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First, you'll need plans--whether selected through your builder, provided by an architect, or picked off of the internet. No worthwhile cost estimates are remotely possible without spec'ing out a particular house. Certain exterior and interior features can drive up cost per square foot tremendously.

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Although, most contractors will have a standard contract with a set price and then extras billed immediately.

My best piece of advice is DO NOT make your final payment until everything you want is 100% complete and to your liking. You won't be a priority anymore when the contractor has your money and there are tiny things that need to be fixed. You'll wait and wait for something that takes minutes to do.

You need to exercise discipline to not exceed your allowances. A little overage here and a little there can add up quickly. Also, you need to decide if you want to pay more for construction costs to save energy costs in the future. Some costs are negligee up front such as running wiring before walls and ceilings go in to give you flexibility in the future for computing and electronics. Good luck.

Just tell builder you would like to do fixed cost build vs cost plus, with builder getting flat fee for his services. You want all your budgets clearly outlined (lighting, appliances, tile, counters, plumbing fixtures,etc...). Then before signing contract visit his vendors and pick out what you would like. Ask them for a price. If they can't give you a price, its because builder is putting margin on those selections. If builder is doing flat fee project then margins on his selections is double dipping. builder can also lock his pricing in with vendors for 30 days so not huge rush but time is of the essence. Ask builder what his carrying cost are vs construction loan for you. He may get cheaper money.

Timelines are important. When builder says make your selections, make your selections. Construction has moving parts. Not all your selections are stocked or will be in stock because 8000 other people are building and making similar selections. Aside from counter slabs, selections aren't earmarked in most cases. Give builders vendor ample time to get materials in and subs to install said items on timeline given at start of project.

If you want to make small changes (slightly widen a hall, move a door over, add a can light,etc...) always go to the GC/PM, not directly to the builder. The builder will usually charge you every chance he gets, whereas if the PM is onsite he wants job finished so its easier than waiting for change orders and other bullshite paperwork. He'll just knock it out. Most cases builder will never know.

You by law get a 12 month warranty. after 11 months in the home, have a quality inspector inspect the home. Everything that inspector finds (and he will find things) make that builder accountable for. Because after 12th month any non addressed issues are your problem, not his.

Good luck!

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Light fixtures can be ridiculously expensive. Go someplace like Pine Grove in Covington with a huge selection, or do some internet comparison shopping. Similar looks are often available at a fraction of the price you find from major design retailers.

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This is fine, just be aware that selections made outside the vendors used by builder may not be warranted and may not be installed by his subcontractors. Any issues with vendor supplied materials is a phone call away, whereas that eBay user from China who saved you $200 on a chandelier is long gone.

I build homes for people with fixed pricing and as others eluded to, that is the best way to be sure not to have hidden overages. Some things will be variable, mainly site costs. So a builder can let you know exactly what a home will cost, but it will be difficult to know exactly what your land prep costs are exactly until it is done. We give estimates and breakdown what each thing should cost. If a customer is very budget fixed, we will do site prep for them and then finish picking finishes, like custom showers, based on what they can afford.
Things to expect,
1. How much it costs and understanding how banking works for loans on houses to be built. The financing end can get confusing with closings and PMI. Work with someone who does new builds not a bank that does like 2 a year. Things like downpayments can vary wildly based on bank and builder and their knowledge and offerings.
2. Timetable for being ready for construction can take a few months. The planning phase is usually longer than what people expect. The building can be the easy part of it is all planned well, but it takes time.
3. My business hires an interior designer to help people pick finishes and colors. Regardless of who or how you go about building, I would recommend to spend a little money on professional interior and exterior design.

This is advice for getting started. In you need help or advice, let me know.