Def agree with this.
When considering your builders, compare their standard features and the cost to upgrade. We ended up going with a slightly more expensive builder, because their standard features (eg toilets, cupboards, handles, etc) was better than the other builder.
When it comes to the electrical plan, really consider powerpoints etc. We paid extra to put more in, and I'm glad we did, eg extra at both ends of the hall, external powerpoints, extra lights outside.
Consider what you really need and what you can do without. Because we see this house as a ten-year house, we decided that rather than an ensuite we would have a 2way bathroom, so we had the space for a seperate study as both DH and I work from home, but we figured small children don't need an ensuite. The next house we build will be suitable for teenagers.
Play a couple of builders off against each other - we were toying between 2 builders. We told them that if they included BIR in both children's rooms and extra overhead cupboards in the kitchen we would go with them, one builder came to the party and we went with them.
whilst you're deciding, drive round new developments on a regular basis and take a look at what how long some builders take for each stage. Some near us seem to be taking almost a year, and there is big delays between stages. The builder might be cheaper but you might end up paying more in rent as it takes twice as long.
Something that happened accidently, was we ended up with grey grout in the shower/bathroom, with white tiles ( a paperwork stuff up) but I would do it again as thats the one area that grout discolours quickly.
When it comes to your selections for tiles, paint, cupboards, etc, do it once and then forget about it. I've heard people going back 2 or 3 times, which really slows things down, plus you just end up 2nd guessing yourself.
I've already started compiling the list of what I want next time, but it was out of our budget this time anyway, like a laundry that is double the size and already has fitted cupboards, drawers in the kitchen, a pantry that you pull out.
As to your original point, we were first quoted around $122,000 and ended up paying about $127,000, so didn't think that was too big a difference.
Good luck! We really enjoyed the process and will definately do it again.
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