Get yourself a good surveyor from the start-Do the research, don't be entrapped by the building of a relationship-this is your money and something you will have to live with! Look at the Bloggs of wounded people by 'Boat Builders from Hell' we so need a programme that thus identify's the Cowboys who take your money and deliver extremely poor workmanship to what are fundamental operational requirements for your boat-i.e engine wiring, confifuration-electrics-shell etc! They dampen your dream knowing full well! Blisworth (Bridge) was definately our demise and certainly we were novice to the culture of poor Boat Builders!
Every new boat should have a surveyor- during construction and thereafter, preferably before you pay that last installment!!!
There are some really good builders- Roger Fuller, Braidbar,Nantwich, Ferndown etc to name but a few! Fail to prepare and prepare to fail..................The cost of our boat has escalated and we're still putting right poor workmanship!
Don't be afraid to be a nuisance-We so wish we had been.
Research many fit-outs and new products- make sure that the warranty for every thing you purchase for your boat is not time expired by delaying tactics! Insist that the commissioning of items is when you're about to take delivery and NOT when the builder has originally purchased it 1-2 years in advance! If you buy a shell remember Annex3B- the shell belongs to you if you pay for it in advance or on delivery you must demand Annex3B and ensure your Boat Builder examines the shell on delivery e.g doors are fit for purpose (no excessive gaps etc) it's the right length-would you know how to measure a boat? I would'nt ! These are just examples of things we should have done and realise everyone else probably falls into the same trap!!!
On a positive note:- It's an exciting thing to do and I wish all the best!