contractors: do you leave them alone in your house?

[road trip]

So what's the lower and upper time threshold for leaving contractors in your dwelling? A full-day project? A 3-day project? Never?

We had some water damage to our floors and are now going to get them replaced and was thinking... do I have to work from home when the floor people are here? Or do I just let them in in the morning and tell them to lock up when they leave?

And I have to assume that the rest of the people in my building (8 units, old school urban living with 2 per floor and interior stairwell) aren't going to want random contractors walking about...

[Mathematics]

I'd keep an eye on them.

I worked on a small construction crew through college and we scheduled all the sub-contractors (drywallers, plumbers, painters, etc) and there wasn't a single guy I'd trust alone in my house. even if they dont take anything right away, they can scope easy ways in/out and anything worth stealing at a later time...happened to my dad when he had a couple roofers fixing up our cabin a few years ago...3 days later one of the guys came back through a window when no one was around and took a bunch of stuff.

[Chowda]

my thought...

If you trusted them, you wouldn't be asking.

[bklyn]

No, never.

Theft is a secondary issue. When you are present, things are done with care and you are available for immediate consultation when the unexpected happens. If you aren't there... well...

[road trip]

Consensus is in...

The person who lives in the unit downstairs from us had some work done a couple of weeks ago when I knew she was out of town... so wasn't quite sure what the norm is. I have to hope that she really trusts the contractor; particularly when the first set of keys is to get into the building and the second is to get into the unit.

[mcsquared]

Most contractors I know would like to charge extra if the owner is going to hover around all day. I know I would probably want to if some accountant is going to walk around measuring the distance between the studs all day. As somebody who hires quite a few contractors, my advice is to hire good people, not just the cheapest. Check their references, treat them like craftsmen not laborers, pay them promptly and let them do their job.

[AsheanMT]

I've been left alone to paint in many houses. If they are quality contractors then you shouldn't have any worries at all. It would be pretty boring for a homeowner to sit around and watch me work. About as exciting as watching paint dry. A pro will only be working on the project and really has no interest in your house or your stuff.

But then again, I've definitely met some contractors that I would never let into my home whether I was there or not.

[bklyn]

I don't advocate hovering. I do however advocate being present.
Contractors often subcontract, and sometimes to people they don't know very well.