If you’re building a new web site or renovating an existing one, here are a few tips on hiring a reputable consultant and setting realistic expectations for the project.

1. Make certain that you’re hiring a professional. Check that the are at a minimum listed on the web and have a web site, It is even better if they are a member of one or more professional associations.

2. Get references, and check them out.

3. Review their work. It is even better to review a work in progress since you’ll get a feel for how a project can progress. Otherwise they’ll show you only completed “works of art”.

4. Stay away from the cheapest or most expensive ones. Some consultants undercut the pricing and then nail you for additions, while others tend to throw in the kitchen sink with the original quote to cover all bases.

5. Expect the final invoice to be within 10-15 percent of the original estimate. In spite of additional expenses along the way, the final bill should be within 15% of the original quote.

6. Give your self a lot of lead time. The good web developers are booked fairly solid and typically can’t start a project immediately.

7. Don’t make a deposit. Go for a retainer. There is no need to pay a substantial amount up front unless they have to shell out money for certain base programs etc. For large projects, a monthly retainer should suffice until the job officially starts, and you agree on a schedule. For smaller projects, a retainer is unnecessary.

8. Understand the scope of work to be done. The more detail you have of what you want, the better you can communicate with your consultant. Too many changes as you go along only complicates and delays the project.

9. Stuff happens and delays are inevitable, so don’t loose your cool.

10. Whenever a project has to do with artistic elements like a web site, you sometimes will have the tendency to want to direct the project. Watch you emotions and check your ego as you communicate with your consultant.