Hiring a Web Designer

[NeilsWeb]

Hello everyone! I use to own a lawn care company (thats how I know about this awesome forum!) but I sold it and now I just got to school and do some freelance web design on the side. I am currently making a site for my portfolio and I just wanted to ask you guys a few questions.

What I want to know is, if you were to hire someone to make your website what are some important things you would want from them? what would you base your decision on when choosing a web designer?

[blueplate]

I, unfortunately have always focused on cost. With websites costs seem to vary greatly for no reason whatsoever. I also look at past clients and if they were happy or not. I have had so designer start off with a bang, and then start to dig their heels in.