I have worked for a ton of the big builders as a sub and and we even work for a few at once. We also do a ton of high end custom and infill's. Most builders have hammered the trades to pick up more money so some of the good trades are not working and the cheapest are.
A ton has to do with the super, construction manager. Look at the show home chances are they will not do any better.
Remember you get what you pay for and you may end up with a lemon. Minimum codes are what they describe minimum if you want more you chances are have to pay for it.
Upgrades are almost always cosmetic not structural such as lvl beams over the garage to it wont sag, extra rebar in the footing and around the windows. high efficient furnace/ hot water tank, in floor heat with Styrofoam under (with out has about a 50% heat loss)
If you look at used be careful of recent renos could be a cover up always ask about drug houses (your realtor should help you with a ton of that stuff) I could go on if you have a direct question just shoot me a PM
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