.Com TLD build.com

build.com

December 4, 2025

What is Build.com

Build.com began in 2000 as an online-only retailer focused on home improvement products — think plumbing, lighting, hardware, HVAC gear, fixtures and related items. (Tracxn)

Over time it grew to become one of the largest home-improvement retailers that never operated physical stores. Instead, it built a network of niche websites focused on different product categories (plumbing, lighting, door hardware, etc.) to serve a mix of DIY homeowners and professional contractors. (rithum.com)

What Build.com Offered — Product Range & Services

Because of all that, Build.com was positioned as a go-to online destination for both hobbyist DIYers and professionals tackling renovation or construction projects. (CB Insights)

Company History & Evolution

  • Founded in 2000 by Christian Friedland (and co-founders), with headquarters in Chico, California. (Tracxn)

  • Over time, it gained scale: thousands of products across home-improvement categories, no brick-and-mortar stores, but a network of specialized online storefronts. (rithum.com)

  • The business model emphasized digital retail with robust backend tech to manage product feeds, fulfillment, multi-marketplace listings, etc. (rithum.com)

  • In 2025, Build.com underwent a major structural change: it merged with Ferguson Home (formerly showroom-based Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery) to combine online and physical showroom experience under a unified brand. (PR Newswire)

  • As part of that rebrand, Build.com’s e-commerce platform is now part of Ferguson Home’s offering, combining the extensive online catalog with 250+ showrooms and over 1,200 product-experts across the US. (PR Newswire)

Strengths & What Made It Stand Out

  • Wide product selection: tens or hundreds of thousands of SKUs across many home-improvement categories — more than a typical big-box store might carry. (rithum.com)

  • Flexibility for different customer types: both individual home-owners doing small renovations and contractors doing larger commercial/residential jobs. (CB Insights)

  • Digital-first convenience: easy online ordering, home delivery, and access to guides and information for DIY or pro work. (ConsumerAffairs)

  • Experienced parent company backing: after the 2025 rebrand, the combined company draws on the physical-store footprint, logistics, and showroom-based support of a large distributor, through Ferguson. (PR Newswire)

Challenges & Criticisms

  • As with many large online retailers, some customers report issues: damaged shipments, delayed orders, long waits for refunds or replacements. (ConsumerAffairs)

  • Because Build.com often sold large, heavy, or fragile items (doors, bulky fixtures, large appliances), logistics and delivery were more complex, which sometimes caused dissatisfaction among buyers. (ConsumerAffairs)

  • The transition/rebranding under Ferguson Home may cause temporary confusion among customers who were familiar with “Build.com” — even if operations remain largely the same. (Digital Commerce 360)

What the 2025 Merge Means — Build.com → Ferguson Home

  • As of February 25, 2025, Build.com and Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery officially merged under the name Ferguson Home. (PR Newswire)

  • The goal: unify online convenience with showroom experience. Customers can browse online (via what was Build.com), then visit a showroom to see products in real life, get expert advice, and finalize purchases. (PR Newswire)

  • From a business perspective, this positions Ferguson Home to offer an omnichannel experience — a distinct advantage for customers who want to mix online shopping with in-person consultation or viewing. (PR Newswire)

  • According to what’s publicly available, the product selection, shipping policies, and customer service structure will remain the same (at least initially) — just under a consolidated brand. (PR Newswire)

Key Takeaways

  • Build.com started in 2000 as a purely online home-improvement retailer, offering a vast range of products for both DIYers and contractors.

  • Over the years it built a large catalog, specialized storefronts for different product categories, and a reputation for convenience and variety.

  • In 2025 the company merged into Ferguson Home, combining Build.com’s e-commerce platform with physical showrooms and expert support — aiming to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience.

  • Strengths include large product selection, service flexibility, online convenience; weaknesses come in shipping/fulfillment for bulky items and occasional complaints.

  • For consumers and contractors, the merger may mean more options: browse online, view in person, get advice — potentially making renovation or building projects easier.

FAQ

Q: Is Build.com still operating under that name?
As of early 2025, Build.com has merged with Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery — the combined entity now goes by Ferguson Home. The old Build.com website remains active for a transitional period, but long-term it is folded into Ferguson Home. (PR Newswire)

Q: What kind of products could you buy on Build.com?
A wide variety: plumbing fixtures (faucets, shower heads, sinks), lighting fixtures, door and cabinet hardware, HVAC and ventilation equipment, appliances, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, outdoor hardware, and more. Suitable for small personal renovations or large-scale contractor jobs. (CB Insights)

Q: Who was Build.com for — DIY homeowners, renters, contractors?
All of the above. Their model catered to individual homeowners wanting to renovate, as well as trade professionals doing bigger jobs. They even offered bulk/contractor pricing. (ConsumerAffairs)

Q: Was Build.com a legitimate and safe retailer?
Yes — accredited, with decades in business, and a wide product catalog. But as with many large online retailers, some user reviews highlight shipping or damage issues, especially for bulky items. (BBB)

Q: What does the merge into Ferguson Home mean for customers?
In theory: more flexibility. Customers get the convenience of online browsing/order, plus the option to visit physical showrooms, see products in person, consult experts — combining best of e-commerce and traditional retail. (PR Newswire)