quick reply needed please!! builder question

charliee_3

morning all, I have a builder starting this morning on my garage conversion. ive never hired a builder before so was wondering do i give him a key as presumably i dont need to be here the WHOLE time he is working?

i dont know him, but he seems ok and i have a landline number that i have called him on...

thoughts please!!

dander

Yeah, I'd give him a key - makes life much easier.

timmmers

Have you any choice ?

Get a neighbour to keep an eye maybe?

t

renegade

Why would he need a key if he is working outdoors? I would not give my house keys to someone I did'nt know. If you need to go out lock up your house, you have to protect your property.
I am quite sure the police would be appalled if you gave your keys to a stranger, to say nothing of your Insurance company!

wallbash

renegade I take it you have never had builders in to do a major project
'within' your home?
Then they would have to be inside :rolleyes:

Building work is a matter of trust , they work , you pay.

This problem was discussed on this forum a short while ago

charliee If the guy requires a key ??? go with your gut reaction .

police would be appalled if you gave your keys to a stranger, to say nothing of your Insurance company!

They also live in the real world.
Good thinking about the landline ..... much better than the mobile.

charliee_3

thanks for the input, i did think that i didnt really have a choice unless i want to stay off work for the next 3 weeks just so i can sit in...

i just wanted to check it was generally the done thing.. they are cracking on, so i am happy so far that they are trustworthy...

fingers crossed eh!!

phill99

As a builder, you need to realise that most builders are completely honest and trustworthy. They just want to do the job and get paid. A good reputation is easy to loose over a trust issue and most builders are not interested in your TV, Hifi or your underwear draw. Sure there are some bad apples out there but that is the same in any trade / profession. Ask for references if you are not sure, but i'm sure you will be fine.

loulou41

I gave the builder the keys when he did some works in my house.

punknzippy

i to am a builder , it is generally okay to give them a key , it also gives them acsess to your toilet as we do tend to like tea/coffee breaks unless they have hired a portaloo , if they have water and electric outside and really dont need to go inside then giving them a key to your house may not be necesary anyway .
i hope it all goes smoothly for you .... and a packet of biscuits or cake goes very well towards a good job