Why do "options" cost so much more than at a home improvement store?

You may well find that certain options, fixtures or materials, are cheaper at one of the home improvement discount stores. Few vendors order enough parts from a manufacturer to receive the pricing break of a national chain. But keep in mind that those prices do not necessarily include all the items necessary for installation of that particular fixture or component. Additionally, they do not include the builder's risk, administrative tasks, scheduling, insurance, coordination with other trades, damage done by other trades, delivery of the fixture or material, etc.  more