I have been talking with builders for quite awhile. My aim all along has been to be able to purchase a lot outright and find my own builder. I have interviewed and received bids from some very qualified builders. We have found a potential lot that we like but it is already owned by a builder that will not sell it outright. He requires we use him as the builder. I have not had any bad recs come back for him, however, I'm sure he wouldn't have been on my top 5 just because there are a plethora of local custom builders and I don't know much about him. Getting a good bid back from this builder would be a prerequisite for using him. Is there any precedent for basing our discussions and negotiations on another builder's bid and specs? It's not like I could use this other builder on this particular lot, but I want him to know there are other reputable builders out there with competitive bids. Could this help or hurt?

Comfortdog