In the instance I was using it, I was referring to the photo depictions and descriptions of the hardwood flooring, taller wall heights (as opposed to a vaulted ceiling in a living room), kitchen/bath and cabinetry fixtures and appliances, trim pieces, etc.
If you were looking in person you might be able to take a look at the materials and workmanship involved in setting the windows and doors (those can be good indicators), you may be able to see exposed framing in the garage that may include 2×4 for “average” tract home construction vs. 2×6 for better quality construction, 1/2″ vs/ 3/8″ drywall, drywall finishes, roofing materials, even the concrete flatwork and landscaping at the front of the house can vary quite a bit.
If you go cruising the flooring and materials aisles at Home Depot you can develop an eye for materials and their differences pretty quickly. After that you’re looking for workmanship in the form of nice straight cuts, level and plumb flooring and squared doorways. “Clean” installations of all these finishes.
