How long did it take?
We looked at land in march, bought in April, looked at builder signed the contracts in May and were in our house 16 weeks later in the october.
How much did you go over budget?
None, but I had to be very strict with DH. We also negotiated a bit with the company and got a couple of extra things included in the price.
What were the hidden/unexpected costs that you encountered?
stupid council fees for the driveway inspections
when we chose the tiles we were taken to a retail showroom and they suggest things for you. Unless you were specific to ask for stuff within the budget then you would have been slogged the difference. Also the tilers were going to give us a bill for the inlays we wanted but hadn't been warned of....that bill disappeared quick smart.
Totally agree with cherished about researching the optional extras for price. FOr example some companies will offer you a budget for carpet for example but often sourcing it yourself can be cheaper, same with blinds, clothes lines etc.
What would you do differently next time?
nothing really. We would have had the roof extended out the back for an outdoor area and a few powerpoint issues but other than that very happy.
Anything else you want to tell me?
Research the inclusions carefully. They vary wildly.
SO does whether they use two courses of bricks over the top of the window frames....not important to some but I think it looks poxy without and some builders actually make you pay extra.