Safety & Security Guide

Protecting Your Home and Family

When you hire contractors to work in your home, you're inviting workers into your personal space. It's important to take reasonable precautions to protect your family, property, and personal information.

Contractor Verification Process

Step 1: Business License Verification

What to verify:

• Current business license
• License covers your project type
• No expired or suspended licenses
• Proper business registration

How to check:

• Contact local licensing authority
• Search online license databases
• Verify license number matches business name
• Check expiration dates

Red flags:

• Refuses to provide license number
• License expired or suspended
• License doesn't cover your work type
• Different business name on license

Step 2: Insurance Confirmation

Common coverage types to consider:

• General liability: Protects against property damage
• Worker's compensation: Coverage for employee injuries
• Bonding: May be relevant for high-value projects
• Vehicle insurance: For company vehicles

Verification process:

• Request certificate of insurance
• Call insurance company directly to verify
• Confirm policy is current and active
• Ensure coverage amounts are adequate

Warning signs:

• Can't provide insurance certificate
• Outdated or expired coverage
• Insufficient coverage amounts
• Evasive about insurance details

Step 3: Background Research

Online research:

• Business bureau ratings and feedback
• Online reviews and ratings
• Home service platforms and directories
• Social media presence and reviews
• Public information and news

Local verification:

• Chamber of Commerce membership
• Trade association affiliations
• Local business directory listings
• Contractor licensing board records

Court record searches:

• Small claims court judgments
• Criminal background (public records)
• Bankruptcy filings
• Lien history

Step 4: Reference Verification

Contact requirements:

• Minimum 3 recent references (within 12 months)
• Similar project types and sizes
• Local customers when possible
• Both residential and commercial if applicable

Questions to ask references:

• Quality of workmanship
• Timeliness and reliability
• Communication and professionalism
• Any problems or disputes
• Would they hire again?
• Any safety concerns?

Home Safety During Work

Before Work Begins

Secure valuable items:

• Jewelry, cash, and small valuables
• Important documents and records
• Electronics and collectibles
• Prescription medications
• Personal financial information

Prepare the work area:

• Remove or cover fragile items
• Clear pathways for workers
• Protect floors and furniture
• Ensure adequate lighting
• Remove tripping hazards

Establish boundaries:

• Define work areas clearly
• Restrict access to private spaces
• Lock rooms not being worked on
• Set up temporary barriers if needed
• Designate bathroom and refreshment areas

During the Project

Daily monitoring:

• Check progress regularly
• Ensure work matches specifications
• Verify workers are using safety equipment
• Monitor behavior and professionalism
• Document any concerns immediately

Communication protocols:

• Establish daily check-in times
• Maintain written communication logs
• Address issues promptly
• Keep emergency contacts handy
• Stay informed about daily activities

Safety observations:

• Proper use of safety equipment
• Safe work practices and procedures
• Appropriate tools and equipment
• Clean and organized work area
• No signs of substance abuse

Personal Safety Guidelines

Trust your instincts:

• If something feels wrong, investigate
• Don't ignore uncomfortable feelings
• Remove yourself from unsafe situations
• Contact authorities if necessary

Interaction guidelines:

• Be friendly but maintain boundaries
• Don't share personal information
• Avoid being alone with unknown workers
• Keep family routines as normal as possible
• Have someone else present when possible

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Immediate Concerns

High-risk situations:

• Door-to-door solicitation
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Demands for large upfront payments
• No written contracts or estimates
• Can't provide proof of insurance/licensing
• Asks about your financial situation

Behavioral red flags:

• Makes you feel uncomfortable
• Asks personal questions
• Comments about valuables in your home
• Tries to isolate you from family
• Becomes aggressive when questioned
• Drinks alcohol or shows signs of substance use

Business Red Flags

Unprofessional practices:

• No business address or only P.O. Box
• Only communicates via cell phone
• No professional website or online presence
• Unusual payment methods (cash only, wire transfers)
• Prices significantly below market rates
• No proper tools or equipment

Documentation issues:

• Handwritten estimates only
• No business letterhead or branding
• Contracts with blank spaces
• Pressure to sign without reading
• No permit applications when required
• Missing insurance certificates

Home Security Measures

Physical Security

Access control:

• Change exterior door locks after project completion
• Don't give out security codes or garage remotes
• Use temporary codes for security systems
• Monitor who has keys during the project
• Install additional locks if necessary

Surveillance:

