contractor is doing this to make more profit, I don't know.

Many years ago I remember a story about expensive homes built on the shores of a private artificial lake, a lake that was kept full using water purchased from California's Metropolitan Water District. Homeowner association fees paid for the lake water.

One guy decided he didn't want to pay for water to irrigate his lush green tropical landscaping and lawns so he had a hidden pump and pipe installed that drew water from the lake for his landscaping.

The local water company thought the guy's water meter must be malfunctioning because his water bill was so much lower than his neighbors so they replaced the meter. When that didn't solve the discrepancy they investigated further and that's how the guy got caught.

It's rarely about the money, it's about people who see themselves as "winners" in a world of suckers and losers.

Anyone who behaves like this really ought to have all their business dealings thoroughly investigated.