Contractor Red Flags: What to Watch Out for Before Hiring a Plumber or Any Pro

When you're dealing with a plumbing emergency or planning a major home renovation, finding the right contractor can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, Indianapolis—like many cities—has its share of contractors who take shortcuts, overcharge, or simply don't deliver on their promises.

At Ciriello Plumbing, we've seen firsthand the frustration and financial damage caused by dishonest contractors, and we believe homeowners deserve better.

Here are the most important contractor red flags and what to look for in a plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, or general contractor.

 

No License or Proper Insurance

This should be an immediate deal-breaker. Every legitimate contractor must have the appropriate licenses and insurance coverage for their field. When exploring your options, ask to see proof and verify it with the licensing board. If they can’t or refuse to provide this, it’s time to move on to other options.

A contractor with expired or missing licenses isn't just cutting corners—they're putting you at serious financial and legal risk. If something goes wrong, you could be liable for damages, injuries, or code violations.

 

Generic or Quick Quotes

Quality work requires careful assessment. If a contractor gives you a detailed quote within minutes of looking at your project, they're either not taking it seriously or they're more interested in closing a quick sale than doing the job right. Be wary of contractors who seem more focused on getting your signature than understanding your specific needs.

 

Large Down Payment Required

While it's normal for contractors to request some payment upfront for materials, requiring large down payments, especially with a quick turnaround, is a contractor red flag. Asking for more than 10% of the total project cost should raise immediate concerns. Legitimate contractors typically have established relationships with suppliers and don't need large cash advances to purchase materials.

Protect yourself by never paying large amounts before work begins.

 

Lack of Price Transparency

Honest contractors should be able to explain what you're paying for. If a quote lacks detail or the contractor can't break down costs when asked, it's often a sign they're either inexperienced or hiding something.

Quality contractors provide quotes that include:

• Labor costs
• Material specifications and costs
• Timeline for completion
• Clear scope of work
• Any potential additional charges

Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful contractor relationship.

 

Quotes That Seem Too Good to Be True

Remember, you get what you pay for. Yes, there is fluctuation in prices amongst competitors. However, if someone is exceptionally lower than everyone else, it’s likely that they haven’t priced the project correctly—or that their quality of work will match the price.

While price matters, the cheapest option often becomes the most expensive when you factor in do-overs, repairs, and potential damage.

 

Refusal to Provide a Written Contract

Any contractor who says "we don't need a contract" or "my handshake is my bond" is showing you exactly how professional they are. Written contracts protect both parties and demonstrate that a contractor takes their business seriously. No contract means no accountability, meaning if anything goes wrong, it will all come down onto your shoulders.

 

Poor Communication

Communication problems before the job starts will only get worse during the project. If a contractor takes days to return calls, struggles to answer basic questions about their field, or seems evasive when discussing details, these are strong indicators of future problems. Your contractor should make you feel confident in their abilities, not leave you wondering what's happening with your project.

 

No Online Presence or Reviews

Established contractors need to have some online presence. While not having a website isn't necessarily disqualifying, having absolutely no online footprint—no reviews, no references, no business listings—should make you cautious.

Likewise, if a contractor is unable to pull up examples of past work or references, this likely means they are either brand new to the field or simply don’t have any positive past work. Either way, it’s important to proceed with caution or move on to your next option.

Beyond these specific contractor red flags, trust your gut feeling. If something feels off about a contractor's approach, pricing, or communication style, it's worth exploring other options. The right contractor should make you feel confident and informed, not pressured or uncertain.