How to Choose the Right Contractor in Hamilton or Marion County
How to Choose the Right Contractor in Hamilton or Marion County, Indiana
By Joseph Tumasian – Owner of The Oak Standard | Local General Contractor | Carmel, IN
Choosing the right general contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen, finishing a basement, or building something from the ground up — who you hire determines how smooth, stressful, or downright disastrous the experience will be.
And here in Hamilton and Marion County, you’ve got plenty of options. So how do you know who to trust?
Let me give you some straight-up advice from someone who's been on both sides of the renovation process — as a contractor and a homeowner.
1. Make Sure They're Local (and Not Just "Servicing the Area")
Here’s why this matters: A local contractor knows the permit process, zoning regulations, and city-specific codes that out-of-town crews often overlook.
At The Oak Standard, we know that Hamilton County building inspections aren’t the same as Indy’s — and that Carmel has stricter requirements than some surrounding areas. These things can delay projects big time if your contractor isn’t familiar.
Bonus tip: Local contractors have reputations to protect. When they live where they work, there’s accountability.
2. Ask for Licensing, Insurance, and Real References
Any reputable contractor should be happy to show:
Their contractor’s license
Proof of general liability & worker’s comp insurance
Photos of recent projects
References from happy clients
Red flag: If someone says “we don’t need permits” and you are tearing out walls or doing a major remodel that requires a permit or won’t provide documentation — run.
At The Oak Standard, we treat transparency like a non-negotiable. If you’re trusting us with your home, you deserve to see that we’ve done this right — many times before.
3. Look at Communication Style Early On
This one’s underrated.
If it takes a contractor forever to call or text you back before the project starts, guess what’s going to happen during the project?
You want someone who communicates clearly, sets expectations, and isn’t afraid to have honest conversations — even when something unexpected pops up.
4. Pay Attention to the Estimate Process
A professional contractor isn’t going to throw out a number without understanding your vision, space, and budget. If someone gives you a quote over the phone without seeing your home? That’s a gamble.
At The Oak Standard, we believe the estimate is part of the trust-building process. We walk the space, talk through options, and help you make informed decisions before you ever sign anything.
5. Cheap Now = Expensive Later
We get it — everyone wants to save money. But if a quote comes in way lower than everyone else’s, you should be asking why.
Here’s what “cheap” often means in contractor land:
Subpar materials
Cutting corners on prep work
Unskilled labor
No permits (because it’s faster, not legal) (note: not ALL projects need permits but we will walk you through that process)
We’ve had to come in behind “budget jobs” and completely redo work that wasn’t safe or up to code. That costs homeowners more in the long run — and it’s heartbreaking.
6. Ask About Their Crew — Who’s Actually Doing the Work?
Not all contractors are created equal. Some do everything themselves, others subcontract every step of the job. Neither is inherently bad — but you need to know what you’re getting.
At The Oak Standard, we have a trusted team of trades and specialists we work with regularly. We manage the schedule, quality, and communication so you aren’t chasing down random drywallers and plumbers. If someone is going to be in and out of your house for weeks, you want to feel safe and confident, therefore we only work with a very specific team with the highest integrity. The individuals we have working for us we would (and do) trust in our own homes — around our kids, pets, and our personal space. That’s the standard we hold, and it’s 100% non-negotiable.
7. Support Veteran-Owned, Small Business Contractors (When It Makes Sense)
Let’s be real — there are some great big-box companies out there. But if you want personalized service, direct accountability, and people who truly care about your home, small business contractors are where it’s at.
At The Oak Standard, we’re veteran-owned, locally run, and take pride in treating every project like it’s our own home. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t ghost our clients.
Final Thoughts: Your Home Deserves the Right Fit
Choosing a contractor isn’t just about price. It’s about trust, communication, and making sure the people working on your home care as much as you do.
If you’re in Hamilton or Marion County and want to talk about a remodel, build, or repair — let’s connect. We’d love to be your go-to contractor.
The Oak Standard
✨ Veteran-Owned | Local | Trusted ✨
📍 Carmel, IN | Serving Hamilton & Marion County
📞 419-343-4212
📧 info@theoakstandard.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @the.oak.standard
