Questions about having a contractor working in our home

He said the job should take about a week. Should someone always be home while the work is going on? The contractor said that's not necessary but I don't know if I feel comfortable leaving people I don't know in my house.

Also are we supposed to provide the workers with lunch/drinks or do they usually bring their own?

And are we supposed to tip when the job is done?

Thanks! These are probably silly questions but we've never hired a contractor before.

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

I think it depends on YOUR comfort level.

DH has his own construction business and he's had both ends of the spectrum with customers.

He and his guys never expect customers to do anything for them, including use of bathroom and water, but it's nice when they do.

He's had customers tip and customers who have been rotten and tried to get out of paying due to natural imperfections in the materials THEY ordered .

Overall, it's been a pleasant experience on both ends though.

Often DH feels funny using a customer's bathroom, especially if he is covered with dirt and dust.

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

We had a 4 month construction project, so there was no way DW would stay at the house the entire time they were working....
DW always made sure she was home 1st thing in the morning to let them in, if they needed to be let in (they didn't need any keys when they were pouring the foundation or doing the framing.... )
They had a porta-potty, so the bathroom wasn't an issue. We had cold drinks available for them, but they usually didn't take us up on the offer.

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

I hadn't even thought about them using the bathroom. I don't mind of they do though, except I would be upset if they tracked mud through the house onto our light rugs. What do they otherwise if they have to go? Leave and go to a gas station or something?

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

Depends on how well you know them and trust them. When my mom redid er kitchen we ended up giving the contractor a key lol. Now he's going to be redoing our BR floors and might do the same if we're not able to be home.

As for food and drinks, if it was a big job my mom would order pizza for them most days. For a small job I don't think it's necessary. Drinks yes, I would provide them something but suggest using paper cups.

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

We had a project and it took about a week. We trusted them so we just asked them to lock up when they were done for the day and help themselves to waters in the fridge

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

Posted by Mrs213

Posted by LiveItUp

I hadn't even thought about them using the bathroom. I don't mind of they do though, except I would be upset if they tracked mud through the house onto our light rugs. What do they otherwise if they have to go? Leave and go to a gas station or something?

Ours put plastic down where ever they would be walking

Re: Questions about having a contractor working in our home

I have left contractors in my house many times. On certain days when I was home I would definitely not offer them lunch. A tip would depend on the situation.

I never had any issues but I always moved all of my jewelry to a relatives house so I wouldnt have to worry about it at all.