Currently loooking to purchase a Spikes complete lower, and then after I save up a little more money will look to buy a complete upper. I like the set ups on the Spikes uppers, but they are pricey. Would anyone else suggest a comparable manufacturer for a complete upper that would compete with the Spikes but at a lower price point? I do want to keep it a 1:7 barrel. 

Search this forum for Troy uppers available from Primary Arms.

The are far and away the best value for an upper out there. High quality at a low price.

You can typically find them for around $450-$500. If you sourced the parts you are over $1000 to assemble yourself.

I have 2 of them and have talked at least a dozen others into them. They have all run with out issue.

Another option is the LaRue deal that currently going on (it may have needed). Under $1000 for everything you need to build a rifle except the lower receiver. It comes with a LPK, stock, complete upper, receiver extension, action spring, and buffer. It’s all LaRue parts so it’s very high quality. 

I've used the Troy uppers and also Palmetto State Armory premium uppers and Delton uppers. 

If you go for the Troy uppers make sure you don't go for the ones with the stainless steel barrels those are only 1:8 barrels. All other Troy models are 1:7 I believe. 

Are you buying your lower built or are you going to build it yourself? It's pretty straight forward and lots of videos on YouTube. If your first build I can understand your hesitation. Also be prepared to have the barrel pinned if threaded and also get the compliant muzzle as most uppers are not NJ compliant if threaded. 

Stag arms has an SBR 14.5" barrel that comes out to 16" with a yankee hill machine break that comes pinned and welded and NJ compliant on their site. It's a bit cheaper than some of the spikes I've seen around $350 or so and currently on sale.