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....