Save Your Money! Don't Shop at the Big Box Stores

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Join us for our next live show Tuesday April 4th at 5pm EST. Cheers!

[@michaeltudda8462]

Are there any updates on the church? Sorry if I may have missed something. You rock.

[@cpee656]

Every time you hear Jeff take a deep breath and sigh, you know you’re about to hear something crucial. Great video. Thank you!

[@wwsunmoon]

The good thing about homedepot is, You can buy almost everything on one trip and your can return everything you don't need/want.

[@nickr3441]

I agree. Home depot has an amazing return policy. Ive never had a issue

[@ronaldwoofer5024]

and they dont close at 5pm...

[@geraldaugustus739]

Fully missing the point. He's talking about homeowners taking on bigger home reno jobs. Not someone doing a handyman run, which, yeah, homedepot can be great for. When you're spending a few grand on hardwood flooring, you're going to want to follow this advise. If you need some washers and a shower head and a few 2x4s for a project, yeah, go to home depot.

[@wwsunmoon]

@ if you are regular home owner, you best bet will be homedepot, doesn't matter what size is The job, they have better customer support for newbie, they don't sell crab and they allow free return .

[@drewfliesbikes]

I unfortunately seem to never be able to buy what I need. no repairable anti-siphon silcocks, no low-temp solder. Never had the furnace parts I needed in stock. Insulation out of stock, no access doors, no halfway descent quality pruning shears or really any quality lawn care equipment, don't sell the chains to the chainsaws that they do sell, undersized bottle jacks, didn't have hose clamp pliers when I needed to repair my dishwasher. no thermal imaging cameras in stock... I can go on

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

What are you looking to buy? Help each other out in the comments and share where you find the best deals! Cheers

[@jmacindc]

I'm here appreciating that as soon as you said "you get what you pay for" KZbin played an ad. Nicely played, KZbin and/or Jeff. :D

[@papasmurf9146]

"You get what you pay for." Not really. I find "you pay for what you get." Subtle, but important difference.

[@charging7]

Ok, I'll bite, what's the subtle difference? Looks the same.

[@papasmurf9146]

@@charging7 You're more likely to be overcharged for something than to be undercharged.

[@charging7]

@papasmurf9146 oh, ok, yeah, makes sense! Thanks for the clarity!

[@HandlesAreForPussies]

Mic drop

[@dolfinwriter5389]

@@charging7 The cliche is only half right. Just because you PAID for QUALITY doesn't mean you're always going to GET quality. Anybody who's ever been cheated, screwed, hosed, shafted, conned or scammed did NOT get what they paid for.

[@EverCreateStudio]

I literally found flooring for 1/2 of what i paid for last year when I did the search he said to about half way through this video. I will finish my house with this thought process. Thank you Jeff.

[@johngatsby1473]

Where did you get your flooring?

[@AllenRob87]

Best example I have. Home Depot fence panels 3 years ago, $60 each. Load them yourself. Local lumber yard, $25 each. Free delivery right to my house. I never touched the fence panels until it was time to install. There was a few damaged panels, they brought me replacements. For free. And let me keep the damaged ones.

[@Kimberly-lp4nh]

Home Depot and Lowes will load for you if you ask.

[@JacobLongActingJourney]

@@Kimberly-lp4nh still have to go pick it up depending on location cause delivery may not be free.

[@Kimberly-lp4nh]

@@JacobLongActingJourney The point is, it was said in video you have to load it yourself. But the cost of delivery by a supplier is highly variable. Sometimes you pay a lot, sometimes they cut you a break as a regular customer, sometimes it's free.

[@marlonestrella5054]

​@JacobLongActingJourney they both have delivery fees. But lowes is o ly $20 if you have a lowes credit card.... saves time and damage ro your vehicle

[@mr702s]

Unfortunately, not all cities and municipals have a proper lumber yard.

[@evalangley3985]

If you think the Big Box stores are hiding the truth to their customers... then just imagine what your contractors don't tell you... Here in Ottawa, we are literally getting ROBBED...

[@alexandrepiche5609]

​@Adiagy 😮 that is just ridiculous

[@aargvark]

@Adiagy That's the "go away" price... That means they don't want to do the job, and if someone actually says "yes", it will then be worth the time.

[@swirledworld340]

​@Adiagy that's crazy cause in Cali he will pay his laborers $49 lunch and a sixer of modelo

[@swirledworld340]

@Adiagy musta been one helluva sammich 🤣.

