To think this is a little paranoid?

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

We're having builders doing some work on a garage in our garden. DH for some reason seems really unhappy with the idea of letting the builders have access to the house without one of us being there. He seemed to think it was perfectly reasonable to let them put their extension lead through the cat flap, leave them a kettle outside & expect them to pee in the bushes

Surely you should trust workmen in your house?

I wouldn't mind them coming in whilst I was there but the rest of the time I'd be locking the door. I just wouldn't trust anyone with that kind of access.

I wouldn't trust anyone I don't know.

i would trust them, as they are the first person the police will visit if there are any problems, but my MIL wouldn't give her SIL a house key.

Surely if it's a reputable trader (one with references, on checkatrade etc) it wouldn't be worth their reputation to take anything?

It's not stealing that bothers me.

What is it then mercifulgibbon?

Oh, nothing extreme. I just didn't like the things a plumber did with me actually in the house and it's made me nervous with having workmen in the house. Think using my pots to drain radiators and the pram as somewhere to dump his dirty rags.

Hmm I can see both sides but if I'm not there they might walk through in muddy/dusty boots, nosy in cupboards, make a mess etc. Would be more funny about someone I don't know in my house when I'm not there than be worried about them burgling me.

I agree with your husband, unless the builders were friends and I would allow, but complete strangers no.

I'm having this dilemma at the moment. We need to have our boiler replaced and put in a different room which is going to mean our living room will be completely out of action. Staying in with a two year old would be completely unworkable. The boiler fitter has offered to do it while we're away on holiday which makes sense but I'm very uncomfortable about it. I don't have an answer for you though I'm afraid.

When our bext door neighbour had her front wall rebuilt she insisted the brought a portoloo with them.