Having a Contractor Visit While Children Are at Home

A home repair visit can disrupt routines when children are home. Plan who will supervise them and how they will stay away from tools, materials, dust, and the work area. Ask the contractor to explain the work and expected hazards, then choose a plan that works for your household.

Before you book

Describe the work area and ask what the visit may involve. Will the professional open a wall, use a ladder, bring sharp tools, create dust, or use a product with indoor-air precautions? Ask how long the visit may take and whether children need to leave the room or home during any part of the work.

For renovation, repair, or painting that disturbs paint in a home built before 1978, ask whether federal lead-safe renovation rules apply. CPSC's Renovate Right guide explains homeowner precautions for covered work. A general promise to “keep it clean” is not a substitute for confirming the required work plan.

Set up supervision and space

Choose a time when an adult can focus on supervising. If you cannot supervise and be in the work area at once, ask another adult to help or reschedule. A television or closed door may not be enough when active work is nearby.

Choose a separate room or activity area away from the route to the work site. Keep children and pets out of the work zone. Move toys, snacks, and high-touch items out of the area. Ask the contractor to keep tools, cords, ladders, materials, and debris in the agreed space, including during breaks.

Agree on visit boundaries

At the start, explain where children will be and which rooms are off limits. Ask the contractor to tell you before moving equipment or expanding the work area. Agree how to handle doors, pets, photos, and breaks.

You can say:

> “My children will be in the family room with an adult. Please keep tools and materials in the kitchen work area, tell me before entering another room, and let me know before using anything that creates dust, fumes, or loud noise.”

For dusty or noisy work, ask what containment, cleanup, ventilation, or temporary room restrictions are planned. If those steps are unclear, pause and ask before work begins.

During and after the work

Keep children away until tools and materials are removed and the planned cleanup is complete. For lead-related work in pre-1978 homes, follow the specific precautions in CPSC's guidance. If supervision breaks down or the work moves into an occupied area, stop and reset the plan. Reschedule if safe separation is not possible.

Family visit checklist

• [ ] An adult can supervise for the full visit.
• [ ] The contractor described tools, dust, noise, and access needs.
• [ ] Children have a separate supervised area.
• [ ] Tools and materials will be contained during breaks.
• [ ] Cleanup and safe re-entry expectations are clear.
• [ ] We can change the plan if conditions differ.