Hi guys n galls,
My partner and I have a bought a plot and are currently trying to decide on how to proceed with building a home designed by us instead of a standard design.
We are considering a home building company that can accommodate our plan but don't feel comfortable with the need to pay out about $5000 to be able to get to the point of a final quotation. I understand that this is standard practice with home builders but as a customer I have always made decisions based on quotes and negotiation prior to getting locked in. Having to pay money first just to get to this stage effectively makes negotiation very difficult and could end up with us feeling we have no choice but to take what they are offering us or loose $5000. Especially seeing as we can't use the drawings we have done with another company due to the home builder copyrighting the plans! Surely there is a better way to do this that isn't so disempowering for the customer...
Has anyone else felt uncomfortable about this process?
And, does anyone have any suggestions on how we can get a fairer deal or stack the odds more in our favour?