[@GTObrad1]

Not robbery at all

[@davide9658]

Great advice Jeff. You're 100% correct. I've been doing it for years. In fact, so often that I came to see myself as a contractor and decided to become one after 35+ years in the IT business. Couldn't be happier. Places like you described are where you find some really knowledgeable, helpful and friendly people.

[@will_lowry]

Would you say your pay is better as a contractor after leaving your job in IT?

[@brettb614]

What? Unless you have an outside salesman you're not getting better service and you better know what you're doing before you walking that door

[@TracyLSingh-RN-JD]

Thanks, Jeff!!! LOVE this video!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you Tracy!

[@saintmichael1874]

Thanks!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@dougthorpe6505]

Semi true what you are saying - a few months ago I went to a plumbing supply store (which I did not have an account with) because they were the only place that had a specific fitting that i needed. They had the fitting at a decent price - I need some pvc pipe as well and they were almost double the box store price - I guess my point is buyer beware - shop around - and just don't assume because it is an unadvertised place you are going to get the best price on everything........

[@andrewtraudes2425]

This has been my experience more than not! They do tend to sell higher quality items (great) but the prices are many times what the big box stores want. Which one is the right choice really depends. It's a balance between knowing what quality and volume you need for a given project. I guess the bottom line is it really pays off to plan carefully and shop around.

[@2ndeagle7]

Gotta be careful with that generalization. Example: a brass nipple at a plumbing supply store cost a little more, but the materials are substantially better.

[@takismantas1159]

@@2ndeagle7 You are absolutely right.

[@PaulDo22]

This isn't close to what he was saying. He was talking about quality not price.

[@soundman1402]

In my area, electrical supplies cost considerably MORE at electrical supply shops than they do at Home Depot. Take 2.5" conduit for example. Home Depot, it's about $70/stick (10'). Electrical supply shops? $80-100. I need 8 sticks of this stuff. Gonna have to go with the box store on this one.

[@wighty]

I think the real answer is, do the comparison! I agree with you, my 4awg THHN wire for my EV installation last year was cheaper out of Lowes than it was from the local electrical supplier by about 25%.

[@themonkeydrunken]

Yeah, I'm seeing the same. Bigbox stores have the best prices on things they sell a lot of

[@LincolnLog]

Same when it can to 4" sdr 35. Was 20 bucks for a 10 foot length but at the 9lumbing supir was $35/stick. Absurd

[@lostevesy]

I would always check both as home depot has been cheaper on occasion ~

[@101realtor]

Did this because I was forced to for some fire proof siding. Really does feel awkward walking in to these places at first but my garage conversion is going to be 100% at these wholesale places next go around. Let’s see how much savings there are to be had!

[@ptd077s]

Thanks. I appreciate the straightforward advice. Laughed at, "you're clean. They know you're a homeowner. " haha so true.

[@quietwoodworking]

About five years ago, I went into a Dunn-Edwards Paints store and said I wanted to buy one of the airless paint sprayers that they had on sale. The sales guy said I had to have an account with them to buy the sprayer. I told him I was a handyman and wanted to open an account with them. The guy did everything he could to keep from laughing at me and said that I had to be a licensed contractor to open an account and buy the sprayer. I felt pretty small when I walked out of there, so I ended up buying the same brand of sprayer at the big box store. Are they still treating handymen like this at these paint stores?

[@miyak6971]

Not in my experience. Walk in, open an account, buy your stuff and walk out. Be sure you are educated enough to have an intelligent conversation while being humble enough to let them guide you and teach you.

[@swirledworld340]

Where you live you need a license to paint??

[@bongboyz6468]

Wow that's bullshit. You don't need to show them squat

[@JoshR512]

Weird, I went sherman Williams for my first paint job, 0 experience. I opened an account with no issues. Mostly doing carpentry. Good luck

[@JayneCobb88]

Most places you can fake the license to buy materials. Just sayin, people don’t cross reference databases to find you out. Just don’t fake credentials with customers.

[@jeremymattiazzo204]

Followed your instructions, opened up google and looked near Hamilton Ontario, and added the filter for open time... only big box stores. Same in Niagara, same up to Cambridge, all the way over to Brampton. I guess YMMV with this advice. I've checked out a number of tile stores that look the part as wholesale... prices are 5-10x higher than some big box. I'm not the only one who is seeing this either, and I'm sure what you are describing exists, but its not so easy to find.

