Do it Yourself Home Improvement

“Do-it yourself” home improvement has become a huge trend in the past 15 years. Stores that cater to those who choose to complete their own home repairs instead of hiring a contractor are in almost every town. Do it Yourself Home Improvement

“Do-it yourself” home improvement has become a huge trend in the past 15 years. Stores that cater to those who choose to complete their own home repairs instead of hiring a contractor are in almost every town. The small hardware shops that were once plentiful in small town America are almost non existent now, unable to compete with the large stores that buy in bulk.

The good news for consumers wanting to save money is that prices at these stores are very low. Also, many online companies and auctions feature products that are great bargains for the consumers.

In most areas, the “big three” home improvements chains are Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware. All three of these chain stores have websites (www.homedepot.com, www.lowes.com, and www.acehardware.com). This allows consumers to shop online or preview special in-store deals. These home improvement retailers stock everything from light bulbs, to toilets to plywood. Often, the retailers will agree to meet the competitor’s price to get your business. See a store manager to see if your chose retailer offers price matching.

If you have a specific project in mind, many of these retailers offer special classes. Check with the retailer to see if they are offering a class at your store. Most of the classes and seminars and located on a board near the front of the store.

A new home improvement, retailer, Direct Buy, is based on the warehouse concept that has made Sam’s so successful. Customers purchases memberships to shop in the company’s stores, which are located nationwide (you can find a location near you at www.directbuy.com). The retailer has furniture, fixtures and other a wide list of home improvement items including hardwood and tiles. However, this is not the kind of retailer you can shop for simple items such as light bulbs, nails and tools.

If you are looking for tips on how to save on home improvement projects, you can subscribe to The Family Handyman (www.familyhandyman.com.) This magazine has some tips located on the website, but you will need to subscribe to get full access to the entire magazine. If you are planning an ambitious project, this is a good place to get to get tips.

You can find other magazines that will each you how to save money while remodeling at you local bookstore or home improvement retailer. There are too many magazines to list, but you can get one that focuses specifically on the type of project you are doing, whether it is installing tile in your bathroom or adding a deck to your home.