Answers

Unfortunately, most new homes (particularly those built by developers) are built with little regard to quality and durability, by less-technically-savvy tradesmen at the lowest price point possible to appeal to a prospective buyer's sense of value. 

Should you be concerned?  Most of these sorts of issues are not conditions potentially leading to structural failure but rather finish failures and just generally less-than-desirable quality.

There are many industry specification references for quality, and likely your builder references a spec which is more forgiving of such issues.  For instance, a spec for drywall might say "out of level or line x inches in x feet" or simply "imperfections not visible under normal lighting conditions when viewed from x feet away".  You may want to research which specification may have been referred-to as quality guaranty when the home was sold.

Of course, this is a generalization and does not apply to all new construction.  One would want to engage a building professional to determine what may be happening in the particulars of your home.

To help you I need to ask a few questions:

1. Do you have a good contract?

2. Does the contract state in writing start time?

3. Do you think you have paid money to the contractor more than the work completed?

4. Does your state require a licence?

5. Is the contractor a friend of your?

Hello Katrina, sorry to hear about your experience thus far. Regarding cutting your losses and hiring someone else, all states are different, but a contract cancellation clause should have been outlined in the contractor's contract / scope of work. If it was not spelled out in your contract, you might want to contact the licensing board in your state for additional information. Next step would be contacting an attorney.

Is the home completed?

Mark I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with your contractor.  I certainly wouldn't understand all of your situation, but I'll try to offer some general advise.

First and foremost you should try to resolve any disputes with your contractor directly.  (I assume you may have already taken this step)  Sometimes it is best to think about listing the reasons for your concerns out in written form and what resolutions you would like.  While you shouldn't expect everything to end up perfectly, knowing what you are looking for is a good start and as a contractor it gives them a place to start working toward a resolution with you.

Second you should work with CCB for your state to resolve your dispute if the first step does not work out.  The CCB is an independent party and will work in the best interest of both parties to try to find a mutually agreeable resolution to the concerns.  Knowing the reasons for your dispute and the resolutions you are seeking will help both the CCB and your contractor in working with you towards a resolution.

Third, if you are unsuccessful in those endeavors you can explore further action based upon the contract you and your contractor signed at the oustet of your project.

Again, I'm sorry to hear of your situation and wish you the best of luck in finding a resolution.

Congrats on the new home! I think you have started off on a really good foundation with open dialog with your new neighbors. A few suggestions. 

Make sure you communicate with your neighbors about you project and how long it will last. Let them know that if there is any concern that they can talk to you about it. Give them an easy way to contact you. 

Have your contractors be respectful. There will obviously be early mornings or late nights for work to be done, but be respectful of your neighbors. Maybe offer some earplugs for them to block out the unwanted noises or ask the guys to start later on a Saturday or Sunday so your neighbors can sleep in. 

Clean up.... Make sure that anyone who is building and installing cleans up after themselves. Cigarette butts, trash, cursing, loud music and loose nails are only some of the concerns of an active work sight. And those concerns grow for neighbors with children.

My biggest suggestion, at the completion of the job have an open house. Invite your neighbors to come see your new house and the project that was goign on next door. It will offer you a time to get to know one another better. Use it as a way to say thanks for dealing with the last few months.Good luck!!