Home Service Technicians: Who's coming into your home?

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You’ve checked the yellow pages or found a website for an electrician, plumber, or carpet cleaner. You made your appointment, and now the service technician is standing on your doorstep. But now, you’re not entirely comfortable. How do you know that you’ll be safe? The fact is, you don’t. There are hundreds of incidents a year involving in home service technicians who commit violent crimes against homeowners. How can you protect yourself and your family? The best way to feel safe is to make sure the company you hire performs complete criminal background checks on all their employees.

Like many industries facing a shortage of qualified personnel, the home services industry tends to fill vacancies quickly and with little scrutiny of candidates during the hiring process. According to IMI Data Search, Inc., a company that conducts background checks on potential hires, some industries experience a ratio as high as one out of four when it comes to applicants with a criminal record. Also consider this: the trades most taught in prisons –to future ex-convicts -- are electrical, plumbing, and Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning. These facts, combined with numerous incidents of violence against homeowners by contract workers, indicate the growing importance of hiring contractors who embrace policies of background checks and drug testing.

In fact, the state of Georgia has already begun the process of creating legislation that would mandate background checks for all in-home contractors. It’s to be hoped that more states will soon follow suit.

In the meantime, how can homeowners protect themselves? Ask the company about background checks and drug testing. Is the technician wearing a company uniform? Driving a company van? Can the company office confirm his name? Check for ID and up to date licenses. Most of all trust your instincts. Never let a home service technician into your home if you don’t feel comfortable.