Workmen in your home - how do you handle if you are a woman alone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a contractor. I do high end custom homes and renovations. I understand that many women can feel uncomfortable with certain men in their homes. I tell my female clients that if they get a "vibe' or a feeling about any of my guys or subs to please let me know and I will ensure that either I don't send that worker to their house or I ensure that I will be at the house at the same time. I think as men we need to be more sensitive to how women can be made to feel threatened just buy a guy being a little off. I am also very vigilant with home with teenage daughters.

It cuts both ways though. I have a client that recently would not open the door for one of my regular guys. He has been at the house for the past six months, is very hard working, but he is latino. He knocked on the door to drop off some materials at the end of the day, coming from another job. He got to the house around 6pm. She looked at him through the window but would not let him in the house. This client is definitely a little off when it comes to her perception of safety so I try to be understanding. That said, I am very fond and have immense respect for my guy and I could tell that he felt wounded and hurt by the client not letting him in the house. Its a large, lucrative job that I am now considering not finishing. I understand the client's hangs up, I get it. But when you cross the line and disrespect a hard working young man, and maybe because his skin is brown, well then I'm not sure I want to work for you - no matter how much money you have.

Hire very carefully, be street smart. But remember it cuts both ways.

Did you call in advance and let her know? I do not always open the door if I do not know someone is coming. Neighbor kids know to yell if it is an emergency and they need me. Or, I could be sleeping in the back bedroom and not hear as I need to sleep a lot. We are in a remodel and our electrician has sent his helper, who is a nice guy, but asks me in advanced. If they have a key, they call or text and if I do not anwser they yell up. They know we have crazy family stuff and part of it is a safety issue. That would be crappy to not finish over an late evening drop off you probably did not coordinate.

I agree with this. I never open the door if I'm not expecting someone. I was raped and it's not something I share with contractors but it makes me super cautious - some might say paranoid. It is what it is but the most import thing is that I feel safe in my house, especially with young children now.