So you finally did it-you called a contractor and made an appointment to talk about that room addition you’ve been considering. Great, you took the first step. So what’s next? What’s that first meeting going to be like and how can you make the most of it?

In some ways, that first meeting with a potential contractor is like a blind date. Neither of you knows a lot about the other, and you don’t know whether this will be your only meeting or the beginning of a long relationship. You’re probably even a little bit nervous about it-just like a blind date.

For you as the homeowner, preparing for this meeting will help you feel more comfortable and allow you to get the most from the time. The first thing you should do, even before you make that first call, is to do some research on the contractors you are calling.

Whether you got their name from a neighbor, friend or the phone book, your first stop should be the Contractor’s State License Board to verify that the company has the proper license and insurance coverage. Don’t listen to folks that tell you that the license isn’t important. Why hire someone who hasn’t made the minimum commitment to professionalism by getting the legally-required license? If they are willing to cut corners with their own reputation, then what makes you think they won’t cut corners when it comes to working on your home?

Once the appointment is made, you should be working on the remodeling dream list, which you will want to share with your contractor. For example, you may want to add a master suite to the back of the house, remodel the hall bathroom and re-do the kitchen. Realistically, your budget may only allow for some of this work to be done, so which is most important? You can always pull back and eliminate some things, but you may have enough in the budget to achieve your dreams.

And speaking of the budget, let’s be truthful here. You do have a budget, but you don’t want to tell the contractor what it is. Okay, I understand why you feel that way, but in my experience, this is a mistake. If I come to see you about a bathroom remodel that I know is going to cost no less than $10,000 and you don’t tell me that your budget is only $5,000, we will both be disappointed. Even if you only give me a range-say between $12,000 and $15,000-I can tell you quickly that this is either in the right range, or not, for the project on the table.

These issues, what to do and how much to spend, should also be discussed with your family-before you meet with anyone. Believe me, you do not want to be sitting there with a contractor when you find out that your spouse/significant other has a whole different idea of what’s important and how much to spend. That’s the very definition of uncomfortable, for everyone.

Now just like on a blind date, you may find yourself in “love at first sight” with the contractor. And just like a blind date, you should not make any commitments just yet. In construction, that means don’t sign any contracts at that first meeting. Beware of sales reps that offer incentives that are only available if you sign up “right now”. There’s no reason not to take your time and think about any proposal before you commit, and a whole host of reasons against acting too quickly.

Although most contractors can quote you a rough price at the first meeting to help you know how close to your budget you are, I’d be really concerned about someone who can give you an exact enough price at the first meeting to have you sign a contract. In fact, it isn’t surprising to have the process of refining the scope of work take a couple of visits.

In conclusion, remember that you are talking about two big things here-your home and a lot of money. No ethical contractor will want you to do anything before you have carefully considered their proposal and checked their references. Start off on the right foot and you have a much better chance of your “blind date” ending up in a happy “marriage” with your contractor!