How Many Trips to Home Store for Simple Project

[VaTom]

Consider myself a competent handyman but it never fails that I need multiple trips to hardware, Lowes, or Home Depot to complete many simple projects. Am I alone or do others have same issue?

Since the virus getting some deferred maintenance projects done. Needed to replace screen in the porch door so went to nearby Lowes and got the screening and spline. The spline was too small so took it back and got the only other size. It was too big. Finally drove to local Ace Hardware and they had the right size. Seems more and more Lowe's doesn't have what I need but to there because it is close. The local Ace seems to have all the small things needed for home repairs. Shop locally! 3 trips for what should have been a simple job.

 

[BearBio]

The best way to do plumbing is to install a section, then go to the store, install it, then back to the store, an so on!

 

[Patrick L]

Plan on two for me.

One to get everything I need. Then another to get what I forgot/screwed up.

I have learned that when I am getting small hardware, like a certain size set screw or something, get more than I need, as I will surely drop it at least once.

 

[SteveA]

I figure for plumbing its usually at least 2 trips. Electrical is one trip most of the time.

 

[NYlakesider]

Consider myself a competent handyman but it never fails that I need multiple trips to hardware, Lowes, or Home Depot to complete many simple projects. Am I alone or do others have same issue?

Since the virus getting some deferred maintenance projects done. Needed to replace screen in the porch door so went to nearby Lowes and got the screening and spline. The spline was too small so took it back and got the only other size. It was too big. Finally drove to local Ace Hardware and they had the right size. Seems more and more Lowe's doesn't have what I need but to there because it is close. The local Ace seems to have all the small things needed for home repairs. Shop locally! 3 trips for what should have been a simple job.

The people that own and for the most part the workers at the local hardware shop are normally miles ahead of what you find at the big boxes. They know their product well, where they are located in the store and for the most part have a good knowledge and can help you tremendously. Most any there could garner the title of Mr Fixit in many different categories.

As for me I hate to go to a big box store and ask a question about something and find I know more that the person that is "assisting" me. Very common thing is to get some "help" ask a question and have your helper grab a box and quote off the back or side of the carton.

Most times at the local store your help is much better!

 

[old bear]

How Many Trips to Home Store for Simple Project

If I am lucky its only two more than I planned on.

 

[Rule3]

Consider myself a competent handyman but it never fails that I need multiple trips to hardware, Lowes, or Home Depot to complete many simple projects. Am I alone or do others have same issue?

Since the virus getting some deferred maintenance projects done. Needed to replace screen in the porch door so went to nearby Lowes and got the screening and spline. The spline was too small so took it back and got the only other size. It was too big. Finally drove to local Ace Hardware and they had the right size. Seems more and more Lowe's doesn't have what I need but to there because it is close. The local Ace seems to have all the small things needed for home repairs. Shop locally! 3 trips for what should have been a simple job.

It has taken me many many years, to figure out, Just go to the good hardware store and bypass Homers or Lowes. Even if you pay a dollar more it is well worth it and less aggravation.

 

[dusty3030]

Sounds like you and I live in parallel universes.
I'll shop Lowes because of the veteran discount, but my go to is the local Ace which is much closer and easier to get the right thing for most projects. For lumber the local lumber yard (old school drive through) is the best bet.

 

[Jessie]

Simple projects are just a myth.
The only ones that end up being simple are those done by accident.

 

[Grayfox]

At least two trips, often three. I usually spend more time running back and forth to the store than I do on the actual project.

The Three Prime Corollaries of Murphy's Law:
1. Nothing is as easy as it looks.
2. Everything takes longer than you expect.
3. If anything can go wrong.........

 

[bigwheelzip]

We outdid ourselves with Home Depot visits in 2018, to spruce up mom's house for sale. I kept a spreadsheet of expenses and from 4/3 to 12/11 we made 41 trips to the Brooklyn NY Home Depot store and spent $7743.58. Some of those visits ran to two or three hours.
I am sooo glad that is over.

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[NYlakesider]

At least two trips, often three. I usually spend more time running back and forth to the store than I do on the actual project.

The Three Prime Corollaries of Murphy's Law:
1. Nothing is as easy as it looks.
2. Everything takes longer than you expect.
3. If anything can go wrong.........

I hear you, I have had days I thought old Murph was realy a closet optimist!

 

[6518John]

We outdid ourselves with Home Depot visits in 2018, to spruce up mom's house for sale. I kept a spreadsheet of expenses and from 4/3 to 12/11 we made 41 trips to the Brooklyn NY Home Depot store and spent $7743.58. Some of those visits ran to two or three hours.
I am sooo glad that is over.

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^^^Mary should be called the New York stimulus package!

Brooklyn did not need any government money after all of this.

Oh and I plan on at least 3 trips. It has taken me about 50 years of adult living to learn this—just call a plumber, electrician or carpenter. It helps them and your sanity in the long run.

 

[bigwheelzip]

^^^Mary should be called the New York stimulus package!



Brooklyn did not need any government money after all of this.....

Oh yeah, and that was just materials for the DIY projects. Spent multiples of that on plumbers, electricians, roofers, Terminex, and garbage carting.



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[tops]

A few months ago my great grandson was going to try roller skating and needed a skatemate to help keep him from falling. I thought I could make one one with PVC pipe. I thought about going and buying the material but then thought about having to make several trips so I took tools to the store. I bought material and got at the far edge of the parking lot and went to work. It took 2 more trips in the store before I got it built. Walking across the parking lot 2 times beat 2 rounds trips of 20 miles. Larry

 

[tops]

It helps the whole economy. If you do their job they are out of work, unemployed and the country goes into a recession. I decided if they don't do my job and put me out of work I won't do their job and everybody is employed, happy and business is booming. I only have a third grade education but it makes sense too me. Larry

 

[torizus]

Always remember rule #1,

Don't buy that tool until you have executed a thorough and complete search to locate one of the other two or three you bought already.

 

[Goldstar225]

Always at least two trips, sometimes (often) more.

There's a reason I call Home Depot my "home away from home"

 

[Bladeswitcher]

Three. It's a law.

 

[Peak53]

My recent kitchen faucet replacement was somewhat of a cluster. It only took three trips to get the correct fittings, not to mention breaking in to my neighbors garage (with permission, since I have a key - he is away) for PVC glue after I discovered mine was gummed up). The worst part is that it is 38 miles one way to town and I normally only go about every three weeks. So that was a two month project.