Do i NEED a contract with my builder?

[PinkChick]

planning to get a guy come and sort my kitchen out, full works, electrics, plastering, plumbing, new ceiling, tiling, heating fit kitchen.

He is husband of mum from school, very proffecional, straight forward..gave me price last night, its reasonable, checked on two things he ahdnt mentioned this morn and he said he had forgot them, he will let me know what those cost tonight (still happy as we will be apying less to him and kitchen co than we would have getting someone to do it all).
So asked him for detailed list(he only gave me list oevr phone) on his letter head showing all work to be done..would this be enough?
havent had a big job done before, so wondering if a detailed bill would be adequate?
TIA

oh and it is his business, hes self employed , does property developments so not jsut a dad who can turn his hand, all qualified etc.

Well hubby does similar work and would never undertake a job like this without EVERYTHING in writing, not necessarily a contract but a breakdown of all work to be completed. Like you say he has already forgotten a couple of things...it is much better you have in black and white what is included in the price...MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IT AS I CANT COUNT THE AMOUNT OF TIMES PEOPLE DONT!! That way if it costs you more you can say "well this is the price you quoted" or he can say "well I didnt include that on the original quote"

It just stops problems from arising really.

Also check if he is disposing of any waste if there is going to be a lot...we charge extra for that because the council charge us.

If he gives you a "quote" that is a fixed price for the work included if its an "estimate" then is is just saying "it might cost this or it might cost more"

How involved are the electrics as some kitchen electrics have to be certificated under the Part P scheme - it may cause problems with a subsequent house sale if they are not.

thanks for the tips..i will ask about the removal of the waste..he is part p reg and there is already a new ring main in from guy who did some work when we moved in, so shouldnt be too much hassle?!

Oh no probs if he has part P then - probably also safe to assume he is insured in case he floods your house or burns it down then too

LOL, after this fiasco ive made sure