Still waiting - and design inflation

Still waiting to start.  Even with knowledge of parts of the construction process, I feel pretty lost and helpless.  It shouldn't take this long to get going.  I know I could go with a "package deal" and get what they have - but that is definitely not what we want.  As a matter of fact, I think that it is completely wrong that the largest investment most people make is made on a sheet with a list of options by builders who are trying to save every cent possible.  You can see it in the endless neighborhoods that sprawl out from the city centers.  House after house with the same plans; the siding on the back and brick on the front; poor quality trim lumber; and inefficient layouts.  It's more of the same for street after street, cul-d-sac after cul-d-sac.  Because we have seen these as well as true customs costing millions of dollars, we are suffering from design inflation.  Those poor details, lack of good finishes and poor design are beginning to stand out.  If only we could afford the multi-million dollar custom....

What NOW?

Well, we have fought our way through the plans...for the most part.  As an engineer, things just can't get square enough for me, but I'm working on it.  We made some tweaks to the plans as a result of comments from EVERYONE.  You have to be very cautious about this.  If you show your plans to too many people, you may be again left wondering which way to go.  So now what?  Well, we chose a builder first.  That means we are not competitively bidding our project, just negotiating terms with one builder.  A lot of custom home contracts have gone to cost + format.  This great, as long as there is trust and accountability.  Our builder was selected based on our ability to get along with him as well as site visits to review his work in various phases.  In short, he was a good fit for us.  Considering a one year build, finish warranty for a year and structural warranty for 10, this is a long term relationship.  I believe you should be comfortable calling your contractor and discussing anything regarding your home with him or her.  That is more important than the bid, because you can then work with your contractor to get the house cost within budget.  And wait for pricing......