I was there nearly every day, fortunately I was able to rearrange my work schedule to be there, or have my (adult) child there, every day. It was useful since they had questions for me many days. I did not pester them, but I did stick my head into the room a couple of times to see that things were being done as planned - and did catch a couple of things before they went too far to correct

The crew was always friendly.

Do you have a GC? Or are you managing this yourself? Very diferent answers depending on the situation. Assuming a GC, no you do not need to be home, yes your GC should probably have a key, no you should not watch their every move (especially if you're supposed to be working :)). It is your GC's job to manage and vet subs and ensure that your home is secure during this process. You should probably have a weekly meeting with your GC and, if you have an architect or other pro involved, them too to review progress, walk through any unexpected issues, update timing and budget, etc. That's going to be much more efficient and pleasant that popping your head in randomly.

You should have a chat with the GC about his and your expectations for work times, access to the construction area, bathroom use, etc. Since you're starting next week, that chat should be today or tomorrow.

If you can be home that is great. We are going through this right now (and just did for our bathroom model last year). All of our contractors have been given our garage code to gain access. I meet with them in the morning when they arrive to go over any questions or concerns before I leave for work. My husband lets me handle this part because he knows how super anal I am about details lol. I offer them coffee, water, etc. and chit chat for a bit. Our superintendent stops by a couple times a day to check on things. They all have my cell (and husbands) to contact us directly if need be. If I were to be working from home, I would definitely pop in a couple times a day to see if they need anything or have any questions. And I would just let them know I was home and to holler at me if they need anything.

Good luck with your project!

I think saying hi and asking for a quick plan in at the beginning of the day is reasonable and smart; and popping in throughout the day is OK if you're offering treats!! I plied our subs with cookies, ice cream sandwiches, waters and pops (had a cooler filled), bakery goods, etc. etc.; and my husband would occasionally buy them lunch if he was running out to get something himself. I'm a food-plyer with everyone, but it did have the side benefit of facilitating good relationships between us and the people in our house -- ie it wasn't solely us inspecting work.

My husband and I were the GC for all the renovations done in our “Forever Home”. We renovated our kitchen, bathrooms, flooring in bathrooms and hallway, installation of a new oak wood staircase, all new lights, new entry door. We hand picked our carpenter, kitchen designer, tiler, electrician, and plumber. We reviewed their portfolios, reviews, and interviewed them. We researched extensively all products in the renovations. I worked from home then retired. My husband had been retired. We were at home during all renovations. We carefully inspected all products, along with the craftsmen, prior to any installation. We had no issues!! All the craftsmen we chose were superb, and became our friends too. All the time we put into the renovations had paid off. We now have a beautifully renovated home!

My builder had a code to the house that we will clear at the end of the project. I provided detailed plans (laminated, even, ha!) and he also called or texted whenever there was a question - but the kitchen is the biggest project he's done for us, and I think the others he's done helped lay that foundation for good communication. For the bathroom, we were away on vacation, not even in town (one bathroom in our home, so it made things easier for everyone to do it that way!) For our deck we were in and out because it was summer, and for the kitchen we moved out for the demo-rebuild-cabinet install- lighting install (and will be around for counters, plumbing, and floors - counters are floors are contractors I hired outside of the scope of my builder's work, and plumbing just because I have the day off anyway, and will stay out of their hair (but will rejoice to have a sink again!) Even floors, I will probably let them in and let them get started and then go to work, bc its fairly straightforward.

It may be your home, but now it's my jobsite. I'll be as accommodating as I can, but I'm not postponing operating noisy equipment so you can take your conference call. I'm not watching for Fluffy either; he can go to doggie day care. Neither were in my bid. If I've charged you for having a Porta Potty dropped off in the yard, we'll use it. Otherwise we need a quick place to pee.

You can watch all you please, but questions and comments go to me only, not my guys. You get what, where, when, and why; I keep who and how.

“I'm not postponing operating noisy equipment so you can take your conference call. I'm not watching for Fluffy either; he can go to doggie day care. Neither were in my bid.”

“You get what, where, when, and why; I keep who and how.”

No one has said anything here about noisy equipment, taking care of their pet, or not giving the workers a bathroom. No one should be required to triple-think their question before asking it to check if it falls within “what, where, when, and why“ or within ”who and how”. If I had a contractor speak to me in that way, and trying to show BDE but obviously is the opposite, I’d fire him.

There are hundreds of posts on here from people bullied by their contractors and ending up with a badly installed kitchen because when they checked on the work or asked questions, their contractor spoke to them like Joseph Corlett does. To the OP - do not keep a contractor in your house who condescends, has imaginary affronts, or sneers.

webuser:

Most people like to hear the other side of the equation. You don't; fine by me. I sort through potential customers like you and you'd never make the cut. Customers aren't the only ones who get to pick, but you've forgotten that.