We bought the land months beforehand, and waited until we could afford to build so it took slightly less time because of that.

We started discussions with the builder in May, started building aaaaages later (can't remember exactly) and were in the house by May the following year. The main problems we had was with the builder refusing to give us quotes for double glazing as they would be too expensive, then reluctantly agreeing to get us the quote, and finally giving us excuses as to why he could not put double glazing in. we got it in the end but it felt like a constant battle.

Also there were presumptions made (like where we wanted our electricity sockets) were were told we could pick, and they were just put in without consultation (and many in the wrong places). If we built again I would be making sure I was on top of small details like that because it's the sort of thing that annoys forever.