Pay attention to see if the contractor is listening to you, and your needs. Can he/she remember what you said over the phone, or during the last meeting? Can this person remember what they said last time?

Second, is can this contractor show you a process for managing the entire team – design, build, and yes, the homeowner too – thru the entire project? I am not saying that the contractor will tell the homeowner what to do, but has he or she anticipated your questions, fears, concerns, needs? Does this contractor give you his/her direct line, or email? Will he/she manage neighbor relationships for trash, noise, vehicles, etc?

Just some additional ideas that can help define professionalism.