Three quotes, like-for-like

Give every builder the same drawings and specification. Compare lines, not totals. A cheap quote with vague specification will become an expensive job.

References and recent work

Visit a recent project. Speak to the homeowner. Ask the questions you would want answered about your own job — communication, cleanliness, snagging response.

Paperwork

Insurance, written contract, payment schedule tied to milestones rather than dates, clear retentions. A builder who will not work to a written contract is a builder to walk away from.