Home improvement projects can be as simple as painting a room or as involved as a major kitchen renovation. But no matter how big or small a project is, homeowners often need supplies and materials that can be bought at home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Both retailers serve as fierce competitors, but there are some differences that can affect a customer’s shopping experience.
A primary difference between the two is which brands each features in its store. While both Home Depot and Lowe’s carry a wide range of exclusive products, some may be more important to customers than others. For example, Home Depot sells Pella new construction windows, while Lowe’s carries Andersen windows. Home Depot also offers the Behr and Glidden paint brands, while Lowe’s carries Valspar and Sherwin-Williams paints.
In addition to a selection of exclusive brands, both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer an extensive assortment of tools for both home improvement and garden care. Some stores even have tool rental options, which allow customers to rent a power sander or auger for just a few days instead of purchasing them.
The City of Lowell’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program provides eligible homeowners with a deferred, zero interest loan to make essential repairs to their homes. The loans are capped at 100 percent of the assessed value of the property and are repaid upon sale, transfer or refinance of the property, or when the owner no longer lives in the house. Eligible applicants must own and live in the home to be rehabilitated, have available owner equity of at least 30 percent of the property’s appraised value, and meet other program requirements.