contractors in empty apartment

yoa

I want to get my hardwood floors redone for my empty apartment. How do people coordinate with the contractors? Do they meet them in the morning and give the access to the unit and leave?

It's my first time dealing with this and would like any suggestions or have folks share their experiences.

Tnx

veets

I would only leave a contractor alone in apt. if they had done other work and I trusted them completely and it was a day when I wasn't hearing my you know better script. yeah it is empty apt. so nothing to steal but I would be there to open door, check back a few times during the job and be there to lock door behind them.

opossumqueen

We've used a contacter recommended by several neighbors that have used him a ton and I just gave them a key and we've had no problems, even with leaving our dog loose in the house with them.

It was important to us go to with a contracter recommended by people we know and that makes it much easier to trust them in your home. If it really bothers you, just change the lock once the work is over.

reader

I would agree with all that say to use only contractors that you get by personal recommendation, but also while you are interviewing/pricing out the job ask if they use day laborers or do they have a dedicated crew.

I have a guy that has done all kinds of jobs for me, he has my keys always in his possesion, he is that trustworthy. He has a small crew that he has worked with for years and will vouch for.

jonno12

I'm a contractor in Park Slope, and keys are left with me at some point during the project inevitably on every job that I do. I think first impressions go a long way as well as good references like the last two commentors mentioned. The fact of the matter is, homeowners have to work and shouldn't have to babysit their contractor. You also don't want to be around, especially during a flooring job (in fact you're better off moving to a hotel for a few days during the project) due to the semi-compromised air quality. Further, if the contractor hopes to establish themselves it'll kind of blow holes in their reputation to disrespect one of their clients or their home.

Jon

Ecostruct LLC, Owner