finding builders...

[ClueLessFirstTime]

...when you don't know anyone in the area.
is mybuilder ok?
ask estate agent?

Are there any properties near you that have had something done along the lines of what you want? I would knock on their door and ask those people if I were you.

I never trust review sites or estate agents for that matter, I never know if they are impartial or 'in with' the builders. Too suspicious for my own good.

Failing that ring a few out of the yellow pages, or that are recomended by MyBuilder. Get them to quote and check out their insurances etc and ask for details of work they have done and the contact details. Then go and have a look and speak to the previous customers and check they are happy with the work.

ime, using a good architect will save you the legwork. They will point you to all the good builders in the area.

the gutters need replacing and the flashing needs looking at don't think I would need an architect for that...

have put in a description on mybuilder so will see what is coming. we don't live there (yet) so don't know many people in that area.

I used a roofer to do the guttering and flashing on my house. There are also specialist guttering firms. Might be worth checking them out too.