[@benhaze1010]

You are right. I was expecting much more from this video. Nothing really useful here; good rant but not useful.

[@Frostbittenjam]

i'm also in hamilton - ended up going big box to buy lumber for my fence because it was cheaper than the two local lumber supply stores I checked

[@collef1136]

Maybe it’s more in the USA. I’m also in Hamilton area and did the same search.

[@GTObrad1]

Same. When he said "open google", my first thought was, sensored searches or whatever google uses to push whoever pays more for their pages to pop up first... ie big box stores

[@scromtinker7421]

From what I have experienced, you have to have to "own a business". They don't want anything to do with the average public.

[@gailremp8389]

No rant only up to 20 minutes. Love it.

[@davidboreham]

The description of entering the contractor wholesale supply place was golden. So accurate.

[@unclelarry623]

A few decades ago, being a younger naive DIY'R, and before Online Sales, I walked into a HVAC Wholesale Co. It was just how Jeff described the contractor wholesale supply. Only the counter looked like a Bar. Over a half dozen stools with a bunch of grumpy looking HVAC contractors siting at the Bar (I mean sales counter) drinking coffee and smoking. Every eye was on me as I walked in. They knew from instinct that I was a Unlicensed DIY'R! Well y'all probably know what most HVAC Professionals think of HVAC DIY'RS! I was able to purchase a Drier Filter and get out of there in one piece! LOL Just this week, I went to a local Roofing Supply to purchase 40 feet of hard to find Headwall / Apron Flashing for a 7/12 pitch Dormer for my 2 story house. Sign on the door stated "WHOLESALE ONLY" "We Only Sell To Licensed Professional Contractors" So not everyone is onboard with selling to DIY Homeowners.

[@Elsa9999.9]

MIND BLOWN! I never heard this before and never even thought of it 😮 thanks a million buddy

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Happy to help!

[@JACKxTHExRIPPER]

Shopping around for tile right now and a small local place I’d never really noticed before who had a nicer looking tile for $1 less per foot. And the owner even brought me around back and said if we see something there we like he’ll give it to us at cost because he wants to get rid of it.

[@bback4078]

That's amazing!!

[@Sondan1988]

Thank you for this one. I went to a big box store for some red cedar to build a raised bed. The cost for a simple rectangular 4x20 bed was about $600 for just the wood. NO WAY !

[@jasond2634]

That was a fantastic overview of wholesalers versus big box. I live in about a 200k population town and lucky to have a lot of small wholesalers for all sorts of products. I have used them in the past but not as much as I should, this video fired me up to go visit them again, thanks for this awesome insight!

[@GeneralNickles]

I have exactly one experience with going to wholesaler/manufacturer. About 7 years, I needed some fire bricks. I was fully prepared to go to home depot for them, but they were pretty pricey. I don't remember the amount, but I was just whining out loud about it in front of my dad. He says "don't buy them from home depot. The Lojack plant is right there in town. Go straight to the plant that makes them. You'll save a lot of money." So i did that. I walked in, and asked if they sell fire bricks, and do they sell to the public. The guy behind the counter looked at me like I was crazy, and started asking a bunch of questions about what I needed. None of which I had a definitive answer to. He starts getting kind of annoyed, and reaches under the counter and pulls out a brick and says "how's that?". I ask what temperature it's good for, and answers. I say "sounds good", and tell him I need 10 of them. He pulls out a receipt pad, and a card reader and rings it up. Still visibly annoyed and clearly a bit baffled by the whole situation. He gives me a receipt, and says to go to the yard next door and give this receipt to the guy on the forklift. All 10 bricks were barely more expensive than a single brick from Home Depot. The guy on the forklift was equally confused when i told him why I was there, but he brought me to the bricks I needed, loaded them up in my car, and I left. So i guess what confuses me about this whole thing is that if one of the largest masonry manufacturers in the country can easily sell 10 bricks to any random idiot that walks in with little to no hassle, then why were they so confused and annoyed by it? Was the dude just pissed that I didn't know exactly what I needed? Was asking me a few simple question and showing me a sample really that much of a hassle when I'm literally the only customer they're getting after 8am? But even more confusing than that is one has to wonder why ALL manufacturers don't do this? They could move so much more product by having a sales counter at the front of the factory where anyone can walk in and buy what they need. I can understand not wanting to incur the logistical cost of shipping a really low volume directly to the end user, but if the end user literally walks into the place where the product is made, then that logistical cost is non-existent. All it costs is the labor of loading it onto the customers truck. So why don't they do this?

