On Aug 15, 1:30*pm, wrote:
We're going to look at a house that was built in 2007 and never been
occupied. *I've Googled the builder, but haven't found much.

Is there any way to determine the quality of the work and materials,
as a layperson?

You need it inspected by a pro and a good warranty since nothing has
been tested. Go to the court house to find the builders record,
hopefully he has had no cases.