I've learned the hard way that cutting corners usually comes back to bite you eventually. A few years ago, I was developing a small residential lot and decided to skip soil testing because the area seemed pretty stable and neighbors hadn't reported any issues. At first, everything looked fine, but after about two years, a couple of driveways started cracking badly. Turned out there was some expansive clay underneath that we hadn't accounted for.
"understanding your local conditions isn't overthinking—it's just smart planning."
This quote really hits home for me. In hindsight, the money saved by skipping that initial soil test was nothing compared to the cost of repairs and dealing with unhappy homeowners later on.
Realistically, there are areas where you can trim costs without hurting long-term quality—like choosing simpler finishes or standard fixtures—but structural or foundational elements aren't among them. If I had to start over, I'd definitely prioritize thorough groundwork and site prep above saving a few bucks upfront. It's tempting to think you're being smart by cutting corners, but in my experience, solid foundations aren't optional—they're essential.
Totally agree—foundations aren't the place to pinch pennies. I've seen clients regret choosing cheaper subflooring or skipping moisture barriers. Like you said,
Better to save on decorative elements than structural integrity..."solid foundations aren't optional—they're essential."