[@drsnooz8112]

It's good advice, but comes with some caveats. The guys at the counter expect you to know what you're doing. There aren't going to be racks full of educational labels for you to look at. You can't browse around and figure out what you need. The goods are all in the back and you can't go there. All you get is a dirty counter and a rough looking dude who wasn't hired for his people skills. Most likely, there will also be a lot of contractor types around you who know what they need and know all the jargon. The contractors aren't going to ask for plywood. They're going to ask for 3/4 CDX or Sanded Birch or ABA. They'll be moving fast and won't need any help deciding. And they'll order big. If you roll into the middle of that needing a lot of hand-holding while you try to figure out what color grout you want for the 1 bag you plan to buy, don't expect it to go well. Surly Counter Guy will want to throw you in the dumpster out back so he can continue getting the big boys out to the job site. You should also expect these places to be a LOT more expensive generally. The quality is higher, but the price is far higher still. The cheap studs, for instance, are at Big Orange, these guys specialize in dead-straight LSL studs, which are quite a lot more. They might have some cheap studs laying around, but they aren't going to be any cheaper than Big Orange. So unless you really need dead-straight LSL studs for your project, just go to Big Orange. The higher pricing can really hit you hard too. Say that you explain how you need a certain amount of linoleum and enough glue to hold it down. You could get an ugly surprise when you get to the cash register and learn that the glue was just as expensive as the flooring. You thought your flooring project would $5/sq ft but it ended up being $10 and no one told you. Surly Counter Guy isn't there to help you stay on budget or to do a lot of explaining about pricing. So yes, the places that the contractors go are great, but don't expect it to be accessible if you're just an average Suburban Joe. Big Orange is very good at what it does and no local business can compete with them on their turf. The local wholesalers do things very differently and learning how different they are can involve some hard lessons.

[@RenoPayto]

Right really not diy friendly my best suggestion is just have a list of what your doing and a bottle of anxiety medication

[@alexlindekugel8727]

@@RenoPayto funny. my insulation whole saler i had to educate the counter guy lol got an estament for foam sheets and hes like menards is cheaper well had already ran there numbers yes woulda tecknicaly been cheaper but a rebate that taks mounths to get and for in store only well i want my saving up frount! with that in hand they where 600 cheaper.. for the most part ll my wholesalers are very friendly. tho my local siding whole saler they where friendly but kinda short on patients. till started making larger orders droping a few grand at a shot they got really friendly then lol. but yes you have to have at least a really good idea of what you need before get in the door.

[@brettb614]

As a contractor for 30 years this is the top comment. This guy is spot on. Not sure where Jeff gets his information but it's definitely lacking in accuracy. As I stated in a previous comment, I price shop every job I do and the big box stores charge exactly the same thing the lumber yards do for a given product. I won't go into detail but the main reason contractors don't buy as much lumber from big box stores is we need items like LVLs and micro lambs to build buildings with and they take forever to get from the big box doors. I can usually get them in under a week and deliver to the job site and load properly.

[@PaulDo22]

This is incredible material and you are a real guy for thinking through all of this, not just the labor part but the business part as well. Thinking man.

[@aaronwhite1426]

Just a heads up about tip for finding a wholesaler because they open up at 6 vs big box stores. Lowes opens up at 6 and closes at 10.

[@LeeScherlpc]

Made the mistake of buying home depot paint recently. Perfectly demonstrated your point. It took four coats to actually get a full finish. Won't make that mistake again.

[@johnnymolina6344]

I love your videos man makes me want to redo my restrooms before I was really thinking about hiring somebody but with your videos it’s giving me courage to try and renovate

[@beverlyjjohnston6207]

Perfect timing Jeff! Convincing daughter to buy the 70's era condo rather than the Updated condo in the same building. Cross your fingers for me! Sending her this link now

[@johnthiel7422]

Knowledge is money in the bank. Excellent advice. Get to know your local lumber business, you're going to get better service and products.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Very true!

