Check daily at the construction site to see how work is proceeding and that plans are being followed. Meet at least weekly with the construction foreman to monitor progress and to make sure that your intentions stated in the contract are clearly understood. Most important, remember that every change to a contract costs money, sometimes lots of money, so be sure you know what you want and expect before construction begins. If you have the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, and the persistence of a pit bull, you can go it alone and get your own permits to build or finish up what a contractor roughs in for you. First, you need a General Building Permit for drywall and any type of carpentry work.
Electrical work requires an electrical permit obtained by a licensed electrician.
Plumbing work requires a plumbing permit, also obtained by a licensed plumber. And every one of these permits requires at least one scheduled inspection at specific stages of construction. Maui requires inspection within 90 days from issuance of the permit, so the meter's running once the permit's approved. If you're starting from the ground up, add in a foundation inspection and a framing inspection. Do it wrong, and the inspector can require you to tear it out and do it again.