Short answer: no, you do not need to stay for the whole visit. Most customers let us in, walk us round for two minutes so we agree the scope, then leave us to it and come back later.
You do need someone to give access at the start and, ideally, to look at the finished work at the end. If neither is possible, key safes, agent held keys and concierge collection all work fine and are used routinely on our lettings and commercial jobs.
The access options that work
Whichever you choose, agree it in writing when you book so there is no confusion on the morning.
- You are home: the simplest option, and best for a first clean so we can agree priorities.
- Let in and leave: two minute walk round, then you go. Most common for domestic work.
- Key safe: give us the code by phone on the day rather than in advance.
- Letting agent or landlord holds keys: standard on end of tenancy work, we collect and return.
- Concierge or building manager: common in London blocks, just confirm they will release access.
- Out of hours commercial access: we work around office hours so your staff are not disrupted.
What we need on arrival
Nothing exotic, but a missing one of these turns a two hour job into a four hour one.
- A working power socket, ideally more than one.
- Access to a water supply and a drain point.
- Somewhere legal to park within reasonable hose reach, or a permit if the street needs one.
- Clear instructions on any room we should not enter.
- Notice of pets in the property, for their safety and ours.
Trust and security
Letting anyone into an empty property is a matter of trust, and you are entitled to check. We are fully insured with public liability cover on every commercial and domestic job, and our technicians are trained staff rather than casual labour.
Honest note: if you are ever uneasy about a trades booking, do not let anyone in unaccompanied. Rearranging to a time when you can be there costs you nothing but a few days.