I'd go with the floor plan you want and I want to help you get there. A couple of things to consider ...

- Put in the foundation for the floor plan you want, but don't build on the entire thing. Put the addition onto the house later.

- If you can eliminate one bathroom, it might help with the cost. Have the rough piping put in but don't complete it. Cap off the drains, for instance, but have the vent stacks in the walls. Use the bathroom space as a storage closet until you're ready to finish it. I once lived in an apartment where this was done. I'm sure it must save money or they wouldn't have done it.

- Down grade or use builder grade fixtures on items that are super easy to upgrade later. The first place I look is lighting. To save money, I'd have the builder put a box for ceiling lighting (including ceiling fan supports) and run power to them, then cap them off. You can survive by turning lamps on and off in the rooms and upgrade as money comes available.

- Leave off porches and decks or keep them very small.

- Don't skimp on windows that are installed, but if you envision French doors in the master bedroom leading to your garden, have the builder put in the header and framing but drywall right over the opening. You can easily put in the doors later.

- Flooring is usually another place to save. Let the floor be inexpensive lino or carpet. Upgrade to wood and tile - or a better carpet - as money is available.

- If you're not using a stock plan, DO hire an architect with an eye toward saving you money. Every roof ridge or valley and bump in the foundation wall costs money. Simply moving all the water rooms to one side of the house can be a big improvement. You might end up with a plan you like BETTER after the architect has straightened a few things out. This is one of those few times when spending a little money can save you lots of money later.

- Find a builder that will work with you on pricing. Some of them charge you $X per square foot then add on from there. If you're going to opt to save money by not putting in light fixtures or not having closet doors installed, make sure the builder will translate those savings to your bottom line.

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