WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

Would you leave a contractor, handy-man, or a painter alone in your house?

WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I have. When I bought my house last year, I had painters and flooring guys there for close to 2 weeks. I had no choice, really, and luckily it all worked out.

A co-worker just had work done at her home and same thing, she let the contractor work while she was not there

Message edited 7/1/2019 2:09:24 PM.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

We are having painting done in September (1 painter doing the interior) and DH refuses to leave anyone home alone. I get it but it's so annoying. He's going to take 2 days off, I am going to take 2 days off, and my dad will come for 2 days. It's supposed to take 6-7 days. I hate that I am wasting 2 vacation days!!!

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I was just going to ask this question! We're having flooring done and they told me it's a 2 day job. I can't be home all day for 2 days. I have stuff to do and I don't want to be in their way with my kids, so it's easier to just make plans to be out of the house. But then they are all alone in the house all day and that gives me anxiety.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I have done it with contractors who we trust and have done work for us in the past. He has the key for the duration of the work and returns it when it's completed. I also have a Ring so I have on camera who was in my house. But nothing has ever been out of place. It's a reputable contractor.

If I didn't do this, I would never get work done on my house. We both work and taking weeks off at a time for work to be done is just not feasible.

WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

Yeah we do it all the time. I'd do my diligence with vetting the person, seeing past jobs, getting referrals, etc. if it is the first time you are using them.
I also let my cleaning ladies in and out while im not home and that is a team of 4 women (whom I am sure are different some of the time) and they have real access to the entire house. I tend to trust people and believe that 99% of the time people do the right thing.
I dont think someone would want you to blow up their business on yelp, facebook, etc over stealing something.
That being said i dont have a ton of valuables outside of electronics.

WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

.

Message edited 3/19/2020 10:27:33 AM.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

We do but only with contractors that my husband knows and trusts. He is a contractor himself so he knows a lot of them personally. If he won’t leave them in our house alone, they usually aren’t the ones we will even use.

WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I had them in my house for over 2 months. I did a huge project and there was no way we could take off 2 months. We have a storage pod in the driveway that had most things of value in it anyway. Also contractors carry insurance. So if they were to steal from me I’d be making a claim ASAP.

WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I would put anything of value away, we were robbed while renovating. Took jewelry & electronics.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I have; but I also have cameras in my home.

But I did trust them; nonetheless.

WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I've had people work in an empty house, but I guess that doesn't count LOL! It's a tough call, so do what makes you comfortable.

WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I lock everything way. But I still wouldn't leave them alone. I have had too many friends have things stolen. You may know the contractor but not every person they bring to work on the job.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

We did our kitchen. Took 7 months to compete (long story lol) I personally know the main contractor and when he was here with his guys, I would run out to the gym or go run errands. I also have a Rottweiler who was upstairs w my little dog - so if anyone thought of going up there when my friend wasn’t looking, it would have been a very poor choice.

We had to leave when floor guys were here for 2 days. We kept anything easily stolen in a locked bedroom and hoped for the best. He also came recommended by our friend who was our contractor - he had known him for years. So I felt a small amount of trust. Plus I had neighbors reporting that they saw him through the window constantly working downstairs where he had to be.

It’s tough. But just bring anything that is easily pocketed out with you, to a friend or neighbors house. Nobody’s walking out with a 70” TV unnoticed. It’s the earrings, iPad or loose bills you tend to leave laying around

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

We have pets and are extremely cautious, and paranoid, about opening doors. We even have a baby gate at the foyer entrance. Since I don't trust anyone to be as careful as we are with the pets, no. We planned our kitchen renovation based on a time when I was able to take off for 2.5 weeks.

However, if it were not for the pets, then yes, we would if needed.

Message edited 7/2/2019 12:25:46 PM.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

Yes. When we were remodeling 2 bathrooms, we purposely planned a vacation for when remodeling was scheduled.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

Message edited 7/3/2019 11:12:45 AM.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

We've avoided having work done for this reason. Small things, like havign teh plumber coem to fix a leaky sink or having the cable guy coem, we've been able ro coordiante with days off or one of sus has worked form home.

I'm not as concrned with stealing, but I am afraid of the contractors doing something wrong with the project when we aren't there.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

I'm going to be honest, I have nothing of value in my home. I have zero jewelry other than my wedding/e-ring and I'd just wear those if anyone was going to be in my house.
We don't keep cash in the house.
DH's guns (retired PD) are in a safe.
That's it.
Would they want my TV? Doubtful.

But I really don't know if I'd feel comfortable with people in my home unattended... .not sure why.

Luckily DH is always home to meet anyone we have come in to do work. Which isn't much because he does pretty much everything- including oil burner tune ups- himself.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

DH installs floors and almost always works in occupied apartments when no tenant is home. It's easier and the work goes faster. Nothing has ever gone missing and the guys certainly don't snoop. I wouldn't think twice about leaving them in my home unattended.

WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

We have...I just remove whatever valuables I can when we do.

Re: WWYD? Unattended contractors at home.

We moved out for two weeks while our only bathroom was being gut renovated.
We know the contractor, and many of his employees. The contractor works for my co-op and does this business on the side. If anything was ever stolen from one of his sites, that would be the end of his side job career.