Get It Right with Undercover Architect 5 Money Saving Myths Busted - Episode 3 (Season 3)
Jun 19, 2017
They examine five common “save money” claims for renovations and explain why cheap materials, trades from friends, buying fixtures separately, self project management, or owner-building can backfire. Episodes dive into risks like coordination problems, hidden costs, legal gaps, and relationship strain. The real savings come from good preparation, smart design and knowing when to get professional help.
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Do Not Bank On Friend Material Discounts
- Don't rely on discounted materials from friends or family as the reason you can afford a project.
- Amelia warns material prices and labour change over long projects, exposing you to nasty surprises if budgets assume those discounts persist.
Agree Timing Upfront With Trades From Your Circle
- Set clear timing expectations if a friend or family member will work on your project.
- Amelia explains discounted trades often juggle paid work first which delays your job and can force you into extra project management duties.
Use Contracts Even With Friendly Builders
- Always formalise scope, costs and payments even with friends to avoid runaway cost blowouts.
- Amelia describes the slow snowball of small oversights turning into major budget and relationship problems when no contract exists.