Dealing with HO kids & pets etc. - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

rselectric1 · 10-30-2009, 03:15 PM

This is in regards to residential work. I am always interested in providing a safe situation for my clients. I tend to overthink things sometimes and be too detail oriented-if that is possible, but the clients seem to be impressed with the amount of thought I give every project, whether it's an electrical service call or a kitchen remodel.

I wanted to share with you guys some of the things I ask, and advise my customers prior to each job, depending on the size and scope of the job. Perhaps it will help some of you, and I would love for you guys to fill in any blanks I have been overlooking.

1) Small kids-What we are doing may interest a little kid. I advise the HO that there will be times when they need to take a drive, walk, or go shopping. This would include ANY demo work, but in my case especially while tracing live circuits. Also included is soldering copper pipes, pulling up carpet before tack stip is removed, any moving of large items such as appliances, granite, and cabinetry, any temporary opening of the subfloor, etc. (depends on the job)

2) Pets-When tracing wiring and receptacles are dangling, cats especially tend to be very attracted to the devices and the movement that occurs when you pull on conductors (in conduit) to determine their path. Dogs sometimes want to be all over you. I dont want them to complete the path to ground when I am working live. I advise HO's to keep the pets completely out of the work area-ALWAYS. It is best if they are locked in a bedroom so you don't accidently let them out of the house too.

3) Access-if a garage keypad is present, I look at the brand and hand them instructions on how to program a guest code. I don't want to know their master code. (Same goes for alarm systems) After we are done, they can delete the guest codes.

Those are the three biggies that I verbally relay, along with a written, generic guide on what to expect, what their responsibilities are (getting any materials or appliances, etc. that they are providing) on site and what day they need to be there, and a schedule/flowchart that I clarify is subject to change.

I am looking forward to your thoughts and suggestions.

WarnerConstInc. · 10-30-2009, 04:17 PM

Dead cats don't bother me but, if they want me to baby sit, it is going to be extra.

Good ideas.

Mike Finley · 10-30-2009, 04:58 PM

According to angiezlist you're supposed to walk their pets if you're a good contractor.

rselectric1 · 10-30-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

According to angiezlist you're supposed to walk their pets if you're a good contractor.

I saw that ad. If the HO is gone for the day, I will let them out out into a fenced back yard, but no walking.

angus242 · 10-30-2009, 05:09 PM

Ya but also according to angies, there are some of us who would do pay-per-view porn.

You know who you are

rselectric1 · 10-30-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angus242

Ya but also according to angies, there are some of us who would do pay-per-view porn.

You know who you are

I hate when I get caught doing that

BamBamm5144 · 10-30-2009, 05:19 PM

We have been working on a condo association and I am surprised at the amount of parents who let there kids play right around the dumpster when we are working. We have to constantly remind them to move. The other day when we came back from lunch, two of the kids were actually IN the dumpster. Do you got any suggestions on how to get these kids to listen? I mean they should be in school but they must be on a break. Last thing I would want to hear is about a kid getting a nail in the foot or anything bad.

Otherwise I think most people understand to sort of stay away or you enter the work area at your own risk. Do you guys have anything written into your contracts about homeowners being in the work area? I would guess there are some types out there who would TRY to get hurt while you are working.

angus242 · 10-30-2009, 05:27 PM

I have a clause in my contract that states the work area can be dangerous or deadly to children or pets. They are NOT my responsibility. It is the HO's responsibility to keep them away from the work area, tools stored or materials waiting to be installed. That includes a dumpster.

I don't want to see anybody get hurt either but on the other hand, I can't save the world. I keep my areas very clean while working and pick up things when I'm done. We don't leave things laying around or stack materials in a manner that can be dangerous. Bottom line, if a irresponsible HO doesn't care about their kids, why should I?

nailkiller1 · 10-30-2009, 05:53 PM

make sure the beloved family lab is safely locked away
If he gets out, and then gets run over while you are working.
You will be lucky to get paid
You want be working at their house again
A referal probably wont happen

rselectric1 · 10-30-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nailkiller1

make sure the beloved family lab is safely locked away
If he gets out, and then gets run over while you are working.
You will be lucky to get paid
You want be working at their house again
A referal probably wont happen

I always check to make sure the pets are still inside when I leave for the day too. Cats are a pain in the a** because they hide.
Dogs are easy, reach out and ring the doorbell and they will always present themselves.

J F · 10-30-2009, 06:08 PM

the angie's list ilk even expect you to flush after dropping a deuce....every time

wtf? we all forget sometimes, no?

480sparky · 10-30-2009, 06:21 PM

By any other name, this is a line-item cost and is still in the PITA figures.

dayexco · 10-30-2009, 06:26 PM

just blend in a 1/3 of a bar of ex-lax in the pet's food dish.

mikeswoods · 10-30-2009, 06:31 PM

I've never had a big problem-I did have the same grumpy old Labrador escape, twice on the same job.

Just what would you say? "oh,By the way,Fido's dead." --"I know this is a time and materials job,but I'm not going to charge you for the box ,or the 45 minutes it took my helper to dig the hole."???

Sure hope I don't ever do that.---------MIKE----