Do you really think side work guys are always the better option? I've seen plenty of side guys who don't pull permits, don't have insurance, and leave you holding the bag if something goes wrong. Yeah a big company might quote you high but at least they're bonded and guaranteed. That metal stud trick sounds handy but I've also watched a friend hire a 'buddy's dad' who did a hack job on a backsplash that fell apart six months later. Sometimes paying more upfront saves you from paying twice later.

Isn't it funny how one little thing breaking can just domino into a whole mess like that? It's the same way with my own truck, I'll ignore a tiny oil spot for weeks until it finally strands me on the side of the road. These days it feels like we trade a little bit of old school hustling for a whole lot less headaches in the long run.