Cutting corners on supplies is one of those things that usually comes back to bite you. I remember once trying to save a few bucks by picking up off-brand drawer slides for a client’s kitchen—looked fine at first, but within six months, half the drawers were sticking or off-track. Ended up replacing every single one. Not only did it cost more in the long run, but it was just embarrassing.
I get the urge to trim expenses, especially when budgets are tight, but some things just aren’t worth it. Hardware and finishes are where I draw the line now. If it gets daily use, I go for quality. Paint and caulk? Sure, you can get away with a cheaper option sometimes. But hinges, slides, handles... cheaping out is a gamble I’m not willing to take anymore.
That said, I’ve seen plenty of folks get away with budget choices for years—guess it’s just luck of the draw sometimes.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I’ve run into the same issue with hardware, especially when it comes to things like cabinet pulls and door handles. Tried to save a bit on a bathroom remodel once—picked up some “premium” budget handles that looked decent enough. Within a year, the finish was wearing off and a couple even snapped. Ended up swapping them all out for solid brass, which wasn’t cheap, but honestly, the difference in feel and durability was night and day.
I get why people try to cut costs, but in my experience, the stuff you touch every day just needs to be solid. I’m a little more forgiving with things like primer or even drywall compound, but hardware and fixtures? Not worth the risk. Maybe some folks have better luck, but I’d rather not roll the dice when it comes to daily-use items.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
- Totally agree, hardware is one of those things you just can’t cheap out on.
- I’ve found you can get creative with tile or paint to save money, but handles and faucets? They get so much wear.
- Curious—has anyone found a mid-range brand that actually holds up? Or is it always a case of “buy once, cry once” for these pieces?
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I hear you on hardware—every time I try to cut corners there, I end up regretting it. Handles, hinges, faucets... those get touched constantly. I once swapped out all the cabinet pulls in our last place with some “budget-friendly” options that looked gorgeous online, but within a year they felt loose and the finish was wearing off. Lesson learned.
But I’ll say, not everything has to be top-shelf. I’ve had pretty good luck with mid-range stuff from brands like Moen or Schlage. They’re not exactly bargain bin, but you’re not paying luxury prices either. The trick seems to be avoiding the no-name imports and sticking with brands that have been around a while. Sometimes the finish options are more limited, but the function holds up.
Paint and tile, though? That’s where I get creative and save a bit. But for hardware, it’s usually worth spending a little more up front... unless you like redoing things every couple years.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
Funny you mention those “budget-friendly” cabinet pulls—I did the same thing in my first apartment and had to replace half of them when they started spinning around on their screws. I’m with you on sticking to brands that have a track record, even if it means paying a little more up front. But I do wonder, has anyone found any hardware that’s truly good quality but still flies under the radar price-wise? Sometimes I feel like there must be some hidden gems out there, but maybe it’s just wishful thinking...
