Make sure they understand this is not a new build and if middle of the road pricing is what you want middle of the road house is what you will get. I have no idea what you mean by non traditional framing but anything out of the usual will cost more.IMO you need an architect , a designer and a contractor not anew home builder.

@User Always thought remodels were more affordable since its so common. If the home already has good bones and the remodel is light it should be cheaper right? Basically I was thinking of taking a small bungalow and adding an expansion. and then updating the main bungalow cosmetically as well as some light structural (merging rooms, redo bath's, kitchen) etc.

Kashi, I used to think the same thing until I looked into remodeling and adding an addition to our 1930 farmhouse. New construction is definitely cheaper (buying an existing house with everything you want is cheapest of all).