[@GeorgeJFW]

This videos was fantastic I stared dealing with an actual paint supplier on your advice. I will never go back someone with actual knowledge and massive savings on product. 🍺

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers

[@flyingswallow3586]

I live within fifteen minutes of 3 Lowes and 2 Home Depots. But the nearest lumber yard is in the next county over. Until these other places are more prevalent it’s just not practical to seek them out even if I have to pay more.

[@jenniferrooks678]

This. In reverse. We are renovating a house in a rural area, and even BB Stores are 45-60 min away. So this wholesaler route only really works if you actually live in a more suburban/urban area that has wholesalers/more options. I get being thrifty, and I've found some other resources for deals as I can, but sometimes the logistics just aren't there.

[@patty109109]

I’m five min from Home Depot. Lumber yard is 15+ min away and their website doesn’t even list what they sell. Literally never stepped foot in there.

[@StallionFernando]

That's where you have to calculate, what's the price difference? And how far is the next county? It might not be worth it or it might save you a couple hundred bucks or a couple grand. Logistics matter.

[@ricfair9919]

Yes you are so right! Home Depot interior door $260 Same door wholesale vender $80. Pre hung door $485! Wholesale $248 YES same quality!

[@Sarstan]

5:20 a clarification. Here in the US, if you live in your house for 2 years out of the last 5 years, you can sell the house without paying any federal income taxes on the profit.

[@StallionFernando]

Good to know, I wanna build my first house and then sell it at a profit and make a bigger house, can I sell even if the house loan isn't paid off?

[@Sarstan]

@@StallionFernando yes, but the loan must be paid off immediately as part of the sale. That is, supposing you make a profit, the loan immediately comes out of that sale income.

[@stevesmith5140]

Like everything else--it depends. Big box stores cater to homeowner and buy in bulk. They also sell DIY friendly material like peel and stick backsplash. Local suppliers may not. By all means check local suppliers but it is not a hard and fast rule. I see contractors in Lowe's all the time.

[@bobbray9666]

We built in 2021 and I was the general. I bought all plumbing fixtures on eBay as new but open boxes and paid 1/3 to 1/2 what I would have paid at Ferguson, HD, or Lowes. I bought many building materials at Menards and took advantage of their perpetual 11% rebate deal that year. I built all of our cabinets and millwork from rough lumber I bought at a few local sawmills. We saved a ton vs hiring it all out but at the same time paid much more for materials due to shortages at the end of the Covid lockdowns. All turned out well. We got more for our old home but paid more when we built. I guess it's all relative.

[@Wifidog381]

I'm buying a house and have been watching videos on youtube, when I realize I've been watching yours back-to-back-to-back. Entertaining and informative. thanks!

[@Juiczey]

I shop between 4 locations. Lowes but only I the contractors sections. Bulk items for cheaper than smaller items. Home depot and Menards have bigger selections than Lowes. Then online through those 3 to find the best deals and best prices. Make my lists for each store and then go shopping for project needs.

[@horayforjoe]

Followed your Google tips and found a local plumbing wholesaler. Will be checking it out before I complete my Home Depot purchases. Thanks!

[@matthewgreen8276]

This is an absolutely solid video with really good advice.

[@williambray6]

I have been renovating my rental properties and run into this problem all the time. Home Depot and Lowes are not your friends. However, they are convenient when I need to pick something up quickly and I know exactly what I need. Their return policy is excellent, however. More often now, I encounter customers who need to do a a repair or upgrade and have no idea about the right tools and products they need to successfully complete the repair. The aprons are no help. The old guys who know what they are doing try to help, but are frustrated to the point where they highly recommend the homeowner contract the work out. I have even recommended this to a customers to have something professionally installed or repaired by a qualified contractor. Now my other beef, Home Depot recently bought out my plumbing and electrical wholesaler raising the prices 100%. So now I'm on the hunt for new suppliers. And this is the second beef I have. I got word from an apron that a new tactic is for Home Depot to buy the manufacturers of the products they market in their stores so now they control the supply and pricing. I cannot validate this, but it seems logical.

[@tayzonday]

I always laugh that if buildings had to pay what Lowe’s and Home Depot charge consumers for concrete, a McDonalds would cost a billion dollars to build.

