How to Hire a Licensed Environmental Contractor in Indiana

February 28, 2026

Hiring a licensed environmental contractor for asbestos or lead work is not like hiring a general contractor. The stakes are higher — improper work can create ongoing health hazards and significant legal liability. Here is how to hire correctly.

Step 1: Verify the License Before Anything Else

Every Indiana environmental contractor must hold an active IPLA license. Verify before getting a quote:

Go to the IPLA license verification portal
Search by the contractor’s name or license number
Confirm the license type matches the work (Asbestos Contractor for removal, Lead Contractor for lead abatement)
Confirm status is Active and expiration is in the future

You can also search Indiana licensed contractors on this site →

Critical: The license must match the work. An Asbestos Inspector or Project Supervisor license does not authorize the firm to contract for abatement.

Step 2: Get Multiple Written Quotes

Obtain at least three quotes for any significant asbestos or lead project. Each quote should specify:

Scope of work (exact materials to be abated)
Method (removal, encapsulation, or enclosure)
Air monitoring plan and who performs it
Clearance testing plan (third-party is preferred)
Waste disposal method and disposal facility
IDEM notification responsibility
Timeline and access requirements
Total price with no hidden fees

Step 3: Check Insurance

Reputable environmental contractors carry:

General liability insurance — $1 million per occurrence minimum
Pollution liability insurance — Specific coverage for asbestos and lead work
Workers’ compensation — Required for all Indiana employers

Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured. A contractor who hesitates to provide this is a red flag.

Step 4: Ask the Right Questions

Is your firm’s Asbestos Contractor / Lead Contractor license current? (Verify it yourself)
Who will be the licensed Project Supervisor on this job?
Will air monitoring be performed during abatement?
Who performs clearance testing — your firm or a third party?
How will asbestos waste be handled and where will it be disposed?
Will you file the IDEM notification, or is that my responsibility?

Step 5: Get a Written Contract

Never start asbestos or lead work without a written contract that includes:

Scope of work in detail
Start and completion dates
Payment schedule (avoid paying in full upfront)
Warranty or guarantee terms
What happens if additional ACM is discovered during work

Red Flags to Avoid

No license or expired license — Walk away immediately
Cash-only pricing with no written quote — Sign of unlicensed work
Skipping the inspection — Abatement without a prior survey is reckless
No air monitoring plan — Required for worker safety and your peace of mind
Pressuring you to start immediately — Legitimate contractors have schedules
Dramatically lower price than others — Often a sign of cut corners or unlicensed workers

After Abatement: What You Should Receive

A reputable contractor provides:

Signed project completion report
Air monitoring results from during and after abatement
Clearance testing report confirming safe fiber levels
Asbestos waste disposal manifest (EPA Form 8700-22)
IDEM notification copies (if required)

Keep these documents permanently — they may be required for building permits, future sales, or liability defense.