Most builders have probably had the following discussion, or something like it, at some point in their negotiations with almost every prospective customer-owner. Owner: How long do you think the construction of my house will take? Do you think we can close by September 1? Builder: We will try to shoot for September 1, but you should know that just about anything can happen when you're constructing a building. Owner: I don't want to be pushy, but it's really important that I'm into my house by then. I want enough time to move in before my kids start school, and besides, the lease on the place I'm living in ends August 31. This is really important to me -