[@thedude20125]

This comment is perhaps the most amazing KZbin crossover I've ever seen. Big fan of both of you 😀

[@alexandrepiche5609]

​@@thedude20125 My man Tay is a fan of my man Jeff! That's amazing 🤩 and yes when you think about out it this way just imagine the prices on their menu lol

[@ShikokuFoodForest]

Thank you so much for providing this info! I’m a DIY’er and am considering starting my own handyman/carpentry business. Thanks to you, I’ll never go to the big box stores again.

[@frankmollegaard1989]

If I only need small amount of concrete for 3 deck posts it's gonna cost me an arm and a leg to have them deliver it (and they won't deliver that much) where as I can go to HD and pick up 5 bags for 50 bucks taxes in. So it's not all that bad when you think in those terms.

[@s3KsH1aS1aN]

To see you on both destiny and homereno is just 🤯

[@AnAmericanGirl]

What are some wholesale painting supply stores around Indianapolis, Indiana?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

try sherwin williams. ask for a contractor cash account.

[@brianlundeen8448]

I wouldn’t say big box stores are always a rip off. Many times dimensional lumber is actually cheaper at big box stores than it is at lumber yards. Not as good of quality, but cheaper sometimes. Trim work is almost always cheaper at lumber yards. I also haven’t really found that plumbing supply houses are any cheaper, they just have a larger selection

[@alexandrepiche5609]

I guess it depends on what you are buying. Small items like cartridges are an absolute steal at the box stores. The ones I needed were $25 each. Managed to have a pack for $5. That's a $45 saving. I was looking for a modern mat black kitchen faucet. $160 instead of $280. That said I found cheaper stuff at the box store as well but we're talking cents or a couple of bucks. Maybe the wholesaler you were shopping at is not a good one I don't know.

[@heatherb9853]

How about water softeners (salt pellet type) at plumbing stores vs Home Depot/lowes/Amazon?

[@HKashaf]

Does anyone know what series or playlist is this video a part of?

[@Michael-cb3dz]

Hello there im so happy I found your channel .im fixing to building the same shed you did the 10x16 .I have a ? Is it cheaper to buy my lumber from wholesale lumber yard are places like big box stores

[@wearytraveler3524]

Well that was an eye opener! Thanks Jeff!

[@medina6780]

Sweet! I'm super lucky. My home Depot is wholesale. I just checked they open at 6am 😊

[@Claudio.forte.t]

Thank you Jeff. This is gold.

[@ladyshiva69]

amazed from the info from this guys videos

[@DammmitDiane]

I really appreciate your insights and wisdom, thank you for taking the time to teach us

[@chuckfinley5206]

Something similar... I went to a Subaru dealer parts Dept. Don't ask how much, ask what's my cost. A bumper cover went from around 240 to just under 100. Then they started asking for a business card.

[@ckm-mkc]

Business cards are cheap and easy to get made - try Moo

[@chuckfinley5206]

@@ckm-mkc I make my own. Laminated and a magnet on the back. Seen them stay on people's fridge for as long as 15 years.

[@wescat2]

Our local home center is exactly like this. Right across the street from Lowes. Stays more busy during the week. Better quality lumber. Got my flooring there. Same price and much better quality.

[@paramount4188]

Thank you so much for this. Building a cottage ATM and this will save me thousands !

[@EastLAjr]

I strongly agree with this video. Do you think this also applies towards the tools they sell?

[@joem.7621]

Prices have skyrocketed in HD. Crazy 50-100% increase over 2 years.

[@brettb614]

It's not just home Depot. Try calling around, it's everyone

[@dandrendall9123]

I just tried walking into a local tile supplier and asking to open an account, and they looked me and said they don't sell to individuals...only contractors. I pushed back a little, and said not even to a DIYer? They persisted. Trying to put up a backsplash, here...I've done it one time before, and it came out really nice, but really costly...in terms of time and Capital. Don't mind the time if I can get the better material for cheaper.

[@naubaucat]

for wood in the states I go right to the lumber yard, and for plumbing I go to plumbing supply. Go to the big box stores they always give you the wrong info, and it cost you more. Great advice you have there, and thanks.

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

That’s exactly how I feel and what I do and I’m. Gutting and rehabbing my own home.

[@Drew_Peacock]

The plumbing supply stores around here charge way more for supplies.

[@AaronWJ]

What are some good lumber yards that you go to?

[@naubaucat]

@@AaronWJ I live in Michigan, and my go to places are John's lumber which is independent, Brook's lumber.

