Choosing a builder

[claudeballs]

I have now got planning permission / BCO etc. for a extending my kitchen. All I need to do now is choose a builder to carry out the work
What is the best way to do this?

1) Use one of the FMB onesfrom their website?
2) Use a builder who has done good jobs on other peoples houses and where I can view his work (recommenede by neighbours etc.) ?
3) Choose three local ones and use the middle priced quote ?

What should I agree beforehand with hime e.g get a small contract drawn up between us and agree timelines/prices etc. ?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[jono_h]

In all honesty, all of the above!

You can't beat a recommendation, but that doesn't mean to say that you'll be able to work with that particular builder.

From experience I'd say get as many round to quote as time allows (I had 5) - there will be some who don't bother putting a price in having seen the job (I had 2) and from there make your choice based not only on price but how happy you'd be working with that person.
I ended up taking the most expensive quote (by £6k) but I was happy that they builder understood exactly what I wanted, and could deliver it (which he did).