I just moved and tipped the movers. My default position is to tip----delivery people, movers etc.
I agree with the earlier poster; my perception is that the higher the skill (and presumably, wage) I’m less likely to tip. They even put off a different vibe.
That’s an order I’d cancel. Post haste.
I would would offer a little perspective here. I’m in customers homes alone a lot. Many of known me for years, I even have had keys to their homes. Other times it’s a new[er] relationship but I’ve come highly recommended. I’ve been directed by realtors many times to enter a house with a lock box that’s still being lived in. I’m not an extraordinary person; I wouldn’t be reckless but I don’t think you need to be as distrustful as you’re implying.
The bigger issue id leaving a tradesmen with a minor to babysit them. That actually happens. I don’t want to get to the house to find out a 13 year girl will be with me today. I know that sounds insane, but parents will do that. Uncool.
If the actual contractor is there I wouldn’t be as worried, but I’m thinking of the situation where I have no prior relationship with the contractor and he’s just left off the lower level guys to do the work. There are plenty of contractors I’d leave alone in my house but total strangers just don’t get that opportunity.
And yeah, minors alone in the house? The workers should be the ones worried in that situation.
It’s whatever you are personally comfortable with.
Some people want to stick around and watch every detail, some people leave the place unlocked and give me the run of the place.
I have keys and alarm codes to multi-million dollar estates that I can come and go as I need. I also have a residential site where I’m escorted by an armed guard. There is all types of activity in between. I don’t judge people for their decisions on these things, It’s their personal space and they have every right to set the rules.
I tell people exactly what I’ll need access to before I start work so If I only need to be in the basement they can leave the rest of the house locked up. I also let them know what my expectations are. ‘I’ll need to get into the basement, I need anything in front of the pressure tank cleared out and I need a 2 foot wide path from the bulkhead to the pressure tank.’ If I get there to swap out a pressure tank and can’t get to the tank or need to clear a path so I can remove a 300lb tank they are effectively paying me $150hr to clean their house.
Sometimes I prefer the customer be around if there are unknown characteristics or if they are skeptical of costs. I’d prefer they be able to see what’s involved so they don’t have to just take my word on things. Most my work is in wells, no ones going to be able to visually check my work for many years to come.
My apprentices and other tradesmen will joke about a ‘watching you work fee’ I could care less if people watch me. Other guys really don’t want someone peering over their shoulder the whole time they are there.
I agree with raindog on the kids. It’s uncomfortable for us and it’s uncomfortable for the kids. I won’t enter a house with an unaccompanied minor unless I speak directly with a parent. So if I knock on the door and a twelve year old answers I won’t go into the house until I talk to an adult. There needs to be a communication between me the parent and the child that it’s OK for me to be there.
[QUOTE=raindog]
The biggest things—and already mentioned:
When we moved last year, we did all of that, and for #5, we asked the crew what they’d like for lunch. That in particular was appreciated as one of them admitted that they end up with pizza pretty much every day. For the price of a bucket of fried chicken and a fridge stocked with water and Gatorade, all humps were well-busted.
As for other trades, I surprised the hell out of the property manager’s plumber a few months ago by having everything cleared out from under and in front of the kitchen sink before they arrived to replace the faucet.
Being nice is free. 
Exactly!
Here’s another question. I am having some work done on the outside of the house, so I have not been sticking around. Today just as I was leaving, one of the crew members rang the bell. I walked out ready to go to work and asked what he needed. He asked to use the bathroom. I pointed it out, let him in, waited for him then locked the door behind us and left for work. Now I feel bad about all the rest of the workers who did not have the chance to use the bathroom but I didn’t want to leave my house unlocked? Is it rude not to provide bathroom access for a crew that is working only on the outside of the house? (I specifically made sure they would not need access to the inside since I had to work).
No, it’s just practical. They’ll be used to the situation. It would be rude to not let them in if you were there.