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Just to jump in regarding working with an architect and timing - we started out the process working with an architect. This is our second build so we had a really good idea of what we wanted and thought we had a productive meeting with the architect. Then, it took 3-4 weeks to get the preliminary drawings, which weren't close to what we had in mind, and also which would have resulted in a home almost double our budget according to the first couple of builders we met with (the architect was aware of our budget and also supposedly "in the know" with cost to build a home and would make sure to give us a design that "would work" within our budget). So, we completely changed course and ended the relationship with the architect (luckily our agreement with him had various stages, so we only owed a small fee for the first round of drawings). When we met with builders we had a list of floor plan must haves & finishes and asked if they had any floor plans that met most of our must haves, with the level of finishes we wanted within out budget. We found a builder that had just built a house that was almost the exact floor plan we were looking for. I think this saved us a lot of time as we didn't have any back and forth with an architect and the builder could quickly/easily bid the job. I have to laugh looking back on it now because we essentially described that we wanted a colonial style (ie, basically a rectangle with a very simple roof line, so it should have been do-able and probably under our budget knowing what I've learned from the GW threads since then!). Not sure how the architect missed the mark on that one.

Interesting responses. A few more points. First I forgot to say I wouldn't assume it to be collection, only that it's not legitimate. I realize that some of these calls and such can catch you off guard so you might slip and say or do some things you wouldn't normally. I would suggest to not give them ANYTHING. Don't say that he's your husband, don't say he does or does not know someone, etc. Give them NO info. If they ask "do you know ___?" My standard question is "Why do you ask?" If they so much as ask if you are talking on a telephone, again, "why do you ask?" Until you are completely comfortable it's legitimate, and you're confident you know WHY they're calling and what they intend to do with the information I would assume the call is sinister and it can be to your own detriment. As for what would a caller hope to accomplish? Sheesh. You really don't know? What does ANY scammer hope to accomplish? My experience in crime prevention, personal experiences and a diverse background has made me skeptical of peoples' intentions. I've seen too many good people have bad situations. Better to err on the side of caution, and that's one of the reasons why there's no doubt in my mind, since you're involved, do the right thing. One other thing, it's curious she offered to take your number out of their database, especially on the first call. Sounds very telemarketer to me. But again, I wouldn't assume anything. A collection agency simply would not. It's part of their records. They might make a note that they can't get through via this number but no way would they remove it. PI wouldn't remove it, again records. She may have said it with the intention to get on your better side to accomplish something more at that time or in a future call, but that's not too likely. Lots of bad smells to this call. Which is why I would want to know about it.

We live in South FL, In previous homes we had the textured concrete & pavers. They both needed pressure washing after time. We are building another pool now and decided to go with pavers, no staining, not slippery for kids, not 100% crazy about it but we Are going with it.