Five questions cover most of it:

  • Which license covers my town or village, and what is the number?
  • Will you pull the permit and arrange the inspection?
  • Can I have the scope of work in writing before you start?
  • What happens if the inspector finds a problem?
  • Who do I call if something trips again next week?

Vague answers are a signal. Specific ones, with town names and inspection steps in them, usually come from someone who works here every week.