How do you negotiate with a builder?

[Sean88gt]

How do you negotiate with anyone else?

[BMCSean]

Have you tried hitting them?

[03mustangdude]

Ask about warranties offered they vary builder by builder.

Those prices seem normal for a live in house. You can get a barebones for low 90 a foot but not worth it.

Write a list of your must have's and would be nice to have and give it to the builder for a complete total.

[GeorgeG.]

We finally closed on our lot and are ready to start meeting with builders. I wish we had met with builders a few months ago to save time but it just didn't happen.

This will be a complete learning experience so I'd like to go in "armed" with knowledge so I can at least smell any bs brewing, know when I can cut costs, and basically just be aware of how/where my $$$ is being spent.

We met with one builder so far, Our Country Homes. We liked the models we saw. They said we can change anything and everything if necessary. Two design levels were in the $115/sq ft and $125/sq ft....and that's just for the house. We already own the lot. My first thought was that's insane since I 'thought' that was the going builder rate...including the lot. How does one negotiate that $ amount?

When speaking with the guy, who happens to be the one that does a visual lot inspection, he also mentioned a few things.

1) Lot prep costs - unknown until an inspection is done to determine how much prep work is needed. I checked out the lot again and it slopes to the back so I'm assuming it will need dirt added...hopefully no piers, retaining walls, etc. The visual inspection is free. We're meeting next week.

2) The soils test is roughly $1,600. If/when we get to the soils test, my first thought is to order it through an independent so I get a copy of the test results...in case we decide on a different builder. Or just let them know I expect my own copy of the results.

2) He mentioned the fire hydrant is on the other side of the road so boring under the road may be needed (even though there are houses on both sides of us). That cost is unknown at this time.

Lastly, he said the septic system is $5,700. Should I have the option to use someone else for that if I can find it cheaper?

In typical George fashion, I'm probably over complicating the whole process. But I will squeeze blood from a turnip every chance I get. I know they have to make money, but I also know (or assume) they have some play room in there.