1. check the builder's credit.Good builder should have good review, then you can trust more.
2. take pictures of model home. The contract should subject to this type of model home.
3. During building process if you want to upgrade, always ask the thirty party to bid their price, so they won't charge you more.
4. visit the home during building, easy and early to find problem and solve it.
Contract usually is standard as a builder. If you have concern, you can negotiate with builder. At least my experience didn't get into trouble.
Good build can avoid problem, this is the key.