Yes, you can save in labor costs.
And you’d bloody well better have a permit.
For just about everything, including picayune stuff that has nothing to do with gas or electric.
But materials costs are still figured in as well as the value added.
We know folks who’ve done the sweat equity thing.
Their prop taxes skyrocketed. Now they’re trying to sell their homes and can’t because no buyer is willing to assume a high four to low five fig annual property tax.
On existing homes that are NOT McMansions.
That daughter may have made better use of that 30 K, especially if less of it would have gone to some bloody bureaucrats sucking off the government teat.
What state are you in? Inspection and permitting vary state to state. If you just REPLACE a stove or dishwasher there is generally a small fee for the inspector to check the gas or plumbing hook up. Why would anyone call an inspector for flooring, cabinet refacing or a new countertop, unless they actually moved the plumbing or electric?