Buy Once, Cry Once - Making the Smart Investment in Your Home Remodel

In the context of home remodels, the saying “buy once, cry once” means that it is wiser to invest in quality materials, skilled labor, and proper design from the start of the project. Even if it costs more, because it will ultimately save you money, time, and unnecessary stress in the long run.

Experienced Contractors

• Buy once: Hire reputable, licensed professionals who charge more but do the job right.

• Cry once: Higher labor costs, but you avoid botched work, delays, or safety/code issues.

• Alternative: Cheaper labor can lead to poor craftsmanship, which might require redoing the job entirely.

Good Design & Planning

• Buy once: Spend time and money on thoughtful design, structural assessments, and permits.

• Cry once: Upfront planning avoids change orders, budget overruns, or layout regrets.

• Alternative: Skipping design work or hiring someone inexperienced can lead to expensive mistakes later.

Structural Work

• Buy once: Hire a structural engineer and follow local & state codes.

  • Why: Ensures safety and peace of mind, avoids code violations, adds long-term value.

• Alternative: Unlicensed contractor or skip inspections to save money.

  • Could lead to unsafe framing, foundation problems, or forced tear-outs later.

Roofing

• Buy once: Architectural shingles, metal, or tile with proper underlayment.

  • Why: 30–50 year lifespan, better wind and hail resistance.

• Alternative: Budget 3-tab shingles.

  • Might last only 10–15 years and be more prone to leaks or storm damage.

Insulation

• Buy once: Spray foam or high-R-value insulation.

  • Why: Better energy efficiency, prevents mold, improves comfort, and soundproofing.

• Alternative: Cheap fiberglass rolls or under-insulating.

  • Cold spots, moisture issues, and higher heating/cooling bills.

Windows

• Buy once: Energy-efficient, double/triple-pane, well-insulated windows.

  • Why: Lower energy bills, soundproofing, comfort.

• Alternative: Low-cost single-pane or poor-fitting windows.

  • Drafts, condensation, higher HVAC costs, prone to leaking, operation failure, and possibly full replacement later.

Electrical

• Buy once: Licensed electrician, high-quality wiring and panels.

  • Why: Safety, future-proofing for EV chargers, solar, or high-draw appliances.

• Alternative: Cut-rate electrician or DIY wiring.

  • Could result in fire hazards, failed inspections, insurance issues, inability for future electrical expansion.

Plumbing

• Buy once: Licensed plumber, high-quality fixtures & lines

  • Why: Durable, leak-resistant, better performance.

• Alternative: Cut-rate plumber or DIY plumbing.

  • Could result in leaks, failed inspections, insurance issues, corrosion, or breaking in a few years

Tile

• Buy once: Proper substrate (cement board, waterproof membrane), and skilled tile setter.

  • Why: Prevents leaks, mold, and cracking over time.

• Alternative: Cheap installer using drywall behind shower tiles, prone to mold, cracking, uneven tile spacing, and inconsistent grout fill.

Flooring

• Buy once: Invest in high-quality hardwood, engineered wood, or tile flooring.

  • Why: Long-lasting, resistant to wear, adds value to the home.

• Alternative: Cheap laminate or vinyl planks.

  • Can warp, peel, or fade quickly — needing replacement or constant maintenance.

Remember...

Buy once, cry one isn’t just a saying – it’s a mindset that values lasting quality over short term savings. Remodeling your home is a major investment. Do it right the first time, and you won’t have to do it again.