We could still back out now...but we are somewhat invested. We put $48,000 down on the land, and paid $2,500 out-of-pocket for the house plans. Plus the builder has put a lot of hours into getting all the bids and estimates for us. He is a friend of a friend and we feel a bit obligated after all this work.

We *could* afford the high estimate - but it would be really tight. About $200 a month more than we wanted to pay. Which means my husband can't get his precious Dodge Durango - or, we'd need to cut down my daugther's hours at daycare, go back to just part-time morning preschool....and go back to me & my husband working opposite shifts. I really don't want to *have* to do that.

It's just bugging me that he's focusing so much attention on DOORKNOBS!!! I just dont' get it.