Cheaper is not always better.

I have lived most of my life at the lower end of middle class and have learned the value of saving money by comparison shopping and being able to fix many things myself, doing my own yard work and making wise investments.  I also have learned the lesson that professional work and quality goods often pays dividends in the long run.
 This is a lesson our young pastor and his wife are learning at the church.  The building we meet in is a large building and is nice but as with any structure things need to be repaired or replaced.   There are extension cords running through the attic   where proper wiring should be.  Some well meaning members years ago attempted to repair the air/heating units without proper training, Someone thought that refinishing wood floors would be a simple job.
  If someone had decided that professionals were a better route to go then many of the problems and much of the expense we are facing today would   be either non existent or less today.  I've discovered that certain repairs, most furniture and many clothing items last longer and are much cheaper in the long run if you start with quality, and will actually look better and do a better job than the cheaper counterparts.  I know just because it is more expensive doesn't make it better but more often than not, one can find a quality good or service at a more reasonable price and be much better off in the long run.