Quotes with Volume Builders

I’m hoping for some advice.

We’ve purchased a block of land and have recently begun the home building process. We’ve been speaking with a few of the large volume builders and have narrowed it down to a couple of designs we like.

However it seems as though the initial quotes we receive contain a lot of wording which will allow the builder to vary prices. In my mind that isnt really a quote? The builders are putting a lot of pressure to put down a deposit ($1.5k, $2k, etc) without really giving us a price which will stick? Is this standard practice? Can we get a fixed price quote before putting down a deposit? Can we get a company to do soil tests which the builders will accept?

The land we’ve purchased is in a large new estate and we’re looking at builders with fixed price site costs. Trying to get a quote within our budget

where do you live

Hi,
Get min 2 soil tests from the same soil testers the project builders use ($500 each). Don't worry, they don't mind telling you who they use. Also make sure you give a copy of your level 1 compaction certificate to the soil tester beforehand.
Then, take the WORST soil test to at least 3 project builders who you like and get the best quote that includes fixed site costs.
If the builder wants to get their own soil test, let them. Just make sure they design and quote engineering for the worst soil classification as it will ensure a stronger slab. Make sure site costs are fixed before you sign the final contract and include everything.
Choose your builders based on the following:
1. Reviews and cleanliness of licence
2. Inclusions and specials
3. Floorplans - try not to make changes to standard floorplans. You will get a better price and possibly discounts if you don't make too many structural changes.
Project builders buy in bulk, including slabs, frames etc so try and keep it simple for them.
4. Size of company. The bigger the better, as less likely to go belly up.
Build!

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If you upgrade too much, especially into non builder grade products, volume builders will become expensive, check out actual builds with their clients, both finished and almost finished, display house has no significance on what quality you can expect, actual builds are going to be very accurate on what to expect, get a building inspector so your builder knows you have knowledge, look at this forums building expert web page, if in Melbourne, tasmania, a great choice, good luck, homework pays off.