We've been going through this for nearly a year. The design really is simple. We have a cape, and the right side has enough footage for us to add 16ft, 2 story addition and not encroach on the neighbors property.
We've had no less than 5 architects walk out because we asked innocent questions like :"Is there any flexibility in your price?" "Can you recommend a builder that is particularly GOOD and perhap a bit HUNGRY with the market the way it is?" You would think I was asking them to sell a kidney.

So we found a builder who wants about $100K. Now keep in mind that this figure does not include carpet, tiles, painting, fixtures (ie bathroom), etc etc etc. We realise that a tile can cost $1 or $100, but we're not looking to construct the Taj Mahal. Just a place when my son and his wife come for visits with their own bathroom. The upstairs is merely a box with an additional master bath (again, no golden faucets). It appears to me (and admittedly this is not a subject I know well) that $150 a sq ft is a bit excessively when we are adding only about 760 sq feet.

So if there is someone who can school me in where to go look for quality builders, and equally compentent architects, I would be eternally grateful.
In the meantime, we're trying to find (via Craigslist) someone who can upgrade our bathroom which is circa 1945. It's a 5 X 7 room and Pat's already selected the tiles for the floor and the top. and a few odds and ends and we are up to $4000. Is it possible to find someone who'll rip out the old sheet rock (ps, there is no mold or damage of any kind) and greenboard, run the pipes, install the next wall board and put in the fixtures and new tile for an additional $4000 - $6000, so my total cost is $10K.

Give me a reality check...Am I living in the past? I though builders were hungry (not to appear opportunitistic), but maybe its a win-win for both of us. I'm not looking for CHEAP, just good work at a fair price..

Your feedback is quite welcome..just keep the insults to a minimum please. And did I mention we are in no rush...

Thanks is advance to my X5 buddies

ED in Metuchen, NJ 08840