Cost of New Construction

[jesm]

Hi, Bill and Jesm....We have been building for a year and are nearing completion! We also built on a steep slope...lots of rock to break through for the foundation & retaining wall along the Panoramica. The architect's fees and permits costs seem "standard" but took longer than expected. The foundations on a slope cost a lot...add the driveway...and retaining walls....makes the "casa" part the less expensive part! We've have a wonderful Master Builder. We highly recommend him and his "crew." He does everything: plumbing, electricity, supervising & coordinating the efforts. Avoiding middle men has saved us a lot. You are welcome to see the construction. The casa is on the Panoramica @ the Espinazo Callejon. Approximate cost per square meter? 8000-9000.........Providing the seguro for the men has given us peace of mind and is the right thing to do....We are building from the States via phone and irregular visits. Our builder and his crew are honest and reliable. ...We will stop construction for a "breather" after the second/upper floor and driveway are completed. Feel free to contact us for more info. Email us: linrod01@hotmail.com. IF YOU KNOW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN RENTING, WE ARE LOOKING FOR TENANTS. Our casa is handi-capped accessible: stepless living, driveway and parking to the front door. Three bedrooms, three and a half bath, open plan, VIEWS from terraces and balcony.

romeorico,
very informative post, thank you. especially good to get a cross-check on our anticipated costs as they seem in-line with your experience. who is your builder? we are talking with arq. francisco moran and sr. paco munoz, either seems to have a strong track record.
have faith - we built our first house in sonora,mexico via long distance from atlanta and only visited the site 4-5 times during the 18 month project and the home turned out wonderfully. the key as you have expressed it is to have an honest and capable builder and to set a payment plan that keeps his progress and your payments in alignment.
hope yours, and ours, goes as well.look forward to meeting you and sharing positive stories sometime down the road.