Having work crews in your house is miserable. As a homeowner, it's a bit of a misnomer to "manage" a work crew. You are the client, not their boss. And even though you're the one who is paying for everything, there is a distinction.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 1 Hour
Here's How:
Stay Out of their Way
Let them do their job. My rule of thumb: Don't hover, but be within earshot in case they have questions. They know what they're doing. Otherwise, you wouldn't have hired them. Right?Secure Valuables
Though rare, things do get stolen. Not all workers are full-time employees. Some are day laborers who are not accountable to the contractor who hired them.Remove Breakables from Work Area
Do them a favor and just remove that 2nd century Greek vase from their work area. Believe me, they're really not interested in breaking it.Don't Start by "Laying Down the Rules"
Most work crews know the unwritten rules; it's all about respecting another person's space. Lay down the rules diplomatically only when you feel a line has been crossed. Sounds backwards, but you will be pleasantly surprised at how polite most work crews are.Create Goodwill
A smile, a hello, a "how was your weekend" is the main thing. Maybe a cooler of sodas, but only judiciously and with no strings attached. Set the cooler out where they are. This is not teatime with the homeowner.Communicate Through the Lead Person
In any work crew, there is a leader, even if just a defacto leader. When you have concerns, talk to that leader.Remove Impediments to Their Work
This means scheduling crews so that they aren't tripping over each other; having the sub-floor put in before the carpet installers come; moving junk from the area in basement where the plumbers will work.And Yes, Let Them Use the Bathroom
For goodness sake, let them use the bathroom. You want the best possible work project, right? Make their jobs easier and let them use the toilet. You can clean it later. Put out a roll of paper towels. Exception is for jobs when a portable toilet is available.
