If it were me, I'd prefer to pay as I go. Help and sufficient time allocated as needed. Fair for both as far as the hours go. Do you think you will need 160-200 hours of her time, with the package? Or are you fairly independent and somewhat sure of your taste and decisions, able to research options on your own. The other thing is, what happens if you do the package then you find she doesn't really understand your style or you don't care for what she has to offer? What draws you to this designer? Have you seen her work and liked it? Have you checked out others? This post was edited by snookums2 on Sun, Nov 10, 13 at 21:57

I have double checked the quotes and they appear apples to apples related to options, glass, etc. I did find one error - both quotes had some units for a daylight basement, but ends up due to lot topography I won't be able to go that route. The Kolbe quote had a multi unit notated as basement - when in reality it is on the main - so when I pulled that out to compare quotes that was in error. When I add it back in and made sure that both quotes had the same number of units and configuration the figures have tighten quite a bit between the two offerings. (NOTE: I have been told Kolbe had a 4% price increase at the start of the year. Can anyone confirm? I have been told and I was working off a quote from December. The rep told me they passed some of the increase to me and absorbed some in their margin to moderate the increase from the December quote. The Marvin quote was just given in the last couple of weeks so I certain that is current pricing) In any case, now here are the final figures: Marvin Ultimate - $26,282 Kolbe Ultra Sterling Line - $23,905 (this includes a 3% discount if I pay in full via cash/check when the order is placed - have not inquired if Marvin distributor would offer same) So Millworkman - you were absolutely correct when you questioned the original price differential I noted between the two offerings. Thanks! So now with the Kolbe representing about a 10% savings over the Ultimates, does that sway opinion? If Marvin would offer the same 3% discount for full payment thus making it a 7% differential does that sway opinion?

I’m not sure I haven’t deleted anything. I do take everyone’s comments seriously but some of the things people were pointing out cannot be changed right now or we don’t want it to be changed. Thank you for pointing out the cabinets I will look into it for sure. I’m very confident that our house will be built to our standards we have walked through many of our builders homes and have even talked with past customers who say they love their homes and the craftsmanship that was put into it. When it comes to contentment it is partly that for sure at least for my husband and I. When you see houses or interiors you wish you could have but at the end of the day know you cannot afford it you do have to be content. There was a home plan from our builder that we absolutely loved but no way we could have afforded it so we looked at every other plan they had until we found this one that was in our budget and loved equally. It won’t be the biggest fanciest house in our subdivision but it works perfectly for us the way it is. When I asked about changes I meant interior color choices or our carpet, tile, quartz etc...not layout changes or anything like that because we don’t have the budget for that nor do we want it changed so I guess I should have been more clear. I get that everyone’s advice here is invaluable and I’m glad I was given it and I do appreciate it. But we are keeping our home the way it is.

Googling "spreadsheet for homeowner design decisions" turned up quite a few.