When to start getting estimates/quotes for work?

[Bluejohn 10]

We had a loft conversion two years ago. As we had the planning permission and building regs when we got the quotes, the builder moved us up his own queue and started work really quickly.

[Hetty 12]

ALWAYS go on recommendations!. Look round your area, see what has been built recently, knock on doors, ask the householder if they were satisfied, DO NOT pay any money up front, a good builder could ask for stage payments, if it is a big job that is fair enough, cash flow is often a problem!! Good luck, and make sure you have plenty of tea, milk and sugar!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cbr900 10]

Thats how we work , staged payment after each stage of work has been passed.