You can take a cable car to the top in 10 minutes, or you can walk along the twisty, hilly wall for about four hours up 45 degree angled slopes. Sure, the view is great, and you'll learn a lot along the way if you walk, but the guys at the top are at the top, while you're still trying to get there. Take advantage of shortcuts. When you get to the top, then you can start exploring and learning about designing a site and modifying the code. It is a lot easier to dissect an existing site than creating it from scratch.
Street vendors sell tourist trash at the bottom of the wall and at the top.
The guys at the top ask for more money and get it. People will pay a premium after they've enjoyed the product experience. Those same vendors will start asking for higher prices. You can negotiate. Whenever you negotiate with a web contractor, ask for a better price.