I'm in the process of building a home and the builder suggested we use PVC in stead of copper pipe.

I understand there is a significant cost difference due to rising copper prices.

The savings would be great, but I also don't want to sacrifice quality.

I am interested to learn the pros and cons of each in order to make a more informed decision. What are the benefits of PVC over copper, and visa versa?

You'll find this is a debatable issue... but it's more a matter of what you're used to and what you've relied on in the past (from the installers point of view) than of quality or reliability.

My opinion is to go the PVC to not only save yourself some bucks, but to also make your life easier if you need to do any plumbing repairs or additions in the future.

Personally, I think copper is on it's way out for water supply due to the reliability of PVC, CPVC, PEX, etc. They've all proven to be as reliable as copper from what I've seen.

Agree. PVC is easier to repair, which is why unions have fought it.

Don't know where you're located but where I live there is a problem with the copper pipes corroding and leaking. All homes here are on concrete slab so repiping is done in the overhead spaces with "plastic" pipe. Seems to be working just fine!