Ideally your program is more than just "blueprints." You should have a selections document that identifies all the finishes, fixtures, and even construction materials or techniques. In order to prevent the dreaded "allowances" and "change orders." This document spells out exactly what you want, so that pricing can be accurate.

You avoid "Oh, you wanted those tiles laid in a herringbone pattern? That will be another $1200."

I suspect your initial meeting with each of the contractors will be more of a get acquainted, and "how's your available schedule?" than anything very much more detailed. If your documents are not complete (sounds like they are not), be sure to include a dated, written list of any and all work to be included which is not covered in the documents.

The more you specifically identify, the less will be the allowances and surprises later in the game. Obviously, the more complete are your drawings and specifications, the less misunderstandings later.

How will you contract for building with each of the builders? Lump sum? Or the not advisable opposite--time and materials? Or some other method for a construction contract? The point is that there are many methods for a construction contract--it's all about risk management and who's interests are being protected.

If you don't understand the differences in construction contracts you should read up and be informed when you have your first meeting.

Keep in mind that for a contractor to prepare detailed bids, suitable for a construction contract, it will take at least a couple of weeks, since various sub-contractors will have to prepare and forward their bid prices to the general contractor.

Good luck--exciting times!

Most of us have lots of experience purchasing tangible products (e.g., cars, stereos, TVs, furniture, clothing, etc.) and less experience purchasing services. When it comes to choosing a custom home builder you're choosing a service provider--not a product. So, think about how you choose other service providers: doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, car mechanics, tailors, dry cleaners, landscapers, etc. Our default mode is to fall back on criteria for selecting products: what kind of tile do you recommend? What kind of windows do you install? Do you use adhesive and nails when installing your subfloors? But such criteria won't get at the key issues.

The first meeting shouldn't focus on specifics like I've listed above. Rather, it should be aimed at assessing whether a particular builder is a good fit for your needs. Your goal is to leave the first meeting with enough information for you to want to 1.) come back for more information or 2.) take the particular builder off the list of potential builders for your custom home.

Ask open-ended questions. Ask about each builder's processes and controls during construction. How do they ensure you get the home you want in the time frame you want it and for the agreed upon cost? Ask to see samples of how they manage communications with clients, requests for changes, on-site meetings, construction scheduling, warranty service issues, etc. Ask about their experience building homes of similar style and size to what you want.

Please don't show them your plans, do an "information dump" (I want granite counters and a tile backsplash, a free standing tub, yadda, yadda, yadda) and and ask them for a price to build it on your lot ("I'm not going to hold to this, but.... " That question takes a lot of time to answer and shouldn't be the key criterion for selecting your builder. Nor should you bother asking it of folks inappropriate for your needs.

Best wishes for a successful project.

Add to ARG's list:

-Sign only Mickey Mouse's name to any documents.