What should I ask about working in an occupied home?

Establish the living arrangements

Tell the contractor which rooms will remain occupied and by whom, including children, older people, pets or anyone with particular access needs. Ask for a room-by-room sequence showing when spaces, entrances or facilities will be unavailable. Clarify whether the work can be divided into phases and what conditions must be met before each area is handed back.

Discuss working hours, deliveries, waste removal, dust control, ventilation and protection of belongings. Ask how water, power and other services may be interrupted, how much warning will be given and who to contact if an unexpected outage occurs. Confirm arrangements for keys, alarms, private areas and workers entering when you are absent.

Agree safety and communication

Ask how the contractor will keep routes clear and separate work zones from household use. Do not assume barriers make an active work area safe. Request an agreed daily contact and a method for recording urgent issues, decisions and changes. Establish how the contractor will manage discoveries that make continued occupation unsuitable.

Some projects may be impractical to carry out while the home is occupied. Ask a qualified engineer or architect about relevant technical and safety considerations, and have the contractor set out practical limitations in writing. Confirm any legal or permission questions with a qualified Greek professional rather than relying on informal assurances.