The Problem with Cheap Contractors: What Cutting Corners Really Costs You

By K&K Designer Builds
Serving Blair County & State College, PA with Quality You Can Trust

It all began with a simple idea fueled by a deep passion. As a small business, we pride ourselves on personal attention and dedication to every detail. Our approach is rooted in quality and integrity, ensuring that everything we do reflects our commitment to excellence.When it comes to construction and remodeling, we all love a good deal. But when a contractor's price seems too good to be true—it usually is.

At K&K Designer Builds, we've seen it all: rotted beams behind new drywall, water-damaged floors that were just covered up, and basements that looked finished—until the first heavy rain came through. We’ve been the company people call after the cheap guy disappeared, and it’s never a good feeling to tell a family that their "deal" just cost them thousands more.

Here’s what really happens when corners get cut.

1. Leaky Roofs and Basements That Ruin Everything

Water is your home’s worst enemy—and bad contractors often ignore the signs. Whether it’s a roof patch job that wasn’t sealed correctly, or a basement "finish" done without waterproofing, moisture will find its way in.

What we’ve seen:

Drywall installed directly on damp concrete

Zero vapor barriers

Mold growing behind brand new carpet within 3 months

👉 At K&K, we don't just build—it’s built to last, with real moisture control in mind.

2. Floors That Aren’t Level (But Look Fine—Until It’s Too Late)

You might not notice an unlevel floor at first, especially if the finish looks clean. But give it a few months: doors don’t close, trim gaps open up, tile starts cracking.

Cheap contractors skip crucial steps:

No subfloor leveling

No joist corrections

Rushed installs just to “look” done

We laser-check our levels before any flooring goes down. Because if the bones aren’t right, nothing will be.

3. Hidden Problems Covered Up, Not Fixed

We’ve pulled off brand-new wallboard to find:

Cracked foundation walls

Rotten framing

Old wiring spliced with duct tape

Mold stuffed behind insulation

Cheap work isn’t always just lazy—it’s dangerous.

You deserve a contractor who fixes what’s underneath the surface—not just paints over it. That’s why we offer a mold-free guarantee and 10-year inspection-backed warranty.

4. No Permits, No Codes, No Accountability

Many budget contractors skip permits to save money and move fast—but that can make your home unsellable later. Inspections fail, insurance doesn’t cover work done without code compliance, and you’re left holding the bag.

At K&K, we pull every permit, pass every inspection, and don’t leave a job until it’s done right.

5. They Disappear When Things Go Wrong

Ask around. How many people have hired someone off Facebook or Craigslist, only to have them ghost halfway through a job—or worse, after taking a deposit?

We’re a real business, rooted in the community. We don’t cut and run. We build relationships, just like we build homes—with accountability, integrity, and pride.

Final Word: Cheap Work Isn’t Worth the Price You’ll Pay Later

If your contractor is offering a price way lower than others, ask yourself:

👉 What are they skipping?

👉 What’s getting covered up instead of corrected?

👉 Will I be the one paying for it later?

At K&K Designer Builds, we price our jobs fairly—not cheaply. Because we build like it’s our home. You’ll get craftsmanship, long-term value, and peace of mind—every time.

🚨 Need a Second Opinion?

If something doesn’t feel right about the work you’re seeing at your home, call us. We’ll give you an honest evaluation, no pressure.

📞 (814)515-5147

📍 Serving Altoona, Blair County, and State College, PA

🌐 www.kkdesignerbuilds.com