I'd start with who builds in that subdivision, if you like their style and options. Reputation and track record.  PLUS, they know already how to get through the HOA, development services etc approval processes. Time = money.

Your crafting of the first 8 words of this Q were not lost on me, BTW!

To offer another idea besides those already mentioned, if you are getting a construction loan, check with the lender to see who they have worked with and who is on their approved list.

Fred,

My vote is with Candice A. Donofrio .  A

I would like to see some of their work in progress, plus some they have completed.  I would also talk to the individuals who used their services.

my first stop would be at the office of the building commissioner....

then at the planning board in the town...

get the names of the top 2 oe 3 builders in the town... ask who they use for an architect .... find out who they use for subs .... 

visit the mortgage dept of the banks they use and have a discussion with the mortgage officer of the bank financing the infrastructure and construction loans.... they must be financially stable.... 

contact the state licensing board and inquire about complaints.... you could actually find that online....

that would be a good start...and then I'd interview them... asking questions about how they work their new home transactions.... cost plus profit; or flat fee; who gets the construction loan and the lot: 

will they personally guarantee the deposit in the p&s if they use it for construction .... or will they have the atty hold it in escrow.... 

that's a good start....

Will they allow interim inspections? Like before slab so orientation on lot can be verified. Pre-drywall to verify electrical runs and wall placement, etc. What is their warranty repair reputation How are pay-outs handled? Do you need a construction loan or do they build on their own dime?

Talk to your instructor.  Here's a list of previous answers.  LOL!

Sorry, can't help here.  Never built from the ground up.

Call the permit desk guy who signs off and ask his recommendation. Call two architects who worked with Kessler and Jett. Easy to find the owner of record from your title rep and ask how the process went. The permit desk can tell you how long construction took, changes, efficiencies and errors.  Have your insurance agent check his license or a lender (tax returns, liens, complaints show on systems we run)  

How many projects does the company have right now?

What's his FICO score?

Look at public records -(title company can run for you to look for liens, unpaid subs, BK...)

Get in writing his time frame and hand write your own requirements on his contract.

This would be overwhelming Fred. Really don't have an pointed ideas.

I know most of the builders in this area, and more than one has a 30+ year reputation for building quality homes. I start with those. It can depend on what a buyer is looking for and how much they want to spend. Many builders have preferred lenders that they have worked with for several years.

Reputation, quality and pricing.

Examples of their work and happiness of their customers. I also want to know if their costs magically rise beyond their estimates.

I would want referrances (especially a financial referrance) and I would also like to know how long his/her crew have been with them and what subs they use for heating and plumbing Fred Griffin 

I am with Richard Weeks on this.  I know a few in my area that I would not use ... they already did some of my homework for me by proving their quality lacks and honestly went out the open window.

I wish you all the best with this Fred Griffin 

Mainly that they have built similar housing in the past, hopefully many, and have a good track record and reputation to boot.

Fred Griffin Along with the recommendation of Candice A. Donofrio, from my own experiences of having personally designed, built, and renovated a number of homes (including some of my own), I liken builders to cars; you can read all the reports and do all the test drives, but no matter what you do, you can still end up with a lemon.

Personally, I'd talk to their subs. That's where I've always found the dirt about a builder.

Others have already given good advice. Barbara may give you more advice.

Quality, Speed, and an ability to show up when scheduled.

I second Barbara Todaro's answer. 

My first approach is that if I'm phoning a builder and he takes his time getting back to me, I don't schedule a meeting with them!

I've not gone through this process of selecting a builder.

As a principal or as a contractor himself?

Go see what they have built and if inclined interview random people. Remember builders had to pass City standards to succeed. However customer service is another thing...Also, find out who they insure with and see what standing they have with them...very revealing. Note also that established builders use the same subs. Check them out too

WEll, we have 3 great builders so I have no need to look for another

I have had three buyers hire a builder for their custom homes, and I sold the land, but did not get involved in the custom home building.   Best of luck Fred!  

I would trust Barbara Todaro answer!

Handsome, young and strong. :)

Good luck, Fred. 

How about recommendation from those who have built with them?

I speak to their past clients.