Not really questions for the builder, but I have some important suggestions for the contract:

First, there MUST be a written timeline, with penalties for getting behind. Every month you aren't in your new home, you'll be out for things like rent, and your builder should be accountable.

Second, the payment schedule has to be such that it never makes more economic sense for your builder to walk away than fininsh your house. I've gotten in the bad position where they owe me more work than I owe them money with several people related to my build. It becomes impossible to get any attention.

Ask for proof of insurance.
Liability and Workers Comp.

Ask about the payment structure up front.

Does he use the same subs on all jobs or does he go with the lowest bid? A contractor that works with the same subs is usually paying his bills in a timely manner. and trust the work of those subs.

Ask for a list of completed jobs and contact numbers.

If it's of interest to you, ask how they feel about you doing some of the work yourself or about you purchasing materials on your own (rather than going through their suppliers). As noted on a previous thread, we saved a lot of money by shopping around for lights, flooring, appliances etc. Our builder was not always happy we did this but he dealt with it.

I agree with everything above.
My advice is what ever questions you ask, get the answers in writing.
When we interviewed our builder he stated he built only 4 houses a year.
We did not get it in writing.
4 months into our build and many mistakes on my builder's part, his brother told me my builder had 9 houses going on at one time and to expect delays.
When I questioned my builder about just doing 4 houses a year, he had temporary amnesia. LOL

I agree with the above answers, and would add, go see houses he has built and talk to the owners. Ask if would use him again. Talk to architects that has built his homes and ask how they think his building is.

Here is a couple of other items you might want to add.
- Does he provide releases from his subs when he submits a request for payment?
- What is his warrenty period? What types of items does he find comes up in a the warrenty period? Are there any exceptions to what are covered?
- What types of items will require a change order and what doesn't require one?
- Will you be dealing directly with him or will you be dealing with a supervisor for the day to day items?