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Original poster

Do people leave builders in the house and give them a key?

58 replies

Lucyloo223 · 11/06/2024 21:44

I want to get some work done but it's going to take 2 weeks. I can't take 2 weeks off work. Do people just let builders have a key to come and go?

OP posts:
Compash · 11/06/2024 22:18

I can't believe everyone is saying Yes! The very thought freaks me out... 😱 But then, I wouldn't give my mother my keys... I think I'm just hyper-private and neurotic...

Mind you, I watched the neighbours' house getting painted while they were on holiday last year, and when the decorators left for the night, they left all the windows wide open to air the place!

Original poster
Lucyloo223 · 11/06/2024 22:17

Hinkuy · 11/06/2024 21:47

They usually come early and leave early so sort of 8am-4pm sort of days. I usually let them in, quick chat then they let themselves out later. My door doesn't need keys to lock though. Mostly though I'd just work from home where possible.

Yeah, I can't work from home at all

OP posts:
kitteninabasket · 11/06/2024 22:17

No. My neighbour got burgled this way, they’d made a copy of the key. I also know someone else who did this and they caught the builder pissing in the sink on camera Confused slightly different scenario but my parents had jewellery stolen by a removals company when they were moving house. I wouldn’t trust anyone I don’t know with my key, including the estate agent despite their insistance.

SoundedGoodWhenDrunk · 11/06/2024 22:13

We had builders working in our house for 4 months years ago so we had to give them keys and leave them to it at times.

MasterOfCake · 11/06/2024 22:11

We did, but as we had various trades who had our keys at various points in time, we changed our locks when all the works were done.

hby9628 · 11/06/2024 22:10

Yes but we tend to use the same people. Completely trust them.

clarrylove · 11/06/2024 22:10

We didn't feel comfortable doing that as had lots of trades coming and going so always made sure one of us was here.

hastalav · 11/06/2024 22:06

I moved out for three months and left keys with the builder. He came recommended though and there was no problem. I did put private stuff away just the same, like documents and bank stuff etc. But other than that there was no problem.

It was either that or live on a building site with utilities off for hours per day and so on.

Basicallyluls · 11/06/2024 22:03

vtisailor · 11/06/2024 21:58

Yep those skanky builders probably have more valuables and money than you.

Show quote history

They probably do ! Ours aren't skanky at all, we like them a lot. Still would hide family heirlooms etc one of our friends did have theft once and you never know whom they subcontract to.

DappledThings · 11/06/2024 22:03

Yes. I've left them keys and gone on holiday more than once.

LordPercyPercy · 11/06/2024 22:02

I gave ours the key and went on holiday.

mrsmacmc · 11/06/2024 21:58

Yes, I've known my tradies for a good while though! To test the waters with a newbie I do a small job initially for when we are around to see if we are comfortable with them. Only ever had 1 where we didn't feel comfortable with them so 'lost' their number

GasPanic · 11/06/2024 21:58

Probably have to but it is a wise idea to have non copy keys and remove anything of any significant value or at least hide it.

vtisailor · 11/06/2024 21:58

Basicallyluls · 11/06/2024 21:57

Yes. They come and go. Just hide your valuables. And your hoover.

Yep those skanky builders probably have more valuables and money than you.

Basicallyluls · 11/06/2024 21:57

Yes. They come and go. Just hide your valuables. And your hoover.

LaPalmaLlama · 11/06/2024 21:56

Yeah- I had a six month period where we had builders and bathroom fitters so I just fitted a key safe. I did hide any valuables out of the way, just as a precautions but no issues.

Maray1967 · 11/06/2024 21:55

Yes - absolutely. We trust ours - very reliable. Ours finished off our extension when we were on holiday. We came back to a fitted utility room, and our washer and dryer plumbed in ready to go. They’d washed up the mugs etc they’d used and everything was stacked nearly on the side. We’d introduced them to the neighbours as they were going to be making good on their side once they were finished. No problems at all.

LammasEve · 11/06/2024 21:52

We did for 2 weeks of work last year, we trusted them to lock up when done and I just came back on a couple of days to pick up the mail.

Alicewinn · 11/06/2024 21:51

Yes

Pombearprincess · 11/06/2024 21:51

Yes we do, though I try to wfh as much as possible in case there are any unexpected decisions to be made. Though that's not always ideal as it can be noisy.

CloudPop · 11/06/2024 21:51

You have to trust them. If you don't - then consider if you really want them working on your house? I do understand it's a strange feeling to hand a key over but it has to be a trust based relationship

MargotMoon · 11/06/2024 21:50

Yes, and they should have liability insurance

JumpstartMondays · 11/06/2024 21:50

We did, they came and finished up our place whilst we were on holiday! They even organised cleaners too so we came back to a finished and spotless home (Although they'd already done work for us so it wasn't a new relationship, and I asked my friend nextdoor to keep an eye and ear out, too just in case).

Looolaaa · 11/06/2024 21:50

Yes

RedHelenB · 11/06/2024 21:49

Yes