Service People And Home Security

There's little value to be had in being paranoid and much in being vigilant. There will be certain times when individuals will have to be given access to one's home without the homeowner being present. Oftentimes, these individuals are service people such as plumbers, carpenters, contractors and so forth. Making sure that this isn't setting one's self up for a robbery requires a bit of diligence on the part of the homeowner. Simply worrying about the situation too much isn't only paranoia, it's unproductive.

In most states, service people are required to have a contractor's license with a state agency. They're usually assigned a numeric or alpha-numeric identification that denotes them as being a legitimate business. There is nothing rude about asking for this information before deciding to engage the services of a particular contractor. In fact, being a licensed contractor is oftentimes a source of pride for these individuals. As a former President once said, "Trust, but verify." This axiom applies where contractors are concerned. Don't be afraid to call the applicable state agency to verify that ID number. It'll give you some justified peace of mind.

To be above the board, any contractor should carry insurance, signage on their service vehicle that denotes their business name and the service they offer and some sort of employee identification. Because many of these individuals are hard-working people, they'll oftentimes have name patches embroidered on their shirts or other types of uniform apparel that makes them recognizable. Fly-by-night and scam operations often look exactly like what they are. If a businessperson doesn't seem legitimate to you, heed to that feeling. Better to find another contractor than to end up replacing your stolen television set.

Contractors may need to access several different parts of the home to do their jobs. Oftentimes, they'll tell the homeowner where they need to go. To do them a favor and offer a not-too-subtle hint at the same time: Lay down some newspaper or sturdy carpet along the route to the location and the doors they'll be using. It'll not only protect your floor against work boots, it'll tend to make other areas of the house seem off-limits, as they should be.

Let your neighbors know that there's a contractor coming by and make this a habit. Thieves oftentimes pose as service people to gain access to a home without arousing suspicion. If it's unusual for a neighbor to not be informed in advance that there will be a plumber or other contractor at your property during a particular day, they're more likely to notice and to alert you while you're away from the home.

If you have a monitored alarm, many of them are able to be turned on and off via one's mobile phone or in some other way from a remote location. Have the contractor check in with you when they arrive and leave so you can arm and disarm your security device. It's a good way of keeping tabs.

By: Laura Williamson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Get your ADT home security system installed today which is America's number-one home security provider. Help protect your home and family today with high-tech security equipment and round-the-clock monitoring from ADT security services.