Veteran-built.
Which store for which job
We buy materials for our own jobs around San Diego County. Here's where we go for what, and why. Prices change daily, so we don't list them. Check the store's page for your zip code.
| You need | Go to | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lumber, concrete, rebar, drywall | Home Depot, Lowe's, Dixieline Lumber | Stock and delivery; Dixieline for contractor-grade lumber and accounts |
| Paint and caulk | Home Depot, Lowe's | Color matching and contractor paint lines |
| Appliances and appliance parts | Lowe's, Sears Parts Direct | Delivery and haul-away; parts by model number |
| Pro power tools | Acme Tools, Home Depot | Kits, bundles and free-tool promos |
| Budget tools, tarps, ladders | Harbor Freight | Fine for one-off or occasional use |
| Cleaning, storage, moving supplies | Walmart, Amazon | Price and delivery |
| Generators, coolers, emergency gear | Cabela's, Home Depot | Outdoor and backup power |
| Roof inspection drone | DJI | Lets you check a roof without a ladder |
| Tool rentals (compactors, augers, floor sanders) | Home Depot rental | Rent before you buy for one-time jobs |
Menards appears on our list for readers outside California; it has no California stores.
How to shop a project list
- Start with the calculator. Each project page has a materials calculator. Use it before you shop so you buy the right amount.
- Add 10% to cut materials. Lumber, tile, drywall and flooring get cut and wasted. Concrete and mulch have their own overage notes on each project.
- Check stock online, then pick up. Most big-box stores show in-store stock by location. Buy online for pickup to skip the hunt.
- Buy the consumables in bulk. Caulk, screws, filters and gloves are cheaper by the box and you'll use them on the 52-week schedule.
- Keep receipts with photos. Snap the receipt and the product label. It helps with returns, warranties and tax records for rentals.
Rent or buy?
If you'll use a tool once, renting usually makes sense: plate compactors, power augers, floor sanders, tile saws. If you'll use it every season (pressure washer, ladder, leaf blower), buying usually wins. Our tools page lists the ten we think every homeowner should own.
Returns and pro accounts
- Return windows differ by store and by product type. Appliances, special orders and cut materials often have shorter or no returns. Check the receipt.
- Pro desks at the big-box stores help with bulk quotes and delivery even on mid-size homeowner projects.
- Contractor accounts at a lumberyard like Dixieline are worth it if you do steady work.
Emergency gear before the rains and fire season
Have these ready before you need them: sandbags and plastic sheeting (rain prep), a fire extinguisher and kit (fire extinguisher and emergency kit), flashlights and spare batteries, and a way to shut off water (shutoff valves). Stores sell out of sandbags and tarps right before storms.
Safety notes
- Never run a generator indoors, in a garage or near a window. Carbon monoxide kills.
- Use a ladder rated for your weight plus what you carry, and set it at the right angle.
- Read the label on sealers, strippers and pool chemicals; ventilate and don't mix products.
Affiliate note
Amazon links on this site are affiliate links, so we may earn a commission. Store slots: Check price on Amazon: home maintenance kit. See our affiliate disclosure.
FAQ
Which store is cheapest?
It depends on the item and the week. Compare online before you go, and check pro or bulk pricing on large orders.
Can I get lumber delivered in San Diego?
Yes. The big-box stores and lumberyards like Dixieline deliver; fees depend on distance and load size.
Should I buy a generator for power outages?
If you have medical equipment or a fridge full of medicine, consider it. Size it to what you'll actually run and follow the safety notes above.
Do you get paid for these store recommendations?
Only Amazon links are affiliate links right now, as noted on this page. We'd send you to the same stores either way.
Sources
- Dixieline Lumber: https://www.dixieline.com/
- Sears Parts Direct: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, portable generator safety: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Portable-Generators (blocks automated link checks)