[rrdsg]

We bought a lot in May and began our design meetings in June of 2022. We took possession of our home the end of November. We were very excited at the prospect of stretching, adding a bathroom and a pantry, changing the bathroom and closets configuration, and choosing our own floors, cabinets, countertops, paint, placement of lights and outlets, etc., etc. While we were able to accomplish most of what we wanted, when it came to choosing any of the materials, the choices were painfully limited. As to looking at the sample areas in the design center, every time I asked about something that was displayed, the response was, "that is no longer available". In addition, while we tried to get a handle on the cost of things we were choosing, it was like pulling teeth. The design center employees are less designers and more salespeople without price lists. While I told our designer to let me know if I was selecting any ridiculously expensive options, she mostly said she wouldn't know what things cost until the entire package was submitted for final pricing. We could then make changes to our choices but it's a very inefficient way to make choices. I think it benefits the builder because by the time you get the price of things, you are tired and worn down by the process so you inclined to just let it go. We did not see the price of many items until the last day of the design week when we were asked to sign off on everything. As an example, I chose a particular bathroom faucet which I knew sold at Home Depot for $125. The price from my "designer" was $350. Interior door handles that could be purchased at Amazon for less than $12 each were charged $50. These are small things but they add up when you are doing a larger house. At one point, I was ready to eliminate ALL the added charges for these things and just buy the basic house and then re-do after taking possession. As we were living 2500 miles away, the logistics would have been a nightmare and we just decided to do the best we could to eliminate the overcharges we could identify. We did have 30 days after signing to make changes and it was worth the change fees to do so. We did not want a pool or birdcage so I can't answer those questions. I'd certainly want to know the after market cost for those large items before agreeing to the builder's price. Bottom line, the design process was a nightmare IMHO but I am happy with my house and have adjusted to the choices we made. It is not the "dream" house we wanted but it is much closer to it than we could have had any other way. Neither a resale or a house totally designed by the builder would be close to what we have chosen. I wish you good luck with your design. I think part of my disappointment in the process is because I knew so little about it. You are smart to be asking questions now and perhaps if you go in with a better idea of what to expect, you won't be as disappointed. GOOD LUCK!