A while back, I had a similar experience with a pre-fab company from the Northshore. I put up a 60% deposit on construction cost, much more than most. In the end, I realized I could not afford the house and backed out.

They did good deal of work for me on the front end to build my house and get the process going, so I understood the managers rational when she explained the work involved and how much she had done for me. As a part time renovator, I know that home building is no small feat. So I looked through the all the documents she provided, realized the work involved, and just moved on. The next company I wanted to charged me 50% more than the first. Thinking back, I should have stuck with the first company, I got 40% of my money back.. I guess I just had buyers remorse.

Now it appears that the cost of construction is up to $160 per square foot, depending on choices. I hope this helps.