As a homeowner, there will be one time or another when you will have tradespeople (or tradies) working at your property. So how can you make them feel at home when they are working in yours?
Home or away?
This is certainly about your own preference (and depends on your schedule as well), but maybe you aren’t sure if you should stay in the home while they are working, or make yourself scarce?
Tradies will probably not be bothered if you are around, but it won’t be appreciated if you hover and watch their every move. It could be detrimental to their work if you ask too many questions or get in the way of them doing their job.
If you aren’t going to be home, then it is important they have access to the property, dogs are locked away and that you are easy to get in touch with just in case there are any issues/they need to ask something.
Read more: Watch out for these 8 things that could blow your renovation budget
Should you prepare your home for them?
Yes, tradespeople in your home should always treat it with respect - remove dirty work boots, clean up after themselves - but it doesn’t hurt to have the house ready for whatever work they are going to carry out. For example, you could lay down a path of flattened cardboard boxes so that they don’t have to always take of their boots when they go in and out to their van/truck for tools and supplies.
If there is going to be a lot of dust created, then you could remove your belongings from the space, or cover them up with sheets. And leave out a vacuum cleaner or cloths to wipe down surfaces, just in case they didn’t bring their own.
Do you need to put on a spread?
You don’t have to supply drinks and food for your tradies - but you can guarantee that they will be chuffed by the offer of a hot coffee or tea (especially on a cold, rainy day). If you aren’t going to be around, you can always let them know you have left it all out on the bench for them to help themselves. Depending on how long they will be working in your home, you could shout them a few drinks on a Friday afternoon, or offer a cake for morning tea. Of course it is not required, but just know it will be very appreciated!
What if you’re not happy with something?
If you see the wrong tap going in in your bathroom, it is best to speak up straight away in a courteous manner (perhaps the tradie is just doing what the boss told them to). But if it is something like tradies always leaving the site early for the day, or making a mess in your home - then get in touch with the project manager or owner of the company. They need to deal with their employees directly when it comes to those kind of issues.
When should you pay?
It is best to check with the company before work commences to find out what their payment terms are - then you won’t be caught out if you’re supposed to have the money available as soon as tradie is finished up. Some are within 7 or 14 days, but of course if the work is done, then they are entitled to be paid, so if they ask for it, then it is common courtesy to pay.
Be wary of tradespeople that ask for the money upfront, before they begin work, however you could compromise by paying half at the start, and the rest when the work is completed.
For larger job - like an ongoing renovation project - you may work out a weekly arrangement, or have it spread out in installments, with the final payment only payable when it has sign-off from council (if this is a requirement of the work taking place).
And here’s a final tip - be aware that you might need specific insurance for larger renovation projects in your home to cover the property, and the tradespeople working in it. Have a chat to your insurance company before commencing any work.
Are you looking to get your home ready before putting in on the market? Check out our free guide below:
