build.com
What Build.com Is Today
Build.com is an online retailer focused on home improvement products, tools, and materials — everything from plumbing fixtures and lighting to door hardware and appliances. It started as a digital-first home improvement store and grew into one of the major e-commerce destinations in that space.
The company doesn’t operate physical showrooms of its own. Instead, it built a business model that revolves around offering a wide selection of products online, letting customers search, compare, and buy what they need for renovation or construction projects from wherever they are.
In 2025, Build.com was integrated into a larger rebranding effort by its parent company — Ferguson Enterprises. As part of that transition, Build.com and Ferguson’s showroom business lines are now collectively known under the name Ferguson Home. This shift is designed to combine the online convenience of Build.com with the physical, showroom experience Ferguson’s network provides.
Origins and Business Model
Build.com was founded in the year 2000, with its headquarters in Chico, California. Over roughly two decades, it positioned itself as a top online home improvement retailer in the United States. It became known for offering a broad catalog of products online, often with shipping options and dedicated support for both homeowners and contractors.
Unlike big-box chains that operate physical stores (like Lowe’s or Home Depot), Build.com’s emphasis was entirely digital — with a website that let users find everything from faucets and sinks to lighting, hardware, and HVAC components in one place. It has also developed tools and sections to help shoppers with project planning, design inspiration, and product comparisons.
What Build.com Sells
Build.com’s product offering spans a wide array of categories relevant to home renovation and construction:
- Bathroom and kitchen fixtures: faucets, sinks, toilets, tubs, shower components
- Lighting: indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, ceiling fans
- Hardware: door knobs, locks, cabinet pulls, deadbolts
- Appliances: selections of major brands including refrigerators, ranges, and more
- HVAC & ventilation: heating, ventilation, and air handling parts
- Decor and accessories: finishing touches like mirrors and shelving
- Professional supplies: specialized tools and parts for contractors
This extensive catalog positions Build.com as a one-stop shop for both DIY enthusiasts and trade professionals.
How It Works for Customers
Shopping on Build.com has been straightforward: users visit the site, browse by category or brand, add items to a cart, and complete purchases online. There are usually shipping options, with free ground shipping offered on qualifying orders over a specific dollar amount. Returns are accepted under certain conditions, depending on product type.
There’s also a learning component. The site has offered guides and articles that help customers with project ideas and step-by-step instructions, which can be especially useful for complex renovations or unfamiliar tasks.
Relationship With Ferguson
Build.com isn’t an independent standalone retailer any more. It was acquired by Ferguson Enterprises, a large U.S. distributor of plumbing, heating, and HVAC products, among others. Ferguson is a major player in the industry with thousands of employees and a broad distribution network.
As part of Ferguson’s strategy, Build.com’s e-commerce platform has been merged with Ferguson’s showroom and retail services under the Ferguson Home name. This aims to give customers both the convenience of online shopping and access to physical showrooms with expert guidance.
The integration process began in early 2025, with both websites and brands gradually transitioning to the new unified identity while keeping operations running.
Pros and Cons Reported by Customers
Like many large online retailers, Build.com’s strengths and weaknesses show up in customer reviews:
Strengths
- Large and varied selection of products across many home improvement categories.
- Useful online tools for project planning and product inspiration.
- Free or flexible shipping options on qualifying orders.
Challenges
- Mixed reviews on customer service responsiveness and problem resolution. Some buyers report delays or frustrations dealing with returns or support.
- A number of negative reviews citing issues with product quality or delivery damage exist, though these vary widely.
Overall, many customers find the online experience valuable for planning and buying, even if service experiences differ from order to order.
Build.com’s Place in the Market
Before its integration into Ferguson Home, Build.com stood out as one of the largest online home improvement retailers that didn’t operate traditional brick-and-mortar stores. That digital focus allowed it to compete with both big-box retailers and specialty suppliers by offering broad selection and convenience in a centralized online platform.
Competition remains strong, with companies like Wayfair, Home Depot, and Lowe’s all vying for similar segments of the online and offline home improvement market. Each of these competitors has different strengths — from physical presence and in-store services to extensive product lines and brand recognition.
What’s Changing With Ferguson Home
The shift to Ferguson Home marks a strategic change. Instead of operating Build.com as a separate online entity, the business is now part of a unified brand that includes online and showroom components. The logic here is to make the customer experience more seamless: you can start your project research online and then move into a physical showroom to see products in person and work with experts before finalizing purchases.
This kind of omnichannel approach reflects broader trends in retail where digital and physical experiences are blending. For renovation and construction work — which often benefits from professional insight — having both online research and in-person consultation available under one banner could provide added convenience and confidence for buyers.
Key Takeaways
- Build.com is a major online home improvement retailer offering plumbing, lighting, hardware, and related products.
- Founded in 2000 and based in Chico, California, it grew by focusing on e-commerce rather than physical stores.
- The company was integrated into Ferguson Home as part of a rebranding and consolidation with Ferguson’s showroom business.
- Customers benefit from wide selection, online tools, and shipping options. Some report mixed experiences with customer service.
- The merger with Ferguson’s physical showrooms aims to create a blended online/offline experience for home improvement shoppers.
FAQ
Is Build.com still operating?
Yes, but the brand is transitioning into Ferguson Home, combining Build.com’s online platform with Ferguson’s showroom network.
Can I still buy products on Build.com?
During the transition period, Build.com remains active. Over time, products and services are being integrated into the Ferguson Home ecosystem.
What kinds of products were available?
A wide variety of home improvement goods, including fixtures for bathrooms and kitchens, lighting, hardware, appliances, and HVAC parts.
Is Build.com good for professional contractors?
Yes. The platform historically offered professional pricing and tools that many contractors found useful. The integrated Ferguson Home services aim to maintain those benefits.
How does Build.com differ from Home Depot or Lowe’s?
Build.com focused on online sales with a broad catalog, while Lowe’s and Home Depot operate thousands of physical stores. Build.com’s integration with Ferguson Home now blends online reach with physical showroom support.
Post a Comment