Picking a builder

[princesssparklepants]

We want to have some remodelling down to our home. It has taken an absolute age to get any actual written quotes from any builders
But now we thankfully have 2!
They are both pretty much spot on the same amount of money. One is available in the summer one not available till November.

I didn't meet the first one but did meet the second one and thought he was really friendly, spent a lot of time looking at things and asking questions etc. DH said the first one was only in 5 minutes.

We found them by asking for recommendations in a Facebook group as we seemed to be struggling to get anyone to even come and quote, or if they did come round they just ghosted us.

How do we pick? What questions should we be asking?
So nervous of being ripped off!! Anyone have any tips on what we should be looking for?

Thanks

Google to see if they have any reviews online, Look up their company records - have they been filing their accounts, how long have their companies been established, do they have any bankruptcies ?
Ask them directly for references and speak to those references
Also ask about their insurance documents - what contract do they use?
Basically check them out throughly
Ask about payment terms for work
Unless they are buying specific bespoke items you shouldn't be paying upfront, it should be staged and in arrears
The answers should help when choosing

Thank you,

I've done some full on private eye investigation on their on line presence. Both have mostly positive reviews on my builder. Think they have one negative review each which they have replied to.

Both only registered on company's house a year ago. So both new!