Builder has been unrecommended! How to choose new one.

[Snowglobes]

We were recommended a builder so had him estimate works. My friend has since rung and said not to go with this builder - not finishing her snags and moody. I've text him about a start date (before she retracted her recommendation) and he hasn't replied. This was2 weeks ago. I'm thinking he's a non starter. So, if I get recommendations from other people what do I need to ask people please? And/or ask the builder? Is there a good way to go about finding a good builder please? Not many people are recommending their builders sadly! Any advice please?

Do you mean "estimate" or a fully-costed quotation? And have you made any contractual agreement with him?

Sorry for my stupidity here now but what's the difference between an 'estimate' and a 'full quotation' ?
We asked a builder for a rough idea of costs. Then he finally text that he had 'a full quotation' done up and wants to meet now.

I thought most people got several quotes before proceeding with a builder. Does your post mean that he might charge me for this?

It was an estimate. I was hoping to have him do a proper quote once we've got planning and I can do a schedule of works. The estimate is for a house that we were looking to buy (moving tomorrow) so just wanted a feasibility & rough estimate at that stage. luckystars an estimate is exactly that, an estimate of how much it will cost - a ball park figure really, whereas a quote is how much it actually will cost if you stick to what they've quoted for - so not taking into account if any changes you may make along the way. For a quote it's often very specific regarding exactly what's included and what's not.

No contract with him, no quote, just an estimate. But given she's retracted her recommendation I'm now wondering where to go. How do I get recommendations please?

Ask around your friends who have built houses or gotten extensions, or would your architect recommend a few builders?
I think you can also check with the planning crowd, find out which neighbours have had similar jobs done and get the name of their builders.

It's a total minefield. This whole building thing reminds me of having my first baby. I don't have a clue what I'm supposed to be doing and won't truly realise until I am knee deep in the shit.

And even if someone recommends things might not work out.... just as I found out about our recommended 'architect'. Just bear that in mind. Good luck with finding a reliable one!