What do you plan to do on the space? Why is the current deck/patio space not serving you needs? Knowing those answers would help define which is the best option.

They estimate a 20-year life expectancy for a mini-split versus 12-15 years for a conventional system in their climate zone. It's not a controlled study, but they make a good case for the extended life expectancy. How many repairs to that system in that time frame? An HVAC contractor issuing an opinion is often fraught with enriching said contractor. Someone "selling you" is more interested in "selling" than anything else. That does little for you in the scope of an estimated 20 year life. It doesn't take long for "most people" to understand they are being sold and not in a good way. I tell it like it is, 9 times out of 10 you're not going to like what I have to say. Anything out side of that is a gimmick or bold faced lie --- You choose the verbage you like ___________________. I posted a video before of a HVAC brother in arms of mine in the UK that services alot of this type of 'mini split' equipment showing one after the other of broken mini splits. Would you like to see that video again? I know you're easily sold Charles, but most people I know aren't like you or any of your friends. LOL. Big smiles and a mild chuckle.

I think my total lumber package dropped about 25% BUT it will depend on the home. Understand that "lumber futures" is the spot pricing of boxcar quantities of sawn lumber. A box car is a few homes worth. We use sawn lumber (2x4s/6s/8s/10s etc) for walls. Truss, truss joist & sheet manufactures use as raw materials. Manufactured products will also be driven by labor, hardware and resin costs. Is your lumber in an allowance or does your builder have to guarantee? There is builder risk in the guarantee, consumer risk in the allowance.

Investigate the area you want to build in to see what local residential architects practice in the area. Talk to each one of them to find out their abilities, services, fee structure, and to see how you think they will be to work with. Not all architects are the same.