Most inspectors feel that an owner-builder, who is planning on living in the home is less likely to short-cut because they are interested in quality, durability, and safety. After all, they are going to be living in the home, and the contractor is not. Thus, while a contractor may try to cut costs and save on their bottom line by barely passing code, or trying to pull the wool over an inspector's eyes, a owner-builder will want things to pass with flying colors to ensure their personal safety and that of their family.

However, if you look around, negotiate, and press until you get the best price, you can get as good, if not better, prices as contractors can. You do not have to be a contractor to buy lumber at discount, or to get a good deal. You do have to press for it, there is always a better price to be found, it just takes some research and some pushing.

It is true that many owner-builders often end up with lesser quality material, but this is because they simply don't know any better, not because better materials are only available to contractors. So find someone that is knowledgeably and have them inspect the materials before you accept them.