We just moved into our new house which was built by AV Jennings (which got taken over by a Japanese company, Sekisui House, Half way through)

We had no major dramas, lots of little things though. DH checked on the house most days so was able to keep an eye on things such as they started gyprocking before the gas had been sorted and the sound proof batts weren't in. DH is a cabinet maker and works for a timber yard so he has some industry knowledge. I think the big thing is having someone who knows a bit about construction keep an eye on things.

The other thing is plan ahead. Tghink about extra power points, where you need light switches, antenna points etc. Getting things done at the time of the build is heaps cheaper than doing it after.

Check prices or some things as getting extras done by the builder can be quite dear, they often add 40%+ The contractor that got the job for the electrical work contacted us and asked if we wanted anything else done directly through them. We saved $60 per downlight doing it that way!

Remember if something is not in your contract you are not going to get it so triple check your contract and keep asking questions.

Most display homes have a lot of extras including things like trims and bulkheads which you might expect to be included

The home one forum has some great threads on things to think about before you build right down to the tiny details heaps of which we would never have thought of

Good luck building it can be fun and we were lucky it wasnt too stressful