Walk Into That Meeting With the Right Questions.
Download the free Builder In-Person Interview Script and know exactly what to ask, what to listen for, and what the answers actually mean.
They ask a few general questions, get confident answers, and leave feeling good about the person. Then the project starts and they discover that confidence in a meeting has nothing to do with how the project actually runs.
The questions that reveal how a contractor actually operates, how they handle disputes, how they track costs, and whether they have real systems behind them, are the ones most homeowners never think to ask.
This script gives you those questions. All 18 of them, in order, with a plain-English explanation of what each answer should tell you and what a red flag sounds like.
Most homeowners go into contractor meetings underprepared.
The In-Person Interview Script covers:
Contract structure - what type of contract they use and whether they can explain why
License, bonding, and insurance - and how to verify it, not just take their word for it
Capacity and workload - how many projects they're running and whether yours will get their full attention
Estimating process - what a real estimate looks like versus a guesstimate.
Budget tracking - whether they have an actual system or just add it up occasionally
Change order process - the single biggest source of budget disputes on renovation projects
Payment schedule structure - what to look for and what a red flag deposit looks like
Warranty coverage - what they offer and whether it meets the standard in your province or state
How they handle disagreements - whether they have a process or just hope disputes don't happen
Each question includes a 'Why this matters' explanation so you understand what you're listening for, not just what you're asking.
What homeowners say after working with Aaron:
“Aaron really knows the whole process and he has many tips to help clients through the big decisions and the little pain points. His experience helped us develop a detailed budget, which was most important to me when we decided to build a custom home.
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“Starting the build felt daunting. Aaron coached us through each step, explaining our responsibilities and our builder’s role. He is knowledgeable, creative, and very passionate about making sure his clients are equipped with all the information they need to make smart decisions.”
These questions come from 15 years on both sides of the table.
I've spent over 15 years working inside the construction industry as a carpenter, estimator, project manager, designer, and professor. I've seen projects go well and I've seen them fall apart, and the difference often comes down to what the homeowner knew going in.
I built Albatross Academy because this information shouldn't only be available to people who can afford a private consultant. You're about to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. You deserve a process for it.
Your next contractor meeting is a two-way evaluation.
Download the free Interview Script and show up ready for yours.