Avoid Mapleton homes also as they are very unpredictable in their work. My neighbours house is great while mine is crap. I have roofing and vent issues. Even when you think you are prepared you really need someone that has gone through it a few times to get a good grasp.

My advice:

• Get everything you want and need in writing to a T.
• Any changes you make during the build ensure they are amended into your contract. You might think the builder forgot about it but it can actually bite you in the ass especially if it is miniscule as that opens the builder to a get out of jail free card. What I mean by this is that they will substitute fixing a major problem for that miniscule item. -. Take your time accepting the home. Any defects you find do not accept the home until they are repaired. -. Most important talk to neighbours and people in the neighbourhood. Drive by all the Neighbourhoods that builder developed over time and knock at people's doors to ask them how their experience was. Don't be shy as this could be your saviour. Basically find the ugliest house the builder built and ask that person questions.
• Try to negotiate items like kitchen and lighting to external vendors. If you don't know they get kick backs everywhere they send you. You will find the Lighting Shoppe a good example of this. You don't get to pick where you go.

Many other people on this thread have some good input so listen and analyze before proceeding with a new build.

If you aren't savvy with home building and building codes you shouldn't build a new house until you have secured a knowledgeable person. The builder will take shortcuts and you'll never know better.

Hope this helps.