Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart

1- Experience is good
2- Will there be any import costs? Shipping? The cost to communicate and get the design right might also be greater then dealing w/ a US builder. I heard of "unexpected costs making the end cost difference less then hoped for.
3- That there are many US builders doing well enough to keep it up says to me that our market bears their prices. That you feel otherwise suggests that you are under budgeted for a custom frame. But that's just my opinion. I have found that you pretty much get what you pay for. less cost usually has less value somehow, somewhere, Sometimes in places not noticed or where some would consider important.
4- This point has no argument. Andy.