A controversial topic - but that's what a forum is for right!?! Getting other's opinions, sharing thoughts and discussions, seeing something you may not have thought of before!
Personally, we have a kind of weird shaped block, and I have looked at nearly every single plan from every builder in Melbourne and have only seen one or two I like and that would suit our block, which is leading me to think that maybe we should go custom/private builder. Would it stop me from going to a project/big builder? Not for one second - if they had a plan and inclusions etc. that would be suitable FOR US
Like so many others, the biggest factor is cost. We are newlyweds, really just starting out in life, and we simply cannot afford $350-450-550k on a house. Project or private - we will be going with whoever does what we want (and that includes repuation/quality) in the price we want.
TheStig - the fact that people are coming to this forum and investigating builders and things shows for the most part that they are not foolish or naive and I for one resent the implication that I am for doing what is right for MY situation.