I've no advice, just commiserations. There's a house just been built where I park my car to go hiking. Really great section and fairly nice big house, seven figure property. Saw the family, young. The front of the house has been clad shockingly, real amateur-hour stuff, and it's all finished. What a nightmare. There must be professionals out there who can clean up these disputes, I guess they charge a bit. A big part of the problem is the prevalent building style. The builder/carpenter seems to do as little as possible and sub-trades do so much and they all rely on each part of the process being right. Fibro everywhere needing rendering and painting.Tin fascia with fibro soffits. Combine this with brickwork. Plasterboard walls and ceilings usually lined, plastered and painted by three sets of tradesmen. And the builder doesn't co-ordinate the work because he considers it the subbies' responsibility. Not to mention the designers/architects who put these materials/systems together in difficult places without any attention to detailing how it should work. Why all this? It's an economical system? I dunno. But done properly it's okay. So OP, good luck, hope everyone does the right thing.

Do you want cheap? Or do you want good design? It is hard to make generalistaions but a kitchen pro company will probably have a large overhead of a showroom with a number of impressive display kitchens and an in-house designer/salesperson, which will be incorporated into their pricing structure. The builder's cabintemaker won't have this overhead, but then probably isn't up to speed with the latest design trends, and will leave the choice of finishes up to you. Yes, your builder will put a percentage mark-up on his cabinetmaker as he still has to co-ordinate the other trades with the installation of your kitchen, such as the plumber, sparky, tiler etc. If it is his usual cabinetmaker then the process should be smoother and faster than bringing in a kitchen pro company who he doesn't know. If you pay to get your kitchen designed by a professional you can then compare prices from different cabinetmakers. As your new kitchen should last twenty years or so, you should be thinking about the value of good design rather than how cheap you can get it for.

Hi 1991_kid If your intention is to be cost effective there are a number of approaches that you might like to take, however, the first plan of approach would be to gather as much information as possible before you begin construction. Most of this will be achieved by having a good set of drawings specifications and a very good research on materials and labor which are available in the area with reduced transport costs. This is some of the approaches that I would take; 1. If you are thinking of using a building company to do your house to "lock up" you may need to register as "an owners builder" you can find more info here or from your private "Building Surveyor", on an internet search 2. If you are thinking of using a building company that does "Design and construct" I would have a careful read of this article on my website. http://www.newhomedesign.com.au/index.php/faqs-article-based/faq-9 3. When you are considering your design I would have an independent person preferably one that does it for a living and has a few years experience monitor or vets your design. Consulting fees might be expensive but it's the only way that you will get an independent design appraisal. 4. Eventually you will have to do your "permit drawings" - Working Drawings and specifications - in Victoria these must be done by a registered person - you do not want the Builder to be responsible for this part as the person he employs will be loyal to him as he is likely to give him further work, you will most likely just give him one job, so it would be reasonable to assume that in any consideration or dispute he will take the side of the Builder - regardless what is said at the beginning. (You may also need a town planning permit depending on your circumstances) 5. You will have to vet your possible Builders and time with your build, I suggest that even if an amount of traveling is required you eventually do this face to face with at least three of your final picks - you have to get on with your Builder so a major effort on research is definitely required. It should be clear and in writing which items the Builder will purchase on your behalf, who pays for delivery and who does the installation especially of such items like windows, doors, landscaping and so on, and which items you will purchase ... etc. Specifications are nothing more than a "list" - try to keep it simple but be specific, but make sure it is written down and signed by both parties. 6. You can only get a "true tender price" from a builder that thinks he can get the job - and you can only achieve this if you have very good drawings and specifications else even a small error of 10% may mean $30,000+ depending on your overall costs. All other prices are a guestimate - a meter squared rate by the number of squared meters will give you a price - ask the builder for the approximate meter squared rate. There are many more twists and turn in this process of part/ self-build, wish you the best with your en devours, I would be happy to consult further if requested. Regards Michael.

Do you have the skills or inclination to finish it as an Owner Builder? You would need professional advice from all involved to go this route but it may be you only viable option. Was your builder part of a company? If so, can you band together with other home owners to find a solution.