If you don't understand the contract, or do not want to study it because it is too unpleasant, invest in having a lawyer review it and explain it to you. It is important for you to know what to expect from the builder, what he expects of you, and what you are each liable for before you sign anything. Be sure to ask your builder if he has a warranty on the homes he builds and the length of time it is in effect. Many builders have a checklist of everything to be done that is gone over carefully with the homeowner. If the carpet selected costs less, the money is reimbursed to the homeowner.
Major changes require a change order attached to the contract signed by both parties.
This provides a record of changes, particularly ones that create a difference in cost from what was specified in the original contract. Homebuilding is a lengthy and multi-faceted process. Change orders clearly assign responsibility so disputes can be avoided down the road due to forgetfulness or the misremembering of events. The goal, then, is to have the contract be as clean and free of change orders as possible. Be sure to pore over a veritable trainload of homeplans at the HomeStyles site.