by Ed Maloney

Created on: November 16, 2008   Last Updated: September 05, 2010

In my 20 years as a contractor and home repair specialist I have ventured far and wide in a never ending quest for materials and supplies. I have had the pleasure of wearing my tool belt everywhere from the sweet wine country of California to the red white and blue row houses of DC, across the sprawl of Atlanta to the hills of Arizona and then some. I have had the pleasure of helping a wide demographic of people with just about every type of home repair and many kitchen bathroom and basement remodels.

Each project and customer was unique in challenge, tastes and wants vs needs. As a professional I would have to emphasize that the more you have to choose from the better. In fact, the first thing I do before starting a project is to map out the closest HD and Lowes. The type of work I need to do for my client would actually dictate my preference for one or the other of our big supply competitors. For example, there are some adhesives and building supplies that one store will have over the other, be it a particular brand or in some cases, a certain product which can only be exclusively obtained at one or the other. So have no fear this holiday season when you are doing your shopping and as you go between HD and Lowes you keep seeing the same dirty carpenter, He's not stalking you Promise! Just like you he's just getting what he needs to get the job done. So with the stage set and with our minds firmly prepped for a swift comparison of the two, let's begin!

First I would like to say in both cases that Lowes and Home Depot come in various sizes and in this case bigger is definitely better. The bigger the store the more inventory selection and choices. When it comes to an average home repair for either the home owner or contractor HD will do fine for material selection, however when you consider overall customer service, store cleanliness, layout and an easy transition from accusation to purchase I have to go with Lowes.

Customer Service, Customer Service, Customer Service! Most people that go into any hardware store need help. Whether they are looking for a light bulb or remodeling a kitchen they need advice. And if they don't need any assistance everyone appreciates a friendly smile and simple acknowledgement. Lowes by far has shown me over the years to have this on more occasions than HD. I have had some great experiences with HD and will always find them a good source of supplies but for Joe or Jane homeowner I would once again recommend Lowes. Outside more consistent and excellent customer service you will also find more home decor selections and a higher end selection of some on hand building materials such as tile and wood trim. HD provides much of the same high end materials but on an order only basis. With their wider selection of customer friendly products, attention to keeping their merchandise in order and more attention to the ever important customer service Lowes has the advantage in overall shopping experience and atmosphere. Both stores have their advantages but Lowes truly makes a better attempt to help the consumer in more ways than one. So if you got what it takes to build it, Lowes truly makes the effort to help!

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