PLANTATION BUILDERS

We went with a service where the builder purchased the lot that we selected, and we would have one closing when the home was ready. The estimate of the home was $240,000 at fixed price, including well, septic, and driveway. Marcus convinced us that we would be able to save money utilizing a "cost-plus" agreement, where we would pay actual builder cost plus 10%. As is usual, the 10% upcharge did not apply to the cost of the lot ($67.5k). After the foundation was laid, Marcus stopped building and told us he would not continue until we had purchased the lot from him. We had the choice to agree or to walk away. We decided to purchase the lot. After the fact, Marcus gave us a new contract and told us that, with us owning the lot, we would need to sign the new contract, which was identical to the old one, it just changed on the first page that we would own the lot. One could say we were naive to believe that, so we signed the contract. Just to find out that on the last few pages Marcus had added that we also pay 10% on the lot price, a scam that cost us $6,750. Initially the building cost was right on budget, but in the final stages suddenly all kinds of "additional invoices" from the contractors came in (that we were never shown). Framing was suddenly 40% over budget, plumbing was 110% over budget, electrical was 35% over budget. So the lot we purchased had a working well, a working septic, and a completed driveway (the old house had burned to the ground), so that should have reduced our cost by approx. $13k. Well, when all was added up, our total cost was $265k, so we were $38k over budget. (Cost $265k - (quoted $240k - $13k cost avoidance for well, septic, driveway)). About the building: we had to constantly be on top of everything or it didn't get done properly. Insulation was not done as per the agreement (foam vs. matting), plumbing had to be redone, electrical upgrades were not performed initially. Some of the agreed upgrades were just not done, and could only be done at an additional cost which we did not want to incur. Now, after 9 months, the first warranty claim (plumbing) was refused. Luckily it was an easy fix so I did it myself. On the 30-day walk-thru list 6 items were claimed. As of today one of them has been completed. The kitchen counters will be taken out next week for the 2nd time to be rebuilt. We love the house since it was our own design. We love the neighborhood, and because the upgrades we insisted on and had fixed, our energy costs are low. But the builder experience was not good at all. And this is the 2nd home we had built, so we know what a good builder experience looks like. Marcus talks a good talk, about being a good Christian person. However, his actions do not at all support that. Beware!