[@naubaucat]

@@Drew_Peacock I live in Michigan, and Warren Pipe supply actually has plumbers working the counter to help you. I live in an 100 year old house, and some of the parts for plumbing supplies can't be found in big box stores. I would pay a little more for a plumber to find the right parts, than someone just trying to sell me something they don't know about.

[@shaniaa9287]

I needed to change out my waterheater myself and was afraid of soldering so i used sharkbites. Im on year 5 with them. Most are in the wall but ive left that open and framed the pipe and fittings like piece of art 😄...so far so good 👍 thanks for your videos ❤

[@kpsingh3405]

Thanks! For your honesty, leaned a lot from you.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

Menards here in town opens at 6-7 and are open til 9 during the prime times of year. The will also help load your vehicles. That being said they are still a small big box store.

[@zoner__]

Menards beats the other big boxes

[@gablacasseb]

Do you know if in Quebec we can order from Wolseley without a RBQ licence ? I worked with wolseley for my HVAC carrer but never for me personnaly

[@doubledragon9530]

I live in WA state. I took your advise. I'm looking at vacuuming out 1200 sq ft of blown in attic insulation and laying down bats. Home Depot this much insulation would cost abou 9k. So I contacted a local wholesaler, who agreed to let me open a cash account so they could order directly for me. I don't know what the total will be for r-38 insulation to cover 1200 sq feet will be, but I know it will be a whole lot less than the crap at Home Desperate.

[@craigburghardt8604]

Have you moved to Florida? Coming back to Ottawa?

[@robjay2885]

Your insight and knowledge is invaluable!! Thank you

[@JL-fly7]

It’s not always be true you will get a huge discount in your local store than HD or Lowe’s. It’s really case by case. As a homeowner, I am assuming you are not always going to buy bulk of materials for whatever project you are working on. So you might end up getting a relative close price on both sides. Or what if the local store is 20 or even more far away from your home, are you going to count for transportation as well? For big stores, you are not only buy products, but you also buy convenience and customer service. Overall, keep in mind, whatever you go or whatever you buy, you are not smarter than then people who sell you the item.

[@JustinTBowen]

Awesome video - thanks for the excellent information.

[@raymondjurado9203]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@whaler3232]

Jeff mentioned that there's not enough installers to install the flooring (the example he gave) this year so they are selling directly to the home-owner. But if there was enough installers during COVID, then why is there not enough installers now?

[@DR-um2bv]

Exactly, I been finding this out over the last year. Never heard of riobel until your videos. Just delta , moen , Pfister . Smaller selections on tile and flooring. No big square tiles. $1.80 on stud protector plates, then seen some on another aisle for $.080. Found same thing in plumbing supply store for $0.30. No foam backer boards, just hardie and red guard

[@jimpie231]

Ok, but, you started with paint, but where do I go for paint? I have found these guys before and it’s usually when I need something specific, but no ordinary things. I have a big box store that is cheaper than HD or Lowe’s, it name is menatds, I’m in the Midwest.

[@AnAmericanGirl]

I’m in Indiana and have the same questions.

[@jimpie231]

@@AnAmericanGirl if you’re painting a lot, try 5/gallon pails, they’re cheaper than buying by the gallon. I have bought some decent paint in 5 gallons at Walmart, sometimes at a close out price….

[@Scubamike4499]

I live in Indiana too Menards is the greatest. Not only do they have a great selection, but they often have an 11% rebate, and you can pick up deodorant and tortilla chips while you're there

[@GordonThompson-de1qo]

Hello was wondering if you could help me. I'm looking for a computer program to design a cottage. I would like to be able to design with the ability to change location and size of window and door, etc. A program that is affordable, or could you tell where to look. Thanks

[@shakebackllc9905]

I need to know where to go get stain and seal if anyone can help? Thanks

[@brentbjerke1619]

Wish I’d have found this site years ago. Thanks Jeff.

[@jakegingrich7214]

How do I know what products I want?your saying training on KZbin will let me know the brand of and quality of flooring I need?

[@Bobobobob69]

This dude is trying to sell you shit lol wtf is he on about?

[@gergemall]

Hi Jeff. Thank you I’m making progress on my renovation.

[@sydstudios1117]

I got refused my my Qc inc at Prosol, they said they only sell to qualify contractors. Not just any business.

