The lack of houses on the market in the last few months has me looking to build in my target area. I have an agent, and have a lot lined up that had a house on it, but its been knocked down. Heading in to negotiations with the builder this weekend - looking for any tidbits of info anyone who has built before may have gone back in time to tell themselves.
Make sure you really know your contractor. Be hands on and question everything. A lot of contractors now days will try and save a penny where they really shouldn't be.
Windows and doors are a bad place to shave costs. Get the best you can afford, especially if you plan on staying there any length of time. Take pictures of the rough-in work (electrical, supply and waste drains, HVAC) as this will help you negotiate those hidden items during future projects. It can help understand something as simple as a plugged waste drain and why you can't get the effing snake to go in any further. Windows, doors and roofs should all be flashed properly to shed water. Relying on caulking and sealant to keep water from entering the structure is poor workmanship and unacceptable. If you are on sand, get an irrigation system as soon as you can afford it (provided you want nice grass). Eighteen foot wide garage door...a lot of builders will use a 16. I can go on and on, but the leaves are calling my name (be careful what you choose for landscape plantings and the future work they will cause). Good luck. There will always be something you will overlook. By the time you build your third or fourth house, you'll have a better handle on it...the first one is always for practice.
