I don't know why this comparison would be any different or would draw controversy compared to other comparisons. 

He took a lot of money from me ( deposit plus construction loan draw), but nothing was ever done on my lot. 

Here's the other consideration. 

My post rate has went down considerably as of late.

In any case I of course need to actually talk to my landlord, but I'm feeling better about that conversation the more points that are brought up for consideration beforehand.

We have trades we use on jobs and know what they will charge which is often considerably less than what Joe Homeowner would pay for the same job . . . the trades know we will be using them again and again. 

It looks like most of them have been listed for 2-3 months, so you aren't unique.Another consideration is your distance from the city. 

Upon first draw or at C/O?

https://www.qcnews.com/news/investigations/unfinished-business-multiple-homeowners-claim-nc-builder-took-bank-draws-cash-and-left-their-homes-unfinished/?

Companies have considerable flexibility in choosing where to set up new operations.