I would agree with the above post and search out a different kind of home builder or design build firm.

Without plans and specs its impossible to say whether it's over priced or if he will change order you to death which is a possibility or there may be other factors that are raising the price. You could always ask for references and see what his past clients have to say. In the end I would agree with the other two posts - hire someone local to work with you on a truly custom design and find a trustworthy builder. There are plenty of us out there if you ask around.

Thank you all so much! I think what scares me about your advice, is that when all is said and done, is finding the right architect, buying the land and then building the dream home, (using our heads and our hearts along with our wallets) - is it more expensive in the end? Thoughts?

keep an eye on whats available not new in your price range as well. it keeps your head clear to know whats available in all categories.

Of course Custom is always more expensive than cookie cutter. Cookie cutter is always more expensive than buying existing. Smaller homes are more expensive per square foot than larger ones. Complicated foundations and roofline are more expensive than simple. You are talking about building the most expensive combination of factors than can possibly be built. $200 a square foot would be about the dirt floor cheapest that you could do real custom, in a cheap cost of living area, like rural Alabama. The sky is the limit. $1000 a square foot isn't unheard of in some in demand urban areas.

Thanks so much all. It's a lot to think about - the scary thing is all of the unknowns of diy - we are 55 plus so there is no room for error - Sophie Wheeler - they told us the same - building a 2700 sq ft ranch is as expensive as a 5K sq ft - the area is about $225 -$275 sq ft to build - he is offering about $295 with only 2 options of 30" cabinets - 2 options of granite counter - 1 floor option - 1 bath vanity option - no fridge or w/d... I think a tough negotiation may be the way to go, without being upgraded to the moon, we are hoping for a half acre, 25-2700 sq ft ranch or cape, open floor plan, master on first, office, 2-3 car garage - and hopefully all within 700K. New York real estate is not cheap - but the markets only just coming back. Keeping my fingers crossed and I needed some great advice. Thank you

May I suggest that you look into working with an Interior Designer. They can help you in keeping the cost down and it will be beneficial to have someone that has knowledge of all the ins and outs of building to keep the builder in check but can help you navigate the building process at a cost you are comfortable with. Building a new home is lots of fun. If you have the right people doing it.

Having worked for builders in the past, I would say do your homework and stick to your budget. There are so many variables for the the builder and you both.
The base price home at, say $700,000 ,should come with a specific list of all standard features and descriptions of the main components. ie Moen faucets, Hardi Plank siding, etc.
If what you wish to add or change pushes the price above your budget, then this is not the builder for you.builders do make money selling upgrades, but no one says you have to get them all. Choose the things that are easier/harder to change later vs what you must have now.
Shop all active adults' communities and look for completed homes that are for sale at a discount, those are always a better deal.
Most importantly, go with your gut feeling about the builder, if you have a ad vibe, figure out why. Don't beat up the sales person, they are only doing the best they can given the parameters they have to work with.
Good luck.

Thank you Sunny - it was the builders son (works with his dad) who we met with - and if the fearures were high end to begin with, then the starting price may warrant it - but to limit choices that are not real choices at all is frustrating. We have a lot more talking with them to do, and may go with asking for the better changes to begin with, and choose any other extras carefully. It's a little scary going in and we want to get the best bang for our buck!

Here are a few things to consider when comparing cost. Does the $295/sf include land cost or just the home construction? Can you find the right piece of property if you chose to build a custom home? If you go custom you will have the cost of design in addition to the cost of construction. I assume the design cost is built into the $295/sf. Also, my experience has taught me that full custom is not always the best fit for some homeowners. Too many choices can make decisions hard for some. How comfortable are you wading through all of the questions and options that go with designing a custom home? Are you able to find a designer that can meet you needs and expectations. Finally, your schedule may have an impact on your decision. Custom homes take time to do right. It is not unusually for me to spend 12-18 months working with a client on their design before construction begins. Choosing to do a custom home and then trying to rush through the design/build process to meet a schedule will make it hard to achieve the best results. In the end you need to be happy with the design, comfortable working with the designer and/or builder and the quality of their work. The process to get there can be daunting, but it is worth the effort to get it right. Good luck.

BRT, thank you so much for your advice. Yes, we are patient, - it is home and land - and we are no rush since we already live in a beautiful,yet large home we need to sell - so what I have learned is to be patient, now exactly what I want, see if this builder can give us what we want in within our budget - and to forge ahead and just do it!!