Trusting contractors and subs

[Thumper68]

^ years ago when I built my shop, Its at our lake place 45 minutes from home there were a rash of break-ins in the general area so I made the decision to do the whole job my self so none of the locals would know about this big new shop filled with tools.

I had a few friends help with the slab and the framing but other than that I was just me my son and father who did all the work.

Even now I don't like to show off the shop to the locals or strangers (friends friends etc.)

There are quite a few security items built into the shop, alarms, steel doors, 2 dead bolts on the man door, no exterior handle on the overhead, all the windows are 16 feet off the floor.

I know that nothing I can do will keep someone who wants to get in out, but taking as many precautions as I can at least gives me some piece of mind.

Even the description on the building permit was vague I think it read "32x40 barn"

Where it is located I didn't need any inspections.

So back to the original question how trust worthy are the trades in your area? In that area all of them sit in the local tavern and talk about what jobs they are working on and dissing the non-locals who pay their bills.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Most of them are decent but there are some bad ones, just like in any occupation, but I'm not sure I understand your question....your shop is already built, so does it matter? Or are you thinking about hiring someone to do some additional work?

 

[denis4x4]

I had a pair of rear entry ski boots stolen on one job in Telluride and an 18v drill/battery/charger here in Durango during a remodel. My only concern was the casual guy that was brought in by a sub just for a day or two. In 30+ years of remodels and new construction, I don't consider it a problem based on my experiences.

 

[Thumper68]

I guess That I should have been more clear.

What I wanted to know is, are the trades people in others areas like they are here? sitting in the bar talking about the jobs they are working on and in this case a vacation area dissing the people they are working for and gossiping about what they see in the projects they are working on. Here they will sit and gab for hours to anyone who will listen. I'm sure that this is where some of the guys breaking into cabins get their info on which places to hit.

Yes I have a few projects that I am thinking of hiring out, but am very concerned about having to many of the locals know whats in my shop.

 

[JerryB]

A few years ago the owner of the cable TV system in our very rural area was busted for stealing and possessing numerous portable generators, air compressors, power tools, tool chests and lots of miscellaneous stuff. Seems he had one of his 'installers' scoping out the properties where they were putting in a TV connection. He would determine when the (mostly part-time / absentee) residents were not expected to be in attendance, then they would go steal whatever they wanted. The sheriff's department and district attorney said he was making lots more on stolen property sales than on his cable TV business.

Bottom line: I don't trust anyone that is less than a very long-term friend or associate. Good security locks, an alarm system and careful review of need to know folks all go to help prevent thefts. Of course the best defense is a really good insurance policy!

 

[BigE]

My buddy had some concrete work done on his driveway as he was trying to sell the house and the driveway was terrible. The contractor was only supposed to remove and repour the main section. However, the concrete truck tried to back up the driveway and broke another section of it. The contractor ended up having to fix the rest of the driveway on his dime. Less than a week later, the outside AC unit was stolen. I live in the same neighborhood and theft is not an issue. However, the thieves struck at about 2 in the afternoon when they knew no one would be home. An observant neighbor saw the thieves drive away with the AC unit in the back of a pickup. She was able to geive a description to the police, but nothing ever came of it. I'm convinced the theft was an attempt to recover the cost of the concrete truck.screw up.

 

[Thumper68]

Of course the best defense is a really good insurance policy!

I had to go to a independent agent to get one to cover the contents as our reg policy refused to cover that much.

I have a monster siren on my alarm, I know for a fact that the neighbors 1/2 mile away can hear it inside their house because my son set it off a couple years ago and they were calling to ask what the hell that was.

 

[nolimits76]

Have you given thought to hiring people where you live, that you trust more? Kind of eliminates a trust issue, and also the locals vs tourists issue. Plus I doubt they'll be hanging in the same pubs.

At the end of the day, you have to trust your gut. You've got some good security measures in-place. You didn't mention a security camera, but if you don't have any they would be a good addition I think. Put them high and out of sight so any would-be thieves won't see them and/or be able to access them. Then at least you have their mug on camera and take reasonable action. I'd be sure to place one outside too. Somewhere logical that would grab a tag number and vehicle image. Because you know they will need a way to carry heavy stuff off.

Lastly, I might do surprise visits and possibly let them know you are packing heat and like shooting stuff (here, they just passed open carry law ). Sounds dumb and redneckish, but many people won't mess with your stuff if they think you will shoot them and are prone to just drop by.

 

[Thumper68]

I have a few trail cameras around the property.

As a matter of fact I do have a MN carry permit and carry often.

The reason I have not looked into hiring people from out of the imeadite area is the cost of traveling. I know that when I work away from home I charge quite a bit more.

 

[jameswood]

I sleep better having IP video recording 24/7 in addition to alarms and extra insurance.
Police typ just fill out report and want to be done with it, I want to know happened and who done it.

....without video I would have never seen that county snowplow take out my mailbox, which they replaced.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

I am a contractor and agree that there are some idiots out there that make us all look bad. I take only work through word of mouth or referrals from a realtor friend, my church, or an architect friend of mine - and I stay very busy. I think if you are really worried about it then perhaps you could go to one of the local churches and look at their bulletin board for a church member who is a contractor. No guarantee, but if the guy goes to church on a regular basis he's probably not frequenting the bars trashing clients or eyeing up your tools for a future theft...

My concern has always been my reputation and hiring help always gives me agata/stress. Am I hiring a tweaker, hack, or a drunk??? I have been lucky thus far with hiring honest and talented people. My last hire is my pastors son and I am confident he is not spending his work day casing out my clients homes...

 

[nolimits76]

Good points overall Tim, but having known some preacher's kids you may be putting too much faith in them. Not saying they are all that way, but the ones I knew liked to rebel and push the limits. Never knew any to be thieves, but I've got plenty of other stories.

A few years back I hired an electrician that I went to church with to do my electrical on a game room addition. I knew him a few years before I hired him, and he had a reputation of being a hard worker and overall good guy. I enjoyed working with him. Fair quote, showed up on time, busted rump when he was working, he always asked permission to enter different parts of the home, etc. Overall a very positive experience.

 

[brownbagg]

we had an electrician that we thought very highly of, one day our generator disappear, didn't think nothing of it because of all the people in our shop, we figure one of them needed it. couple weeks later our friendly electrician get in a shoot out with the police, high on crack, and our generator but seven more was in his van.

 

[Garage Dog]

Aren't all the folks up there in northern Minnesota a little shifty? A little to close to the permafrost I think...you can't under estimate the effect of frozen brain cells.

But seriously - my experience has been that the vast majority are good people working hard to make a living, but it is hard to be sure these days, a guy shows up early every day, is good on the job for months and the next thing you figure out he's a meth head who can't sleep.

I think the wild card of drugs people have access to has thrown a money wrench into our gut instincts about people.

I agree with trying to keep projects low key, but am certain people who worked on my projects have stolen equipment and materials.

There is only so much you can do.

 

[Thumper68]

Aren't all the folks up there in northern Minnesota a little shifty? A little to close to the permafrost I think...you can't under estimate the effect of frozen brain cells.

.

I don't think that shifty is the correct term, "Crazy" Fits much better