Investigators in Ohio were searching for a convicted sexual predator. Warrants were issued after he failed to register his address. A tip to Crime Stoppers got the subject arrested. He had been working for a subcontractor used by a local carpet company. Det. Brian Kratzer, Wilmington, Ohio Police: “He’d be in houses where you’d have pictures of your family…he’s installing carpet…looking at the pictures of the family… maybe kids left home alone, older teenagers, it would definitely be alarming, a guy who’s a…sex predator is coming and going out of your house.”
There are many stories like this, but thankfully they are exception rather than the rule. However, whenever you deal with people you don’t know, you must think first about your safety.
What if you are undertaking a remodel, getting new drywall, new floors, new wiring, repainting? All of this work would mean a continual presence from contractors, subcontractors and their workers. Is your contractor able to guarantee all these people are trustworthy? A worker with criminal intent could return after hours. While working inside the house, he could scope out the scene, leave windows unlocked in order to return later to commit a robbery.
Even if you are not having major work done, consider the many people you let into your home routinely: appliance repair technicians, electricians, carpet cleaners, plumbers, movers, installers, delivery people. Most of them are hardworking people trying to do a good job, but for the sake of your safety it is necessary to know who is coming into your home.
How do you choose the people who will do work for you? Do you shop around for the cheapest deal or quote, even if it means the workers are not licensed? You might be home alone while the work is proceeding. You might pay in cash. These are mistakes, unless you can completely trust the people you have hired.
Is anyone legally responsible for checking out employees who are sent out to do work? In a word, no. There is no law requiring companies to conduct criminal background checks, but many companies do it on their own.
In 2004, a carpet installer, working as a subcontractor for Home Depot robbed a Clermont County, Ohio couple, after making a delivery to their home. Large companies use subcontractors because it’s cheaper and they can avoid paying taxes and workers’ compensation. In a good development, however, Home Depot in 2004 centralized their system for doing background checks. Every subcontractor now goes through an extensive check process. They also periodically recheck them once they’re hired. Last year, the company ran more than 70,000 background checks on subcontractors.
The Internet now makes it easy to find workers online. People often post on sites such as Craigslist looking for a handyman. Should you hesitate when someone responds by asking for your address to come and give an estimate? Yes. Before proceeding, take precautions. Remember, you can’t be too safe.
1. If using a company, ask whether it conducts background checks on employees or subcontractors.
2. Make sure there is someone with you when the handyman comes to discuss work or to give an estimate. Don’t lead a stranger to believe you live alone.
Ask to see an ID or a business card. No one should show up to your home unexpectedly.
3. Ask friends and neighbors to refer people whose work they have been satisfied with.
4. Check and verify licensing and credentials. Although many handymen are not licensed, it doesn’t mean they don’t do good work. But for electrical and jobs requiring a permit, it’s best to use a licensed/bonded contractor.
5. Check with the Better Business Bureau in your area to see if there are any complaints registered.
6. Get references. Plural. Call each and ask about job performance and work history. If you are hiring a remodeling contractor or builder, go to see past jobs. Ask to see a portfolio of before and after photos. If possible, speak in person with past clients who live in your area.
7. Ask your contractor specifically about his subcontractors: how long have they been working for him, will he vouch for their dependability and be available to address any complaints.
8. Get a full background check, if you will be entrusting your contractor with a major job for a major amount of money. A civil background check will reveal if there have been any lawsuits or judgments filed. You might want the reassurance of a criminal background check as well.
9. Always put your contract in writing specifying exactly what is expected of this person. Include a clause about what will happen if the contractor fails to do the work properly and to specifications.
10. Make sure the person you hire can be contacted easily. Be sure you have access to contact information: a cell phone number, an email address, a pager number. Your contractor or worker always should return your communications in a timely manner.