Depending on the nature of your case, you may have a right to recover your attorney fees if you prevail at trial or arbitration.  For example, if your contract with your builder has an attorney fees provision in it, or if you bring a claim under the Consumer Protection Act, then you may be entitled to recover some or all of your attorney fees and costs if you prevail.  However, most cases settle prior to arbitration or trial, and to reach a settlement parties will often compromise some portion of their attorney fees or other damages in order to reach that settlement.