[bet993]

Run away fast and don’t look back.

Any builder that is unwilling to quote you a price prior to signing a purchase agreement is going to be difficult to work with, at best, and more than likely a total pain in the a$$ or a crook. A reputable builder will be more than willing to price quote the exact house you want to build and tell you the pricing for different options up front before signing any contract (unless the contract is just a confidentiality agreement). The only exception to this rule should be if you bring in plans that the builder has no familiarity with. In this case it is common to be charged a fee for them to determine the cost of construction, but once again they should determine this before signing and construction agreement.

While large builders sometimes offer incentives on the price of “upgrades” such as flooring, cabinets, countertops, etc., these prices usually come with limitations on what is available. Smaller custom builders may seem expensive initially but upon further investigation sometimes are less expensive, because they allow you to price shop for things such a plumbing fixtures, lighting and flooring instead of picking from predetermined choices. This gives you the ability to walk into a plumbing or lighting specialty shop (which has great selection vs. the builders predetermined styles) and negotiate with them. Indicate you will purchase all the fixtures from them but they have to price match competitors on like kind fixtures (including published internet pricing). Additionally, items such as higher end hardwood flooring can be purchased via the internet for a fraction of the cost of brick and mortar stores.

Ask around your market for suggestions for other builders that are more willing to work with you. Building a house should be fun and exciting not a chore where you think you are being screwed. Cost over runs are common in building a house, therefore you have to be comfortable that your builder is working for you and that you have a open line of communication with each other.