I would first ask the architect if they have any people they work with

Sativa, I am checking references. Time in business/onsite visit frequency is a good one to add to my list.

Patricia, my architect recommended one builder but it turned out to be a bad match as there were things that the builder did which proved that they were not trustworthy.

I am thinking of interviewing the references and main question will inquire about instances when there was a mis-understanding or when things went wrong. How did the builder resolve the issue? I think that will tell a lot.

Thoughts?
Biren

What are their contingencies? How do they set budget? Is it cost plus or fixed? What is included in their budgets? How many jobs do they do at a time? Can you meet the foreman or person who will be on site often? How do they communicate overages, expenses, how do they want to get paid and how often? Have they built in your area before and do they have relationships with inspector? I would also try and find a way to speak to someone they don't give you a name for. A friend of a friend did a renovation with our builder and it was great talk to him because he was extremely honest and not a reference provided by the builder. As if someone would name people who wouldn't speak highly of them after all.

Also, if you're doing anything unusual, it's helpful to know whether they've actually handled that thing before, whether it's a strange basement requirement or an unusual tile backsplash. You may not know about all your choices, but if you do know some things, that helps. (Plus, in any of these conversations, just seeing how they think and how they deal with you is helpful._

The biggest problem I have had, as well as many other I know, involves project management and schedule. Many builders get 80% done and then get distracted by the next big project, and the last 20% lingers on and on and on. So when you talk to the references, I suggest you inquire about schedule and project management, especially towards the end of the project.