So, what do you pros usually do regarding getting a key/security code etc. from the customer when doing work in their home while they are at work? Do you expect:
– the customer will always be home to let you in and lock up behind you;
– that they’ll want the lead guy to hold the only key and escort subs in and out
– that the customer will want to pass the key over at a time convenient to them and discuss the rules of coming and going
– that they should leave the place unlocked or otherwise unsecured (e.g., alarm off and key under mat) because it’s too much to ask that you be able to pin down who will be coming and going and just when that might be?
In my dream world I’d have the butler let in the pros while I go to work unconcerned about who is in my house. But in my world, I have to go to work myself while you do yours and I can’t always have a 10 year relationship with the guy with the tools. I’m curious what the range of standard practice is in BT world.
Replies
With my customers, they are seldom in the residence while I do my work.
A certain element of trust exists.
I feel completely responsible with their home during my work there. That includes all subcontractors and material delivery.
I only rarely need to be on site during all subcontracted work. I let them in and make sure the site is clean and secure at the end of the day, before the client returns. In most cases the homowner allows me to leave a sub alone on site. In the rare case where they trust me only, I'll hopefully find something constructive to do and schedule the subs during my work.
On rare occasion, a lock box. Never a key under the mat, that takes the responsibility out of my hands.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Most of the jobs I do involve the homeowner being around. But the way of life on this island (sadly changing) is such that many people do not lock their doors when they leave for the day. (We don't even lock our vehicles, but leave them in the village with the keys in the ignition). It sometimes means that I am not to be at the house too early, so I'll pick up materials for the day, first. But in cases where the customer is absent they will either specify a place for me (and I'll tell my subbies), or they'll give me a key. Then, of course, there's the little ceremony of handing-back-the-key at the end of the job. Completion symbolically as well as literally.
(As an aside, a person I knew owed someone $300 - he hid it under a stone by the front door - upon which he had posted a note to say which stone the the lender was to find the money hidden under!)
Essntially tho, it's a case of trust - the customers of me, and mine of my subbies. Being a small place rumours of good and bad are rife - the island telegraph can mean that, unless there's an incomer who doesn't know one, one will find very little work.
cheers
***I'm a contractor - but I'm trying to go straight!***
- the customer will always be home to let you in and lock up behind you;
- that they'll want the lead guy to hold the only key and escort subs in and out
- that the customer will want to pass the key over at a time convenient to them and discuss the rules of coming and going
- that they should leave the place unlocked or otherwise unsecured (e.g., alarm off and key under mat) because it's too much to ask that you be able to pin down who will be coming and going and just when that might be?
Yes!
but ... let's not preface that question with "Do you expect" ... and end it with ...
"because it's too much to ask" ...
U seem to have some anger issues here.
"But in my world, I have to go to work myself while you do yours and I can't always have a 10 year relationship with the guy with the tools. "
We work in the same world ... and you want the work done ... and we still gotta get inside to do it. You called us, remember?
9o% of the time ... I get a key. If people don't want me to have a key ... they have to change their schedules to meet mine. A key is easier.
On a side note ... one of the last jobs where there was a "trust issue" ... turned out to be a guy I had to have my lawyer send a letter to before he paid the final 10% .... just how did I see that coming!
and another job that comes to mind was a small repair job I fit in, in the middle of a big basement conversion. The lady was a stay at home Mom ... so she got up to let me in ... and was there half the time when I let myself out. But I overheard a phone conversation ... I was working on a window, lay ot out so almost all the work could be done from the outside, but I needed access to the basement ...
where she told a friend they'd have to have "just a short lunch, she didn't want the contractor IN the house unsupervised for a long time" ...
I had to laugh ... typical ranch house ... typical working class neighborhood ... house filled with kids toys .... and the job I took a break from to fit them in ...
Million dollar house filled with big money art work and state of the art electronic toys.
and those people just gave me a key ...
I felt like yelling up the stairs ... trust me lady, I won't steal yer car .... mine is newer!
people make me laugh ...
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Most of my work the owners are out for the day. They leave a key hidden at a pre-arranged place, or in a few cases, give me one of my own for the duration.
Every once in a long while the folks will move out while it all gets done. Trust has never been an issue. I never never abuse that trust. To do so is outright wrong, not to mention very stupid. Not good for future work if you do..........
Subs I trust completely. They get keys left for them if needed as well.
Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.
DW
I wasn't the slightest bit angry - that's your inference. (In fact I was coming away from an experience of being quite pleased with my people).
As everyone else replied. Just depends on the people. I tell them I don't care how they work it out but we need access to work. Some stay home, most give us a key or leave a door open, and on a few we have a key in our key box to get in all the time if they call.
Like Jeff I find that the amount of money they have, possesion or job type doesn't matter. We work for a few of the local cops. One leaves us at the house after letting us in but doesn't give out his phone number. Another stayed there for the first day and then just let us in and left. Sometimes you have to build trust other times it never happens. DanT
I install a locking key box on my jobs if there's a key involved. The look a bit like the ones that realtors use but aren't electronic... just push-buttons for the combination on the front.
I saw something interesting recently on a house. The HO replaced his front door deadbolt with a new one, and gave out the key for that lock only to the CG and subs. When the job was done, they took it out and re-installed the old one. That way they provided access to their house, but the keys were no good after the job was complete.
I have learned - Heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. [Mark Twain]
There is a "new construction lock" that allows you to pass out all of the keys that you want. However, the first time that the HO's keys are used the others are "locked out".Don't know the brands, but I suspect that the tract builders might be the market. Would not be surprised if they all worked with one "workers key".The keypad on my garage door opener can be programed with a secondard code. And it can be setup for some many uses and it is easier to reprogram than the main code.
We use Weiser Locks, they do just what you stated.
On a side note... I could never understand why Heavy Equipment, most keys fit into all of the same brands. Bet my dirt guy would be pi$$ed if he knew what kind of joy riding goes on after hours!
Our concrete sub left a newew bobcat onsite, I hoped in there with my campershell key for a little ride, the dang thing had a keypad for an ignition switch!
We also use a lock-box. The push button variety. All the subs are given the sequence, so they can let themselves in. Security systems are turns off.