Selecting a Builder

Our architect provided a "Preliminary Bid Instructions" document, along with a copy of the final floor plan and P met with four builders, previously identified as ones with experience in building modern homes. All were asked to submit prelim. bids before the holidays and three did -- ranging from a brief one page -- X$ per sq ft. -- to quite detailed breakdowns of likely costs, including items we would purchase, such as appliances. The fourth never did offer a bid.

One bid, from the largest company of the four, was 25% more than the other two, so the choice was between two similar bids. One of these was from a builder with more "green" experience, so after one more visit to his most recent house -- including a walk-through with him, discussing choices and specs -- we elected to go with him.

So the start of 2008 has us us with an agreed design, a floor plan (which just needs a few tweaks,) and a builder. So now we start on the more detailed planning and permitting phase with target date to start the demolition and build no later than April 1, 2008