Y’know, based on your username, I figured you might be offering them something better than beer. 
If it’s a indoor contractor or vendor, I usually spend most of my time corraling my pets and trying to keep them out of the way. The Mac Guy came over once to replace my dying hard drive and while he was backing up, my cat kept stepping on the keyboard, giving him little heart attacks. If it’s an outdoor contractor, I tend to show them where to go and leave 'em alone, especially if it’s really hot/really cold/raining outside.
It also depends on whether I’ve had the work done before or not. It could be something new, like watching the plumber take apart something. I’ll ask technical questions, what tools are needed, what about this, what about that… Until I determine if I could fix/do it myself next time or if I will always have to call in someone for that particular chore. I try to remember to ask if they mind if I ask them tons of questions. They don’t seem to, but I try not to ask a lot of stupid questions. If they have to leave the house to get something and come back in, I’m on cat-escape patrol. I’m more concerned about somebody accidentally letting houdinicat out than anything else.
I was wondering, I’m planning on having my kitchen remodeled sometime in the next several months. Should I take time off of work to supervise the workers, let them in, leave them sodas, etc. or is that the general contractor’s job? Sorry for the dumb question, but I’ve never done this before.
Sapphire loves male visitors, and tries to seduce them. Generally, I have to shut her in the bedroom or the workers will never get done. They always seem to appreciate not having to fend off her advances.
Well, this is lieu we’re talking about.
It all depends on the type of job and the type of contractor. This is something you should ask your general contractor about. I don’t think you’d ever be expected to “supervise,” though. Even if there are a bunch of laborers doing stuff, and the main guy isn’t there, one of the laborers will be in charge of the crew. When we had our kitchen and bathroom done, we just gave the contractor a key and they came and went as they pleased. In both cases, we did have a pre-existing relationship, and knew them to be trustworthy, however.
I usually just go about my business, staying out of wherever the workers are working, but staying close enough that they can yell if they need me. If I have questions that don’t require immediate answers, I write them down so I can ask them all at once, so I don’t have to disturb the person a million times.
I seem to feel exactly the opposite of everyone in this thread!
Usually, if I have someone over to do a job, I show them where it is, talk to them briefly, then go away…but a short distance. I’d really like to pick up my book again, or in some way go on with my life, but then I feel as if I’m neglecting the worker. I guess I’m very unused to having things done for me, even if they’re things I couldn’t possibly do myself. “Yes, Mr. Electrician, there’s the trouble, now I’m going to go do something enjoyable while you struggle with it.” Of course, it’s what they’re paid for, but I still feel a bit guilty. Having a housekeeper would make me miserable!