Decisionmaker and all others who are having a rough time, I hope things get better soon my heart goes out to you hearing your stories and frustration. Someone compared this process to pregnancy and childbirth and I think that is true. Dreamed of, prayed for, all that fun in 'planning' :), then when you are actually expecting it is so exciting then it is so scary, then you feel sick for...months...then you feel better then the last weeks drag on and on and finally you don't think you can take it and then after great work and pain you get the greatest gift you have ever known and forget all the bad things and feel the joy. I hope you will all feel the joy SOON. For myself, I tend to be a 'researcher' and feel empowered even in the midst of a stressful situation if I am prepared for it and know why things are happening. So I am wondering, if you could share what in particular has caused you the most stress and if you could have done anything to avoid it or if it is just a part of the building process? Beehappy2007, I immediately thought of The Owner Builder Book, and Amy Johnston's Book when you asked about resources so there is a second recommendation for you. As for your land purchase, I am sure a lawyer will tell you this, or even an escrow officer: get a title report and make sure there is a provision for title insurance in the contract. You might also check on the availability of utilities and water. If there are going to be higher than average costs for septic, utilities or water or if there are zoning restrictions or easments it can affect the 'usability' of the land and therefore affects the value. Bellamay, From this and other posts I have read from you, you seem to be a builder with integrity that truly cares about your customers and others who are building homes. Perhaps you could share from your point of view how some of the stress and heartache can be avoided...or at least lessened? I know I would appreciate any helpful advice on how to have a smoother build and I'm sure others would too. Thanks.

LAURA12:: You didn't see your name at the top of two of these replies in bold, to the right of a pink star, one response each for your two posts? :P This forum has provided me with some great feedback, but the layout, search features and almost everything about the website itself could be improved and made more user friendly. 'Skeptical', maybe. Maybe 'ignorant', 'naive' or 'just starting' plus 'stubborn' (or if we're gonna be friends, 'determined') would more precisely describe my mentality lol. I saw FHA, new construction and other very affordable down % and took that into my want for a custom home, not realizing that the custom requires more up front. Your cost breakdown is quite helpful and the $150/sqft mark makes sense when I consider the prices I've seen for houses other than ticky-tacky. This one here we're currently renting sold last April sold for something like $91/sqft, and the more I'm seeing, the more I realize how good a deal that purchase was. I'm now more strongly leaning toward more of a mass construction and I'll be sure to keep asking about any kinds of alterations with regards to resale value. You mentioned something about affordable contractors in the area?

Amielynn: First of all, a huge thank you to you and your husband for your service!! I hope his disability doesn't prevent him from enjoying his life and family. My DH retired in 1985 (yup! we're old), so I know all the struggles of military life you've been through. He was a pilot in Viet Nam, shot down, but no permanent disability. He did go through prostate cancer treatments (agent orange). Now to your windows. My biggest advice if this is your long term home, is to not rush into anything. I like the idea of those temporary shades in areas where you need privacy .. bedrooms and baths. I had Sherwood Shutters in a previous home, and loved them. They were so much better made than the ones in the store. They were like a piece of furniture. We did the entire house, a little at a time. A lot easier to clean than wood blinds, although I love wood blinds, too. I liked the fact that the entire shutter could be opened all the way when I chose. Good luck in your new home! And, again, many thanks!

Lots of variables I would consider before doing this. Your inspiration pic appears more as a spa, not a bathing tub. Where would you keep your razor, shampoo and soaps? On the floor next tot he tub? Where would you grab your towel when you are done, and wet and naked? I suppose you could have a free standing towel rack next to it. And cleaning it? Ugh, you'd have to get in there, in a bathing suit :) How else do you reach the corners to clean it? Or lay on the ground with some sort of extender brush. My aunt had a step down bathtub built into the corner of her master in a house they bought that was built in the 80's and she had it removed after a year for several reasons. They are in their early 70's and found it very hard to get in and out of, they were afraid of their grandchildren "falling" into it and she had a very hard time cleaning it, even with cleaners bi-weekly. It still accumulated soap scum that she had a hard time reaching, to clean. I thank a freestanding claw foot or pedestal bath is much more common and practical IMO, but I'm sure there are others out there that have the sunken tub and love it.