Welcome to Step 10: Select Your Contractor.

You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to make your choice. In this step, we help you move forward with clarity and confidence — by selecting the contractor who offers the best overall fit, not just the best price.

At WeSpeak, we also walk you through the final contract review before anything’s signed. You’ll confirm that everything you’ve discussed — pricing, materials, timeline, and warranties — is clear and in writing. This final check helps protect you from miscommunications later and sets the tone for a professional working relationship.

This is where your preparation pays off. You’ve outlined your goals, organized your scope, reviewed your proposals, asked the right questions, and now — you’re making a decision not based on pressure, but on facts, trust, and alignment.

And while hiring a contractor always comes with some risk, going through this process gives you the best chance at a smooth, successful experience. That’s something to be proud of. So take a moment to recognize what you’ve done — most homeowners never get this far. But you did. You gave yourself the edge. You made a smart investment in peace of mind.

Now it’s time to move forward. May your project be filled with manageable challenges, respectful communication, and an outcome you’re truly proud of.

The worksheet in this step helps ensure your decision is grounded in clarity and contract protection. Each question acts as a final safeguard: verifying licenses and insurance, confirming all scope details are in writing, checking payment terms and change-order processes, and ensuring both sides have signed and agreed. This isn’t just about closing a deal — it’s about protecting your project and your peace of mind.

Let’s walk through the questions together.

Which contractor offers the best overall fit — not just the best price? Consider experience, communication, professionalism, and alignment with your goals. Fit drives outcomes; price only tells part of the story.

Have I reviewed recent references, and verified their license and insurance status? Confirm credentials are current and in good standing. Active licenses and real insurance protect you from major risk.

Did this contractor answer all of my questions thoroughly, respectfully, and without pressure? How they communicate now reflects how they’ll perform later. Clarity and calm under questions are strong signals.

Does the contract clearly describe the full scope of work — including what’s not included? Avoid assumptions. Every key detail should be in writing so expectations match reality when work begins.

Are materials, finishes, brands, and selections listed or referenced accurately? Vague terms lead to vague results. Names, model numbers, and specs remove ambiguity and prevent substitutions.

Are the start date and estimated completion date clearly written into the contract? Timelines matter. Committing to a start window and completion target helps you plan and hold everyone accountable.

Is the payment schedule clearly outlined, with deposits and milestones identified? You should know exactly when payments are due and why. Tie payments to tangible milestones and documented progress.

Does the contract explain how change orders will be handled — and who approves them? Protect yourself from surprise costs or scope creep. Clear rules for pricing, approval, and documentation keep trust intact.

Are the responsibilities for permits, inspections, cleanup, and debris removal clearly assigned? Don’t leave anything to chance. Define who handles each item so nothing falls through the cracks mid-project.

Have both parties signed and dated the contract, and do I fully understand and agree to all terms? If not, pause and clarify. Don’t sign until you’re confident the document reflects the agreement in full.

By working through this checklist, you’ll select not just a contractor — but a partner. The right choice balances skill, communication, documentation, and trust. That’s how you start strong.