[@TombstoneTube]

Anyone has a recommendation for flooring wholesale in the GTA / Hamilton? Thanks

[@cathyb3790]

I bought some vinyl plank flooring at Home Hardware ,,,garbage ,,,I returned it and bought it at the small flooring store my installer recommended,,very happy with it and paid less in the end ,,😊

[@travisplugoway]

I always wondered how to tell the difference between a real wholesaler and those that fleece you. I only know of a flooring accessories store that opens at 7:30 am because i used to install tile. They're my first choice for flooring accessories and I still have a cash account with them. Beyond that, I dont know where to get tile, paint, wood at wholsale prices. My realtor says hes going to let me use his contact and tells me that what im looking at(vinyl plank) on sale at home depot is too expensive. His wholesale contact can get it for 30% cheaper. I prefer to look for myself so i appreciate these tips astronomically!!!

[@wildweav]

There is a plumbing wholesale store just past the local Lowe’s and the price is around 1/3 that of Lowe’s.

[@AaronWJ]

Jeff, what is a great place to buy wholesale vinyl siding?

[@sivasamy-dw5dp]

Can you recommend " some Wholesale Flooring " shops in Tampa area

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

sorry not familiar. but looking into doing a drop for our members soon. Cheers!

[@schmidtlach]

Beautiful advice ❤

[@samoday2992]

Where are these wholesalers in the lower mainland bc ? Super expensive for junk here

[@Aepek]

Roger is a great funny guy, and compared to me I’m a toothpick, which funny, but he’s a big teddy bear inside. Very knowledgeable, fun to talk to, and he gets so excited about plumbing and word……which is AWESOME!

[@markheil6374]

So funny, a Home depot commercial came up after watching your awesome video.

[@jonlast88]

So, I took your advice from a previous video about going to Prosol to get cheaper self leveller and they won’t sell to home owners. I’m in Dartmouth NS. Do you know any other wholesalers to contact who might?

[@denaross]

I wonder if that’s a regional thing? We use our Prosol regularly….just redid our main bath with curbless shower using Schluter system all purchased from them.

[@alexandrepiche5609]

That's the thing. You shouldn't not mention you're a home owner. You're better off using a little lie saying you're flipping houses a few times a year. You don't need a business number. I know it doesn't feel right but you're still making them money and you're saving your own money.

[@jonlast88]

@@alexandrepiche5609 yeah, I actually just asked to open a cash account and they said they weren’t taken on any accounts. I’ll take the advice though and try a fib next time.

[@GamerFollower]

Does this apply to countertops or are you kinda just at the mercy for them?

[@heatherb9853]

Are water softeners (salt pellet ones) fairly equivalent at plumbing supply vs big box? What about bathtubs as well?

[@carguy1312]

Can someone explain the “no tax on the profits from home sale”? I sold a house and had to report it… in the states. Is it different in Canada?

[@evap9409]

In Canada, profits on your personal residence is tax free

[@Mortey]

Anyone know about Opus engineered wood flooring?

[@NJMcBride]

Wow, you are great. You had me laughing because of your honesty and humor. Enough of the bullshit! I appreciated your candor when it comes to wholesaling. My wife and I just purchased our first home and moved to Florida coming from Cali. I don't have to tell you how many crooks and thieves are in California so you are appreciated very much. I wish you and your family the very best and much more success! PS: I love the video with your boy on the rising foam. I just purchased some quickcrete, Im retruning it to try this foam. Cheers buddy and thanks again. James PS: Keep posting your vids, everybody needs you....especially in todays envioroment. Cheers.

[@WorkMachine-u9t]

The housing price comparison is hilarious to us bay area folks. You won't find a single family home or even town home for under 1 million unless it's literally in shambles. We purchased a 1.125 million dollar home and did so much work, DIY and professional. Many of the folks here with 1-2 million dollar homes will indeed shop at the home depot. These houses are typically 2-5 bedroom 1200sqft and up.

[@georgejetson4378]

Amazing magic act Jeff! You made your glasses disappear instantly.

[@NRBrown-nc2rz]

I don't know if this would be counterproductive for your channel, but I'll still ask: Would you consider making a video sharing your trusted KZbin sources? I'm not ready to start any projects yet, but when I do, you are who I trust. You mentioned Roger Wakefield, who I never heard of, and it made me wonder who else YOU trust. Just a humble suggestion.

[@kriskris8737]

Great channel ! very informative and helped us a lot when we purchased home . I like your way of doing those videos ... keep on !!