Welcome to Step Seven: Schedule Consultations.

Now that you’ve found a few qualified contractors, it’s time to schedule your consultations.

But this step isn’t just about collecting bids — it’s about real conversations. Think of these meetings as interviews. You’re interviewing them, and they’re also evaluating whether your project and communication style are the right fit for their team. On bigger projects especially, the working relationship can impact everything — from timelines, to budget, to how enjoyable or stressful the process feels.

At WeSpeak, we walk you through how to prepare for these consultations so you stay in control. This isn’t about handing over the reins — it’s about showing up prepared, asking smart questions, and making observations that help you separate the true professionals from the smooth talkers.

Let’s go through your worksheet together.

Start by confirming how many consultations you’ve scheduled. We recommend at least four. Why four? Because it gives you a broad enough base to compare, while still being manageable. Out of those, your goal is to identify at least two strong contenders worth deeper consideration.

Next, review and bring your project brief and visuals — or send them ahead of time. This sets a professional tone and ensures every contractor has the same information to work from. When everyone starts from the same baseline, you’ll get more accurate and comparable proposals.

Prepare your key questions before the meeting. Focus on how they work — not just what they charge. Ask about their communication style, project management process, and how they handle unexpected changes. These insights reveal how it will actually feel to work with them.

Set aside uninterrupted time for each consultation, and have a way to take notes. Being fully present helps you make sharper observations and fair comparisons later.

During the consultation, notice the details. Did the contractor arrive on time and present themselves professionally? Punctuality and attitude are early clues to reliability and respect.

Pay attention to how they listen. Did they ask thoughtful questions about your goals, priorities, and challenges? Good contractors are curious — they focus on solving problems, not just closing sales.

Observe how clearly they explain their process. Did they walk you through how they manage projects, timelines, and communication? Vague promises now often lead to confusion later.

And most importantly, ask yourself how you felt during the meeting. Did you feel heard, respected, and supported? You’re not just hiring skill — you’re choosing a working relationship. If something felt off, take note. Even if everything sounded good on paper, trust your instincts.

Finally, ask yourself: do I feel comfortable trusting this person in my home and with my time and money? Would I feel confident adding them to my shortlist? If the answer is yes, write down why. If not, record those reasons too — they’ll be invaluable later.

By filling out this worksheet during or right after each consultation, you’ll capture your impressions while they’re fresh. That way, when you sit down to compare contractors later, you’ll have objective notes — not just vague feelings.

Remember, nobody’s perfect. Even the best contractor might not check every single box. What matters is finding the company that communicates clearly, demonstrates professionalism, and gives you confidence they’ll be a true partner in your project.

With this step, you’re moving beyond numbers on a page and getting to the heart of the decision: Who do you actually want to invite into your home and trust with your investment? By preparing properly and using the consultation worksheet, you’ll walk away from this stage with clarity, confidence, and a shortlist of professionals ready to compete for your project.