Many of us covet Costco for its bulk grocery deals but neglect to explore the other half of the store. Over there, the aisles are packed with home improvement supplies, tools, and other items that make Costco ideal for do-it-yourselfers.
“There are few retailers that sell intelligently, allowing you to stock up and still save real money,” says roofer and renovator Aaron Jakel. “Costco is one of those stores.”
Given the retailer's generous returns policy and seasonal offers, “Costco offers solid value to both do-it-yourselfers who need items for occasional use and professionals who need to stock their garages,” adds real estate investor Zack Moorin.
But while the combination of groceries and home improvement supplies makes for an easy one-stop shop, there are also a few DIY items to avoid. We asked 10 home improvement experts to share their favorite Costco home improvement items and which ones to avoid. Here's what they said.
Tools and Hardware
Costco excels at tools like drills, screwdrivers, wrenches, and socket sets. Look for Costco, DeWalt and Craftsman brands, Jakel says. “They are made of durable steel, provide adequate torque, and are available in complete sets without an excessive price premium over the name brand.”
Home remodeler Danny Niemela also likes Costco's included tool kits. “It’s a no-brainer for a garage setup,” he says. “You get a lot of tools, all of sufficient quality. This is exactly what the average homeowner needs for weekend projects.”
Stick with tool brands you've heard of, says contractor Lewis Johnson, and keep the receipts in case you need a warranty. Also, look for deep discounts on regularly over-ordered items like shop vacuums and snow blowers, says home builder and renovator Tyson Parker.
Workshop basics
Our experts recommend Costco for tool boxes, rolling tool carts, workbenches, folding tables, heavy-duty shelving, storage cabinets, air compressors, shop vacuums and ladders. “Their LED shop lights are some of the best bang for your buck,” says Niemela. “For about $25 you can get a set of shop lights that will illuminate a two-car garage without a single flicker.”
Costco also excels at essential items like extension cords, tape measures, utility knives, spirit levels, and batteries. Cleaner Andriy Neborak chooses Costco for Shark and Dyson vacuums and Rubbermaid mopping and wringing systems, while landscaper Steve Corcoran appreciates the spades, rakes, pruners and lawn aerators.
DIY supplies in large quantities
Especially if you're undertaking a large project, Costco's home improvement offerings include disposable items like sanding wheels, shop towels, tape, caulk, sponges, adhesives, wood filler, fertilizer, grass seed, and WD-40. “We use up items like this quickly, so it’s ideal to buy reputable brands at a low cost per unit,” says contractor Lewis Johnson.
Jakel estimates that bulk purchasing reduces his costs by 25 to 30 percent. “Plus, it allows you to complete projects without being halfway done, which really saves money and time in the long run.”
Plumber and HVAC specialist Megan Doser also uses Costco for simple bulk items. “Even if they are not of perfect quality, it rarely becomes a real problem.” However, she recommends purchasing from specialty suppliers for complex, precise, and heavy items.
Niemela also warns against buying paint, patching compounds and fasteners at Costco. “Chances are you'll end up with compromised quality or non-conformity, costing you double the cost of rework,” he says.
Safety and maintenance items
Costco offers an excellent selection of safety gear, says Niemela. “When it comes to N95 masks, hearing protection, nitrile gloves and even disposable coveralls, they are absolutely amazing.”
Jakel agrees and adds fire extinguishers and first aid kits to the list. “Safety equipment only works if you have it on hand, so having spare parts makes a difference.”
Other Costco deals for home improvement include smoke and CO detectors, work gloves, and disinfectants and cleaning products like Simple Green and Clorox.
But “if you need boots or goggles, call it a hard pass,” Niemela says. “If comfort and OSHA-level reliability are important to you, purchase from a professional supplier.”
FAQ
Are Costco's tools the same quality as those sold at hardware stores?
Sometimes. Costco sells many reliable brands, including DeWalt, Craftsman, Bosch and Milwaukee. But just because they're the same brand doesn't always mean they're the same quality, says Niemela. “Costco often works with brands to develop an exclusive or private label that matches their price point,” he says. “You may not get as much steel in the case, fewer features, or a reduced warranty. But it's a good value for the average DIYer, just not the full-time professional.”
Are Costco prices on hardware and tools getting cheaper?
No. “Their prices are high, but not always cheaper than Lowe's or Home Depot. Plus, Costco rotates its inventory, so tools may not always be available year-round,” Tucker says. “Still, Costco is worth it just because of the return policy on the large items.”
Also remember that buying in bulk comes with dangers, says Niemela. “Sure you think you're saving a lot of money, but unless you're renovating five bathrooms or rewiring an entire basement, you don't need 200 feet of PEX tubing or six gallons of floor epoxy.”
About the experts
- Danny Niemela is a contractor, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Megan Doser is a plumbing and HVAC expert and owner and CEO of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric in Denver.
- Andriy Neborak is the founder and CEO of Luxury Cleaning NY, an elite cleaning service for Manhattan residents and businesses.
- Aaron Jakel is the owner of Bubblegum Roofing and Remodeling, which serves the greater Milwaukee area.
- Tyson Parker is the owner of Craft Homes, a custom home building and renovation company in Toronto, Ontario.
- Lewis Johnson is a director of Cheshire Home Improvements and a builder with over 20 years of practical experience.
- Zack Moorin is the founder of Zack Buys Houses, a real estate solutions company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Marion Tucker is a master plumber and owner of MET Plumbing in Katy, Texas. He has over 20 years of plumbing and home improvement experience.
- Steve Corcoran is CEO of Lawn Love, a company that connects commercial and residential customers with local lawn care experts.
Sources
- Amanda Groebner is co-owner of TimeWorn Wood, a Minnesota-based company specializing in reclaimed wood and historic building restoration.