When you buy a new home, you are not just buying a structure. Along with the structure comes a package of services, and the quality of those services will have an important effect on your enjoyment of the house. Most homes come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. Since virtually every home is going to need at least minor adjustments and repairs during the first year, you should look for a builder who will provide quality service after the sale. 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. The best way to find out what kind a service a builder offers is to ask previous customers. If you are buying a detached home in a subdivision, a townhome, or a multifamily condominium, find out what the builder has recently built in the area near where you are buying. Then visit one or two of the previous projects and ask the residents about their experiences with their home and their builder.