[Chip]

Originally Posted by americanized

The engineer did most of the purchases, and I was present in some of them (never had the time, live in Miami, travelled monthly to oversee what I was getting). Some big ticket items I purchase myself. Of course invoices were given. Admin fee was about 5% of total cost, well below others I spoke with (I know the guy for about 20 years, he was my english teacher in late 80s, got a break).

I cannot tell you everything was perfect. There were some expenses I could not fully control (like most labor). But at the end total cost came out well below all full-contractors were quoting me for a complete house, by about 3-5thousands per SQ meter, and also below selling price of a house right next door to mine (per sq meter, and considering land).

It sounds like you did real good then. Congrats.