The quality of a new home will in large measure be determined by the skill of the builder who constructs it. That's why you should shop for a builder as carefully as you shop for the features of a home. A good place to start is the local builders association in your area.
Most builders associations can provide a list of their builder members.
The real estate section in the local newspaper is a good source of information about builders who are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay. Also ask friends and relatives for recommendations. When shopping for a new home from a particular builder, you should try to talk to people who have purchased homes from the builder. Don't be shy about approaching people. Even knock on some doors if you have to.