How to Prepare for Your Free Consultation
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- Planning Guide
Your consultation is where a project starts to move from an idea to a defined scope. The more we understand about what you want and where it’s going, the more useful that conversation is, and the more accurate your estimate will be. Here’s how to get the most out of it.
What We’ll Cover
We’ll talk through what you want built, the site, the materials, and the scope of the work, and answer your questions along the way. There’s no cost for the consultation. From there, we can prepare an estimate based on what we’ve discussed.
What to Have Ready
You don’t need everything on this list, but each item helps:
- The project address, and whether it’s a house, a commercial property, or a development site
- Any drawings, plans, or sketches you already have
- A property survey, especially for additions and outdoor work, since it shows lot lines and existing structures
- Photos of the space as it is now, including any problem areas
- A short list of must-haves, and a separate list of nice-to-haves
- Photos of finished spaces you like, from magazines, websites, or homes you’ve visited
- A budget range you’re comfortable with
- Any dates that matter, like a move-in, a business opening, or a lease deadline
For commercial projects, it also helps to know your landlord’s or property manager’s requirements, your operating hours, and whether the space needs to stay open during the work.
Think About How You’ll Use the Space
Finishes are the fun part, but they come later. Before the consultation, think about what the space needs to do. Who will use it, and how often? What isn’t working about it now? What will your household or business need in five years? Clear answers to these questions shape the layout, and the layout shapes the price.
Questions Worth Asking
Whoever you hire, these questions will help you understand what you’re agreeing to:
- What’s included in the estimate, and what isn’t?
- How are changes handled, and how are they priced?
- Who will be my main point of contact during the project?
- What does the schedule look like, and what could affect it?
- Which permits or approvals does this project need, and who arranges them?
- What insurance do you carry?
- Can I see examples of similar work?
What Happens After
Once we’ve talked it through, you’ll receive a defined scope and price before any work begins, so you know what’s included. If something changes later, we’ll discuss it with you before moving ahead. When the plans, materials, and numbers are agreed, we schedule the work and get started on site, following the scope you’ve approved.
Ready to Start?
Use our contact form to tell us what you’re planning and where it is, and include any drawings or photos you have. We’ll follow up to arrange your free consultation.
Have a Project in Mind? Let’s Talk.
Whether it’s a new build, a renovation, a finished basement, or outdoor work, we’d be glad to hear about it. The consultation is free, and we’ll go over the scope and pricing with you so you can decide on your next step with confidence.