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I'm not going to get into the list of things to think about for new home construction, it is massive and I'm not even close to an expert.
The biggest and most vital thing is your builder he/she will be the key to success for you. My Dad is a builder and checks the sites everyday (other then when he is hunting or out of town, but he checks the immediately upon return). I don't see that being too much to as for out of a builder either.
Anyway, as far as costs going over and such. I've talked with my Dad about this in the past and apparently it is a fairly common problem that can somewhat be avoided. He does not pass any costs on to the homeowners UNLESS it is a homeowner issue that caused the overage (i.e. plan changes mid build...etc). He has been building houses, framing or something home related for around 45 years now. Not much catches him by surprise.
I would definitely make sure you have scheduled meetings with the builder that he/she agrees on. Once every two weeks should be fair, no less then once a month and no more then once a week IMO. Don't jump his balls for every flaw you see, a good test is to nicely ask about various problems and he/she (oh FFS, who am I kidding...HE) should answer with...
a. The reason it is not a flaw (as perceived by the untrained eye) and why something is the way it is and how it'll be cosmetically or otherwise taken care of...
b. When it'll be fixed, cause he knew about it already.
c. He won't have a clue it was there, which obviously happens that a builder will miss something. However, if this option happens over and over you need to be concerned. If a. and b. happen, just bring up your punch list in the meetings you have - chances are he'll be working the issues already.
A good builder will scold, fire and so forth his subs to make sure his end product is as flawless as possible.
Anyway, IMO it is all about the builder. You may think you know a lot, but chances are a good builder knows way more and that's the key to a good finished home.
Take care
The biggest and most vital thing is your builder he/she will be the key to success for you. My Dad is a builder and checks the sites everyday (other then when he is hunting or out of town, but he checks the immediately upon return). I don't see that being too much to as for out of a builder either.
Anyway, as far as costs going over and such. I've talked with my Dad about this in the past and apparently it is a fairly common problem that can somewhat be avoided. He does not pass any costs on to the homeowners UNLESS it is a homeowner issue that caused the overage (i.e. plan changes mid build...etc). He has been building houses, framing or something home related for around 45 years now. Not much catches him by surprise.
I would definitely make sure you have scheduled meetings with the builder that he/she agrees on. Once every two weeks should be fair, no less then once a month and no more then once a week IMO. Don't jump his balls for every flaw you see, a good test is to nicely ask about various problems and he/she (oh FFS, who am I kidding...HE) should answer with...
a. The reason it is not a flaw (as perceived by the untrained eye) and why something is the way it is and how it'll be cosmetically or otherwise taken care of...
b. When it'll be fixed, cause he knew about it already.
c. He won't have a clue it was there, which obviously happens that a builder will miss something. However, if this option happens over and over you need to be concerned. If a. and b. happen, just bring up your punch list in the meetings you have - chances are he'll be working the issues already.
A good builder will scold, fire and so forth his subs to make sure his end product is as flawless as possible.
Anyway, IMO it is all about the builder. You may think you know a lot, but chances are a good builder knows way more and that's the key to a good finished home.
Take care
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