We all love a bargain - and these days if you're not sniffing around online to compare prices, chances are you're paying above the odds for just about anything. It's also well worth remembering that 'cheap' has two meanings, though... And where building and renovating are concerned, 'cheap' products bought online are often responsible for some colossally expensive problems.

Building products that are sold in Australia are carefully tested and designed to ensure that they meet Australian Standards. If you're buying online from overseas (or if your builder's doing this to cut costs - it does happen!) there's a pretty good chance that it'll end up costing much more than the price difference in repairs and replacement... Always make sure you understand what you're paying for!

Darcy Wilson
Editor - Build
www.build.com.au