Years ago I was contracted to build a rather large home (5000 square feet under roof) by a local resident. When I looked at the plans and details of what had to be done (the plans were purchased from one of these magazines that specialize in house plans) my first reaction was there was going to be some serious money spent on this project. The homeowner, however, wanted to bring the cost down significantly. Wee were going to do this my re-specking all the door and window requirements and much of the exterior expensive details to less costly materials. This we did bringing the projected cost down by probably $150,000.
An interesting thing, though, happened when we finally came to finishing up (kitchen and bath trim out, flooring, etc). The homeowners began to select the most expensive items that can be had at that time (eg gold plated faucets, granite counter tops). This did not come out of my pocket but it was a lesson in human nature.
MyHomeIdeas.com has nice article on ho w not to blow your building budget. You can read it here: My Home Ideas
Oak Corbels