Should You Be Home While a Professional Works?
When it makes sense to stay home during a job and when you can safely leave, with practical tips on key handover, communication and checking work afterwards.
Many people feel awkward about hovering over someone working in their home, and equally uneasy about leaving a stranger alone with their belongings. The right answer depends on the type of job, your comfort level and what you have agreed. Neither staying nor leaving is inherently better.
When it is wise to be there
At the start
Even if you plan to go out, be there at the beginning if you can. A ten-minute start lets you:
- Confirm the person's identity against their profile.
- Walk through exactly what is to be done.
- Point out problem areas, hazards and anything to avoid.
- Agree where they can park, store materials and use facilities.
- Exchange phone numbers.
For first-time providers
If you have not used the person before, being present for at least part of the job helps you judge their conduct and quality. Trust builds with experience.
For jobs where decisions arise
Where you may need to choose a position, colour, route or finish, such as shelving height or where to run a cable, your presence prevents mistakes and rework.
At the end
Try to be there for completion. You can inspect the work, ask questions, receive any certificates or instructions and agree any follow-up. See what to do when work is poor if something is not right.
When leaving is reasonable
- Routine, repeat visits from someone you know, such as a regular cleaner or gardener.
- Simple jobs with clear instructions, where there are few decisions to make.
- Work outside, such as in a back garden, with controlled access.
- When your schedule requires it, as long as you have done the checks.
Most professionals are used to working in empty homes and find it perfectly normal.
If you leave, how to do it safely
- Check identity and details first. On a platform such as Compito, providers are ID-verified, and you can match the profile to the person. See what a verified profile tells you.
- Agree the scope and the boundaries in writing, including which rooms are involved.
- Secure valuables, documents and sensitive items, ideally out of sight or locked away.
- Arrange key access carefully. See keys and home security.
- Give clear instructions for locking up, pets and alarms.
- Stay reachable by phone during the job.
- Ask for a message when they arrive and leave. This is a simple, courteous check.
If you work from home
Being at home while someone works is common. Set expectations kindly:
- Tell them which room you will be using and when you have calls.
- Agree noisy work times if possible.
- Do not feel obliged to entertain or watch continuously.
You can be around without hovering. Checking in at sensible intervals is usually enough.
Do not over-supervise
Standing over someone can slow them down and create tension. Trust, then verify. Check progress at agreed points, ask questions politely and leave them to work.
Check the work when you return
Walk around with a short list from your original scope. Compare it to the finished result. Note any marks, damage or incomplete items, and photograph them. Raise points promptly in a message so there is a record. See keeping a record of messages.
Special circumstances
- Children and vulnerable adults: Arrange for a trusted adult to be present, or choose a time when they are not at home. See hiring for an elderly relative.
- Rented homes: Check what your landlord or agent requires, such as access arrangements. See landlords and tenants hiring.
- High-value contents: Consider storing items elsewhere or booking when someone can be present.
A worked example: a mixed list of small jobs
A customer books a half-day of odd jobs: hanging shelves, re-hanging a door and fixing a loose banister. They decide to be there for the first half hour to point out where each item is and agree the shelf heights, then work from the spare room while the provider gets on with the list. Before finishing, they walk through each job together. The provider gets the information they need at the start, the customer is not hovering, and any adjustments are made while everyone is still there.
Matching your presence to the risk
| Situation | A sensible approach |
|---|---|
| Familiar provider, simple job | Be reachable by phone, check on return |
| New provider, small job | Be there for the start and the end |
| Large or multi-day project | Be around or nominate a trusted person, and agree daily check-ins |
| Work involving decisions | Stay for those stages |
| Valuables in the work area | Move them away, or be present |
Using messages as your check-in
Agree a simple routine: a message when they arrive, a photo update at a milestone and a message when they leave. It gives reassurance without needing you in the room, and it creates a record. Compito's messaging can keep these in one place alongside the booking.
Nominating someone else
If you cannot be there, a trusted friend, family member or neighbour can let the provider in and do the walk-through. Tell them exactly what has been agreed, give them the provider's name and a number to ring, and tell the provider who to expect.
Your comfort comes first
It is fine to ask for the first visit to happen while you are at home, to say you would prefer not to be left, or to decline someone who makes you uneasy. A professional should accept this. If something does not feel right, contact support or use the platform's safety guidance; see safety.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to leave a tradesperson alone in my home?
No. It is common and professionals are used to it, provided you have agreed access and boundaries.
Should I stay for an entire visit?
Not necessarily. Be there for the start and the finish, and make yourself available in between.
What if I feel uneasy once they have arrived?
You can ask them to pause, call the provider or platform, and reschedule if needed. Your comfort in your home matters.