How to find a good builder?

This is a question that many home owners will soon be asking as an increasing number of small to medium property developers start to build out new property development sites. The slowdown in the construction industry and the lack of development finance has left some bargains to be had for property developers. They have also been able to negotiate preferential terms with main contractors that are hungry for the opportunity to get a quotation or tender in for new build developments. With the impending rise in VAT it seems many builders and main contractors are just starting to breathe a sigh of relief as their order books start to fill up for the first time for a few years.