build.com

What Is Build.com (Now Ferguson Home)?

Build.com started as an online home improvement retailer in the United States. If you go to build.com today, you might see it tied closely with Ferguson Home — the brand name that’s being rolled out as part of a rebranding and integration effort between Build.com and Ferguson’s physical showrooms and services.

In practical terms, Build.com was a standalone e-commerce platform focused on selling products for construction, renovation, and home improvement. Over time it became part of Ferguson plc, a major distributor in plumbing, HVAC, and building products, and more recently the combined operation is being positioned under the Ferguson Home identity online and in physical showrooms.

What Build.com Sold

Build.com’s core business was straightforward: it sold home improvement goods online. That included a wide range of categories like:

• Plumbing fixtures (faucets, sinks, toilets)
• Lighting
• Door and cabinet hardware
• Appliances
• Heating, ventilation & air conditioning equipment
• Tools and accessories

Products weren’t limited to DIY projects; the selection also appealed to contractors, builders, and designers tackling larger renovations or construction projects.

Customers could browse online, add products to their cart, and check out with shipping options (including free ground shipping over certain order thresholds). Build.com also offered additional digital tools to support project planning.

How It Worked for Shoppers

Build.com’s model was entirely online, meaning they didn’t have traditional brick-and-mortar stores like big box retailers (for example, Home Depot or Lowe’s). That was part of the company’s identity: one of the largest online home improvement retailers in the U.S. market.

On the website (and through associated apps), a shopper could:

• Search by category or brand
• Read detailed product specs
• Get inspiration and project ideas
• Save items into organized project lists
• Complete purchases with multiple shipping options

There were also specialized features — for example, at one point Build.com offered a product-finder feature where customers could submit a photo and have experts identify matching products from the inventory.

Build.com’s customer base included everyday homeowners and professional contractors. The company offered special pricing and account options tailored to trade professionals working on larger or multiroom jobs.

The Rebrand to Ferguson Home

In 2025, Build.com and the brick-and-mortar division Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery began operating under a unified brand name: Ferguson Home. The idea behind this shift was to bring together online browsing and physical showroom experiences into one cohesive identity.

Under this structure:

• The online functionality and product selection of Build.com continue to be accessible.
• Customers can plan purchases online before visiting a showroom in person.
• The goal is to offer an integrated omnichannel experience for both DIY shoppers and trade professionals.

During the transition period, the build.com domain remains live while Ferguson updates its branding and systems to the new combined name.

Who Uses Build.com / Ferguson Home?

Homeowners

People doing renovations or simple upgrades found Build.com useful because it packed lots of categories into one online destination. You could source a faucet, a set of lights, door handles, and even appliances all in one place.

The learning and project organization tools — like “My Projects” — helped homeowners keep track of items, plan rooms, and manage orders throughout a renovation.

Professionals and Contractors

Build.com supported professional builders and contractors with pricing tiers and dedicated service options, which made it easier for them to buy materials for larger jobs or bulk purchases.

The web platform’s integration with Ferguson’s broader supply network also created opportunities for contractors to bridge online shopping with in-person showroom consultations and wholesale services.

Strengths of Build.com

The business had several strengths that attracted customers and industry attention:

• Deep Product Selection: From plumbing and lighting to hardware and home systems, the selection was broad compared to many niche sites.
• Online Convenience: As a digital-first retailer, Build.com let people shop without going to physical stores.
• Design and Project Tools: Features like project organization and inspiration galleries helped users plan.
• Professional Services: Trade accounts and specialized pricing catered to builders and designers.

These are particularly compelling for customers who want to coordinate lots of elements of a renovation from one platform rather than piecing together purchases from multiple vendors.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite these strengths, Build.com also attracted mixed customer feedback:

• Customer service and shipping issues: Some reviewers reported long delays, difficulty with returns, and poor follow-up from support.
• Product delivery problems: Complaints on independent review sites have included damaged items or late shipments.

Reviews on third-party platforms were frequently polarized — with a high share of very negative experiences alongside positive ones — which made it important for new buyers to read policies and plan ahead if they had specific delivery or installation timelines.

Comparison With Other Retailers

Build.com’s online focus differentiated it from big box home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, which operate extensive physical footprints and often emphasize price competition.

Contractors and designers sometimes preferred Build.com or affiliated supply houses like Ferguson because:

• They offer a wider range of professional-grade products.
• There’s access to more specialized hardware and fixtures.
• Some online tools and services were tailored to project workflows.

That said, the differences in product quality or price depend heavily on the specific item or manufacturer rather than the retailer alone.

How to Shop Today

If you go to build.com today, you’ll still find the online storefront and product categories, but you’ll also see references to Ferguson Home due to the rebrand. The transition is underway, so functionality and product listings remain similar to before, but the goal is to unify them with Ferguson’s broader suite of services and showroom access.

Shopping typically works like this:

1. Search for products by category, room, brand, or project.
2. Add items to your cart and view shipping estimates.
3. Check out online with shipping to your address.
4. Optionally visit a Ferguson showroom to see products in person or get expert consultation.

Key Takeaways

• Build.com was one of the largest online home improvement retailers in the U.S., selling plumbing, lighting, hardware, appliances, and more.
• The site operated entirely online without traditional stores, offering project tools and professional-level accounts.
• The business is part of Ferguson plc and in 2025 was rebranding as Ferguson Home to unify online and physical showroom experiences.
• Customers could shop easily online, but some reported challenges with customer service and delivery.
• The platform appealed to both homeowners and professional contractors with its broad selection and project support.

FAQ

Is Build.com still operating?
Yes — the site remains live even as the brand transitions to Ferguson Home. The products and shopping experience still function as before under the combined brand identity.

What kind of products does it sell?
Home improvement products such as plumbing fixtures, lighting, appliances, hardware, HVAC equipment, and tools for renovation or building projects.

Can professionals use it too?
Yes. Contractors and designers could open professional accounts with special pricing and services tailored to larger projects.

Is Build.com reliable?
It’s a legitimate company with a large product range, but review sites show mixed experiences, especially around customer service responsiveness and shipping timelines.

Do they offer free shipping?
Yes, free ground shipping was available on orders above certain amounts, though specifics depend on the products and shipping options chosen.

Is Build.com accredited by the BBB?
According to the Better Business Bureau, it was not accredited at a given point, which doesn’t necessarily reflect quality but means it hadn’t passed the BBB’s vetting process.