[NJblue]

We had a house built. It was finished ahead of schedule but when they give you a closing date, that's the day you close. If for some reason they delay your closing, they will reimburse you for your living expenses and storage as I recall, but according to our agent they don't miss a closing date. If you delay the closing date, the penaties can be quite severe, including loss of any discounts that were given to you.

As far is "working with" a builder, there is nothing to work with him about - at least not for a designer, perhaps premiers are different. Everything is precisely spelled out in the contract and there is no need/option to discuss anything with the builder. When you visit you will be able to visit some pre-built homes with various interior and exterior packages. You pick the interior package that you want (which includes colors of walls, carpets, tiles; kitchen cabinets, countertops, etc.) You will be able to pick an appliance package, whether you want blinds or not and type of shower in the master bath, but that's pretty much it in terms of interior choices as I recall. For the exterior, you can pick an elevation as well as a color package which also dictates roof color, type of front door and outdoor light fixtures. This is all done with your sales agent and you have no contact with your builder during the building phase.