When “Saving Money” Costs You a Fortune: A Staghorn Contracting Reality Check

Sometimes the most expensive lesson is learning why professionals exist in the first place.

Last month, we got a call that started with those five words that make every contractor’s heart sink: “We tried to save money…”

Sarah and Mike had what seemed like a simple bathroom renovation project. They wanted to update their guest bathroom – new vanity, fresh tile, modern fixtures. Nothing too complicated, right? That’s exactly what they thought when they hired their neighbor’s “handy” cousin who promised to do the work for “way less than those expensive licensed contractors.”

Six months later, Sarah was on the phone with us, and we could hear the desperation in her voice. “Can you come take a look? We think we might have made a mistake.”

The “Budget-Friendly” Disaster

When our team arrived at Sarah and Mike’s house, what we found was a masterclass in why licensing requirements exist. The bathroom looked finished at first glance, but a closer inspection revealed a comedy of errors that would have been hilarious if it weren’t so expensive to fix.

The beautiful new tile work? Installed directly over old adhesive without proper preparation, causing it to crack and buckle within months. The vanity? Mounted into drywall with basic screws instead of hitting the studs, so it was literally pulling away from the wall. The plumbing? Let’s just say water was going places water should never, ever go.

But the real kicker was the electrical work. The “handyman” had installed new vanity lighting without understanding load requirements or proper wiring techniques. The circuit was overloaded, the GFCI protection was bypassed, and the whole setup was a fire hazard waiting to happen.

“How much to fix all this?” Mike asked, already knowing he wasn’t going to like the answer.

The total repair bill? Nearly three times what it would have cost to hire a licensed contractor from the beginning. They didn’t just need the work redone – they needed the damage undone first.

The DIY Dilemma

Sarah sheepishly admitted they’d also attempted several “simple” DIY projects that had gone sideways. “We thought we could handle some of the prep work ourselves to save even more money,” she said. “Turns out, we didn’t know as much as we thought we did.”

Their DIY adventures included:

• Removing what they thought was a “decorative” wall that turned out to be load-bearing
• Attempting to relocate a light switch without understanding the wiring configuration
• Installing a ceiling fan on a junction box that wasn’t rated for the weight

Each “money-saving” decision had cascaded into bigger problems that required professional intervention.

What You CAN Do (And Feel Good About It)

Don’t get us wrong – there are plenty of home improvement projects that ambitious homeowners can tackle successfully:

Painting is probably the ultimate DIY project. Grab some brushes, rollers, and drop cloths, and transform your space with color. Just remember to prep properly and use quality paint.

Basic caulking around tubs, showers, and windows is totally doable. Remove the old stuff, clean thoroughly, and apply new caulk with a steady hand. YouTube is your friend here.

These projects are forgiving, reversible, and unlikely to flood your house or burn it down if you make a mistake.

What You Absolutely Should NOT DIY

However, there’s a long list of projects that seem simple but can quickly turn into expensive nightmares when attempted without proper training and licensing:

Electrical work beyond changing a light bulb or outlet cover should always be left to licensed electricians. One wrong connection can cause fires, electrocution, or thousands of dollars in damage to your home’s electrical system.

Plumbing modifications that involve moving pipes, installing new fixtures, or working with gas lines require expertise and permits. Water damage from improper plumbing can cost tens of thousands to repair.

HVAC installation or major repairs involve refrigerants, electrical connections, and complex systems that can be dangerous and expensive to mess up.

Structural modifications like removing walls, installing beams, or modifying load-bearing elements require engineering knowledge and building permits.

Roofing work beyond basic gutter cleaning should be left to professionals. Falls are dangerous, and improper installation can lead to leaks and structural damage.

Major tile or flooring installation requires knowledge of subfloor preparation, moisture barriers, and proper installation techniques.

Kitchen or bathroom remodeling that involves moving plumbing, electrical, or structural elements should always involve licensed professionals.

Basement waterproofing requires understanding drainage, foundation issues, and proper moisture control techniques.

The Hidden Costs of “Saving Money”

What Sarah and Mike learned the hard way is that hiring unlicensed workers or attempting complex DIY projects often leads to:

• Code violations that must be corrected before you can sell your home
• Insurance issues when claims are denied due to unpermitted or improper work
• Safety hazards that put your family at risk
• Warranty problems when manufacturers won’t honor warranties on improperly installed products
• Permit headaches when you discover work should have been permitted and inspected

The “handyman” who charged half the price of a licensed contractor ended up costing them three times as much when everything was said and done.

The Staghorn Difference

At Staghorn Contracting, we see these situations more often than we’d like. Homeowners who thought they were being smart with their money end up paying premium prices to fix problems that never should have existed in the first place.

Our licensed contractors bring years of training, proper insurance, and knowledge of building codes and safety requirements. We pull permits when required, follow manufacturer specifications, and guarantee our work. Yes, it might cost more upfront, but it costs far less in the long run.

The Bottom Line

Sarah and Mike’s bathroom eventually got the renovation it deserved – done right, by licensed professionals, with proper permits and inspections. They love the final result, but they’ll be the first to tell you: “We should have just hired Staghorn from the beginning.”

Remember, there’s a reason contractors need licenses, insurance, and permits. These aren’t just bureaucratic hoops to jump through – they’re protections for you, your home, and your wallet.

Sometimes the best way to save money is to spend it wisely from the start.

Ready to do your project right the first time? Contact Staghorn Contracting for a consultation. Because the most expensive contractor is the one you hire second.