Appreciate the great feedback as usual! On the garage expansion, they base is on sq. ft. @ $52. The original was 286, hence the $14,900 figure. The expanded one added 140, which is where the extra ~$7,300 came from. The overall width did increase, so larger trusses had to be ordered. I do agree that 2 corners are eliminated and the build was easier with the rectangular shape it now is, and the linear feet of Superior Wall was close to the same, if not slightly less. Definitely good points to bring up during final settlement if we end up being negatively suprised.
I know the water heater allowance is high. The one we're getting is $1150 from Lowes. I think their standard allowance is like $450 or so, so we should get a credit of about $800 there.
Also, we are not doing the 20' x 20' concrete pad in front of the garage (which I thought was very high at $5.750). It will just be gravel for now and the the whole driveway will get paved a year or so from now once everything has settled.
I'm tracking the cost of the eletrical and plumbing based on the numbers from the draft schedule, and what I can purchase those items for. I did get the detailed cost breakdown from eplans as well for my zip code for the labor portion as well.
We also purchased all the appliances up front, so whatever the standard allowance for those are, would need to be subtracted out as well. We also had the well installed, including the cost of the permit, and I have a spare well pump that will be used. Plus I will likely do most of the final grading myself.
The foreman/builder I work with on a daily basis has worked with/for many different builders in the area, and he says these guys are great and honest and really try to get the customer the best deal in the end. So I'm staying optimistic for now that when we settle everything in the end, we be pleasantly suprised and that they build in quite a bit of safety margin or whatever you want to call it.
From this thread, I can go back and see how many hours/days was spent on each task, such as building the deck, and I know roughly how many guys were working on each piece, so I have a pretty good idea about the labor as well.
As I said, I'm staying positive that this will all work out well in the end and that the actual total will come in less than the contracted price. There have certainly been a lot of changes along the way that swing things in both directions. Will be interesting to see what the bottom line ends up being.