I think that one thing you need to do is discuss the whole situation with a really good construction attorney. You don't have to let your builder know you've hired a lawyer or anything, but I think you need to understand exactly where you stand given your specific contract, signed change orders, and the new unsigned change orders. And I think a lawyer should read through any letter before you send it, just to make sure you're not accidentally obligating yourself to something that wouldn't otherwise be your responsibility. I wouldn't worry about the builder talking about you in an unflattering way. It sounds like he's pulled this same "pay me an extra 50k" stunt at the end of other jobs, so frankly his credibility isn't very good. If you haven't closed yet, I think you should also consider delaying closing until at least the larger problems (plumbing etc) are fixed, and holding back money to cover the rest. I also would worry about the photovoltaic array being left in the flood setback area - maybe it's no big deal, but it just seems like something that might come back to bite you when you go to sell the house. I actually like the idea of bringing your realtor friend along. It would be a good reminder to him that his actions will affect how other clients and potential clients view him, without you having to spell it out quite so bluntly. It sounds like you've been on top of the details during your build, and that will be a big asset to you now. Keep your head in any phone calls or meetings, and don't feel obligated to agree to anything on the spot. And hang in there!

Well then....you will have to think of something unusual to use as a punch bowl, won't you? How about using a glass bowl inside something else? Also there are lots of milk glass punch bowls on eBay... Linda C Here is a link that might be useful: White Punch bowls

Rosie, I'm on AOL so when I see your photo in the gallery I click on Favorite Places and it saves it to my side menu I then copy and paste the url for your photo page in the Optional Link URL space and then give it a name for Name of Link. Try it and see if it works for you. FIRST post to the gallery THEN make your message over here and include the gallery link page.

I don't see grey as much of a punch!! but I do like the idea of colour inside some of the upper cabinets. I've seen some lovely pictures in books and magazines with bright colours painted inside. It does look sort of country, though. Is that what you want? Check out the Long House kitchen #5 http://www.plainenglishdesign.co.uk/longhouse-5 This is a cream kitchen so not quite the same, but the punch of colour is gorgeous! With white cabs you might want to do more of a pastel, but I'd go for a real colour rather than grey. I'd worry it would just look sort of dingy inside the cabinets. What colour dishes or glass wear will you put inside them? Maybe thinking about that will help you decide on a colour.