[dataway]

Gator, thanks for the input. I know exactly what you mean. Where I am now I know excavators, builders, masons, plumbers and electricians, most I've know for decades. In a new place I'd be lost. While cost is a consideration for me, my major consideration is quality of build, quality of materials and engineering etc. So yes, the builder would be a major factor. I like the idea of materials plus percentage ( not so much at the moment, prices are crazy like you say).

I've never had a house built, I've built a couple myself as combination labor/GC, but they were simple straightforward designs, all very conventional materials and design.