The key is to have a detailed scope of work itemizing the materials and grade of materials to ensure that the contractor will complete the job for the original agreed amount. 

Seller's in most state are required to disclose material issues they know about.

They just paid for the materials and trucking, and rented a dozer that my brother operated to grade the soil.

Land in michigan is less than in texas , north texas.I will give you examples on cost differences.Material prices are the exact same price if not a little less.texas framing price per sqft $2.00plumbing $9500hvac $9500concrete Labor only $2.00 per sqft  Concrete $180yd 5 sackdrywall $10500Electric $8000Ok here are the michigan prices , better sit down.framing $13.00 sqftplumbing $25,000hvac  $20,000concrete is about the same for materialdrywall $20000electric $25000Both quotes were for a 3/2/2 home with 6/12 roof hipPeople in michigan wonder why houses are so expensive , its because of the sub contractors.The plumber only has about $5000 worth of material to do a whole house but yet there still asking for $25000

If there is a leak, the first thing that should be done is to cut a hole in the drywall or plywood to get the wet materials out. 

Is there more reading material regarding this aspect ?

I have had an internet provider require me to specify "Upr" or "lwr", but in general, just the one number.

I'm not endorsing his products, or encouraging anyone to buy anything, just making information available to fellow board members that may be in the same predicament I am (trying to learn about a process that is very complicated; is county and state specific; and information is not readily available on the internet without weeding through scammers, or high-priced gurus... or individually calling each county treasurer's office...I also came across a website: **********This is a searchable database/auction platform with both tax liens (under financial instruments) and tax deed auctions, with a calendar of upcoming auctions.

I'm not thrilled with work I've seen but I think that is b/c the homeowners chose cheap materials.3.

Materials have to be stored somewhere , usually the last room to be done .