If you get nothing else from this web site, remember this:
Your building project is your project. It is your money. It is not the builder's project nor is it the builder's money. You have every right to know where, why, and how your money is spent. Your builder has no right to keep that information from you unless you let him by signing a contract that takes that right from you.
Before signing a contract with any builder email us at help@buildingcontract.org and we'll try to help you avoid the mistakes that we paid dearly for.