to Maximize Your Shopping at Big Box Home Improvement Stores

Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to these home improvement behemoths.

This will help make your next visit go much faster.

Typically, youll find lumber on one side of the store and home and garden on the opposite side.

Look for the folks wearing the dirty shirts with the name of a contracting company on it.

Dont badger them for how-to advice, but theyll often be willing to answer a question or two.

The tough part can be finding this person.

Check out the scraps pile for discounted wood items, too.

you’re free to often find smoking deals for irregular sized lumber.

Home Depot and Lowes can also cut pipe, rods, chains, and make keys.

Some stores also offer paint color matching capabilities (call ahead to confirm).

Just bring in a piece of carpet or fabric and they will match it to a paint color.

Lastly, you might usuallyrent tools and trucksat most big box home centers.

No need to invest in a tool youll only need once.

These classes are free and a great way to learn some new skills and get hands-on experience.

That goes for kids, too.

These classes are also free to attend.

Track Your Purchases

Like most other kinds of stores, loyalty programs can be handy.

Home Depot as aPro Xtraloyalty program that offers similar benefits but is only available to building pros.

Remember, there are always deals to be had if you ask.

Expect to get 10-15% off.

Bundle big ticket items and ask for a deal.

Find an item at a competitor store for a lower price and get that price or 10% less.

Ask for the Veterans discount for active duty or retired Veterans and receive 10% off.