How often do you think these shortcuts actually get caught before something goes wrong? I've heard of cases where skipped brake tests led to elevators dropping a few floors suddenly, which is scary for anyone inside. Bypassing door locks is how people get stuck between floors for hours. It's not just call backs, it's a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Yeah but that's the thing, it's not just about slowing the work down. A thick clay layer you don't know about can mess up drainage for good or cause settling later. That turns into a way bigger bill than a few extra core samples. I'd rather spend a little time and money up front than get a nasty surprise when a wall starts cracking.