• Use security cameras if available
• Install temporary monitoring if concerned
• Keep outdoor areas well-lit
• Consider doorbell cameras
• Document work area conditions daily

Valuables protection:

• Use a safe deposit box for important items
• Install a home safe for daily valuables
• Move items to secure locations
• Take inventory photos before work begins
• Consider temporary storage for high-value items

Information Security

Personal information:

• Don't share financial details
• Avoid discussing travel plans
• Keep computer passwords private
• Lock away important documents
• Be careful about social media posts

Home details:

• Don't reveal security system details
• Avoid sharing family schedules
• Keep spare key locations secret
• Don't discuss neighborhood safety
• Limit access to other areas of home

Emergency Contacts and Resources

Essential Phone Numbers

Emergency services:

• 911 for emergencies
• Local police non-emergency line
• Fire department non-emergency
• Poison control center
• Hospital emergency room

Consumer protection:

• Better Business Bureau: 1-800-564-6722
• Provincial consumer affairs office
• Local licensing authority
• Consumer protection agency
• Attorney general's office

Professional resources:

• Home insurance company
• Bank or credit card company
• Identity theft protection service
• Local contractor association
• Building inspector's office

When to Call for Help

Immediate safety concerns:

• Threatening behavior
• Substance abuse on site
• Unsafe work practices
• Unauthorized personnel
• Security breaches

Property concerns:

• Unexpected damage
• Theft or missing items
• Unauthorized work
• Safety violations
• Insurance claims needed

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Property Damage

Immediate steps:

1. Stop work if damage is occurring
2. Document damage with photos and notes
3. Contact contractor immediately
4. File insurance claim with contractor's insurer
5. Contact your insurance if needed
6. Get written damage assessment

Follow-up actions:

• Keep detailed records
• Get repair estimates
• Don't accept inadequate repairs
• Consider legal consultation if necessary
• Report to licensing board if appropriate

Theft or Security Breach

Immediate response:

1. Contact police to file report
2. Document missing items with photos/receipts
3. Change locks and security codes
4. Contact insurance company
5. Review security footage if available
6. Cancel/monitor credit cards if information compromised

Prevention for future:

• Improve security measures
• Be more selective with contractors
• Increase supervision during work
• Use references more thoroughly
• Consider bonded contractors only

Personal Safety Incidents

If threatened or uncomfortable:

1. Remove yourself from the situation
2. Call 911 if immediate danger
3. Document the incident
4. Contact contractor's company
5. File police report if necessary
6. Consult attorney for serious incidents

Contractor Disputes

Resolution steps:

1. Address directly with contractor first
2. Document all communications
3. Contact company owner/manager
4. File complaint with licensing board
5. Contact Better Business Bureau
6. Consider mediation services
7. Consult attorney if necessary

Building Contractor Relationships Safely

Vetting New Contractors

Initial contact:

• Meet at their business location when possible
• Verify all credentials before work begins
• Start with smaller projects to build trust
• Get detailed contracts for all work
• Maintain professional boundaries

Ongoing relationship:

• Keep records of all work performed
• Maintain contact information
• Provide feedback for improvements
• Refer to trusted friends only
• Continue verification for major projects

Long-term Safety

Periodic verification:

• Check license renewals annually
• Verify insurance remains current
• Monitor online reviews and ratings
• Stay informed about any legal issues
• Maintain updated emergency contacts

Best practices:

• Always get written contracts
• Never compromise on insurance requirements
• Trust your instincts about safety
• Keep security measures current
• Stay informed about contractor regulations

Security Checklist

Pre-Project Security Setup

• Verify all credentials and insurance
• Secure valuable items and documents
• Install or upgrade outdoor lighting
• Set up security cameras if desired
• Change to temporary security codes
• Inform trusted neighbors about work
• Remove or secure potential weapons
• Establish clear work boundaries

Daily During Work

• Monitor work progress and quality
• Observe worker behavior and professionalism
• Check that only authorized personnel are present
• Verify proper safety equipment usage
• Maintain written communication logs
• Document any concerns immediately
• Secure work area at end of each day

Post-Project Security

• Change all locks and security codes
• Conduct inventory of belongings
• Review security footage if available
• Update emergency contact information
• File final insurance claims if needed
• Leave honest reviews for future customers
• Update contractor records and references

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Remember: A legitimate contractor will welcome your security precautions and verification efforts. If someone resists reasonable safety measures, consider it a red flag.