Another key thing to find out about the builders who you consider is the quality and durability of their work
. Sure, that house may look great now - but how will it look in five years? Ask for references to customers from at least five years ago, then go and see how their houses are holding up. If there are several readily-apparent issues with the houses, that can't be explained away by normal wear and tear, you'll know that the builder may not provide topnotch work. You could also check with the homeowners to get their opinions, too.