Make sure to confirm that it was not built on an ancient Indian burial ground

Or has an ominous path leading to one.

Beware of certain massive companies that are known to have a bad reputation

Look up reviews on the homebuilders. Some are notorious for building garbage. Homes falling apart brand new.

My biggest fear!! What are some companies people usually stay away from?

Anyone not licensed or insured

Ah, do they disclose this information if i ask? I am a first time home buyer and am afraid i have to go to extreme lengths for companies to be transparent

Yes they do but it would also be on their website and more than likely their vehicle as well. If their prices are suspiciously cheaper than everyone else's it is probably because that they don't have insurance and they're not actually licensed by the state they are in.

DR Horton homes is a bad one around here.

I’ve also heard some not so great things! This builder seems to be a company called “Centex”

Hire a home inspector before you sign off. Better yet, have the inspector pay a few visits during construction.

Can an inspector be hired to stay with you during the project or do you have to hire and pay a large fee for each inspection?

Call a few. I don’t think there are hard and fast rules, but it’s a lot harder to hide things before the walls go up.