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Be Wise When Hiring a Contractor
By Laurie | June 27, 2008
When it comes to projects around the house, most homeowners will agree there are no shortages of necessary jobs. Whether your need is fixing a leaky faucet or converting your musty basement from storage space to recreation room, chances are sooner or later you’ll be pressed to contract out the work. A great place to start your search is of course your local business directory. Ask all prospects for references and follow up on the information given. After the initial leg work is complete, the contractor will want to see first-hand what work is to be performed. Many times work on that leaky faucet or maintenance on the air-conditioner that remained idle through winter can be completed in a single visit. The basement, however may take weeks before it is transformed into the vision of your dreams. Nonetheless, when inviting strangers into your home for any reason, there a few sound security precautions you should consider beforehand.
1. When setting up the initial visit, insist that the contractor provide you with a time of arrival. Private contactors should be able narrow the arrival time down to within an hour; say, between 1:00 -2:00 pm. Larger businesses may balk at specifics. In those cases, ask the person whom you arrange the visit through to provide the name of the employee responding to the call, and make a note. If you are unfamiliar with the firm, ask the operator for a description of the company vehicle. Upon arrival, the information given should check out. When in doubt, ask for positive identification, such as a driver’s license or company ID. Never let the arrival into your home when there is uncertainty.
2. Provide instruction to your contractor how to approach your home. A contractor should never be instructed to approach any area other than the main entrance to your home or office. Unless there is a risk of injury—unsafe stairs or deck, for example—a contractor should always be directed to the front or main entrance.
3. Prepare you home before the arrival. Expect that you will need to show the area where the work is to be preformed. Also give some thought to the route you will lead the contractor along to the worksite. The path should be well lit and free of obstacles. Tightly close doors to adjoining rooms to discourage curiosity and disclosing the layout of your home. It may be necessary to leave the contractor to conduct the work but make a point to peer in at regular intervals to ensure that he remains on task. It is also a very good idea to inspect the areas the contractor entered after departing your home. Look to ensure that nothing is out of place. Check that windows and outside doors have not been unlocked.
4. During the preliminary estimate or after the job is complete, a flat surface is often needed to review documents or provide payment for services rendered. Have this location prepared in advance and keep information on a need to know basis and strictly at a business level. Keep your communication on a professional basis at all times and do not allow yourself to become too friendly with the contractor you are working with. The space should be clear of personal papers, such as bank statements, schedules or photographs. This eliminates the risk to these items being intentionally or unintentionally mixed in with the contractor’s brochures, invoices—and your check—when he departs.
Other tips to consider
You may also find it useful to have someone else with you in your home during the contractor’s visit. If this is not possible consider having the volume of a radio or television playing softly behind one of the closed doors. Briefly phoning a friend within earshot of the contractor—making certain to explain that “Bob from Plumber World” is presently working in your home and you will return her call after work is complete. I know of one woman who goes to the trouble preparing a light snack for the “occupant” watching TV behind one of the closed doors whenever a stranger must enter her home. What is incredibly ingenious about this is that she lives alone and smart as a whip.
Finally, if the project is going to be long term, you’ll need to set some ground rules. Identify to the contractor what floors and rooms he will have access to. He must be told in no uncertain terms. You must also expect that he will require the use of a bathroom from time to time. If possible, one on the floor where the work is being completed is perfectly acceptable. Keep it as sparse as possible. Throw in some personal hygiene items associated with men for good measure—like after shave or gun oil. The choice is yours. Stay Safe!
For more safety and personal security tips visit Defensive Countermeasures Institute, LLC
Topics: Safety / Security |