Architect sent us a 2 page list of questions to have the builder answer. These are mostly minor items, but there are a couple of important issues the architect is raising based on her review of the builder's contract. So, we need an answer from builder ASAP, so architect can finish her plans, which is needed before we can get town permit to start the work.

We have not heard back from builder - Diane left message on Tue, architect left message Wed. Today is Friday. We are starting to lose confidence in the builder. At this point, if we were to cancel contract, we could probably still demand our 10k back.

Lesson learned - have architect review builder contract BEFORE going forward - architect can raise issues which can be negotiated before you make the committment to a builder.

Can't help thinking, in back of my mind, was this the right builder. We passed up offer from another builder, who has more resources, because we did not think we would get the attention. But now, we are not getting a response from this builder. Also very concerned that it has been this hard to get in touch with the builder, and we have not gotten into anything sticky yet. What's going to happen at the end of our project when we need him finishing things up?

A new issue came up - Diane spoke to architect and she recommended that we go with a higher power central air system (we have already decided to go with 2 zone system). Should be a bit extra in cost, but the architect thinks we could get most back through an energy rebate program.

Also found out today that out builder won a contract a few blocks away, same time frame. Not sure if this is good or bad, since it means the builder would certainly be around, but we might be competing for his time.

In NJ, we have three days to back out of a contract. Business days. So, we have until Wed morning to cancel. We have had a hard time reaching our builder the past couple of days, and are getting nervous. Is this a sign of things to come. A few people we have spoken to have said we are making a big mistake having a sunken family room - our plans had us with two steps down. Turns out that's a very "70s" design. So, we want to change this. Have calls into builder and architect to assess the impact.

Also, I sent email to builder (not sure if he will ever really get email), asking him to go ahead and order us the storage trailer for our lawn, and get us the largest (which is 35 foot long).