How many cups of tea per day is excessive to make for a builder?

[-]

quartersessions@reddit

Three. No more than three. Ever. Unless they're electrocuted, set on fire or whatever.

[-]

WhatWeHavingForTea@reddit

Just show them where the kettle, teabags and milk is and let them crack on?

[-]

Yeah I’d do this if it were me. 12 times seems insane though, who needs that much tea? I’d feel awful having OP make them for me too. I’m a gardener, a lady came out and offered our 4th of the day the other day and even that felt cheeky!! I just said no thanks I have a bottle of water.

On the other hand, never turn down the first cup of tea a customer offers you. Otherwise you never get offered again.

[-]

Polish_Shamrock@reddit

When i was gardening years ago i soon realised that you have to get to know the customer a bit more or at the very least have a quick look in the house before you accept a brew. The gesture is always appreciated but I've seen some sights in my time. Brews made from used tea bags that are sitting dry on the side, mugs "washed" in stagnant wash bowl water from god knows when. Cat hair in the brew as the cats roam and go to the toilet anywhere in the house. 🤢

[-]

dickwildgoose@reddit

Yeah, I almost never accept drinks. I don't fancy being sick because of someone else's hygiene. Or just grossed out. I'm not a german Phoebe but I am a bit weird.

[-]

Particular-Bid-1640@reddit

'german Phoebe'

I don't know if this was accidental or not but it is glorious

[-]

dickwildgoose@reddit

That was autocorrect doing us all a solid. Just had to leave that "corrected".

[-]

HelloItsMoe@reddit

r/boneappletea

[-]

Polish_Shamrock@reddit

I'll have a brew when the house is reasonably clean and mugs come from a dishwasher or a tidy kitchen. Unfortunately, before working in trades i didn't realise how some people live. I've been to more houses where you can't even see the floor for rubbish, dirty clothes, plates and pet mess than i have tidy homes. There's no excuse to have a filthy house for 99% of these people aswell, some of the dirtiest homes i have been to have been able body people with more than enough money to hire a cleaner if they wanted to staggeringly.

[-]

Jacktheforkie@reddit

Eww, mines not spotless but it’s clean enough to not be a hazard

[-]

nathderbyshire@reddit

I can see how it happens though, shit builds up really quickly and sometimes I want to fuck it all off and become a boarder but I go insane sitting around when things need to be done. It's a real pain point struggling with cleanliness and hygiene but god I prefer it over being gifted a slob brain

[-]

Polish_Shamrock@reddit

Oh, i can see how people end up getting behind, I'm a nightmare for leaving house work too long at times but my version of untidy and some people's are very different things. At a certain point you have to give the house a good fettling! I've walked in houses that have so much filth my asthma kicks in straight away and i feel unwell. Known a few houses that are channel 4 documentary standard and both parents don't even work and are at home all day, it's free to put things in the bin.

[-]

Overall_Use_8508@reddit

German Phoebe was my favourite character in Der Friends

[-]

dickwildgoose@reddit

Stinkende Katze was a belter though.

[-]

fillip2k@reddit

This exchange was peak Reddit. Brava 👏👏

[-]

assorted_chalks@reddit

Honestly yeah, there has been some cups I’ve looked in and just chucked it straight in a bush. Luckily most of our customers are absolutely, sickeningly, punch in the faceably rich so 99% have dishwashers… I trust a dishwasher.

There was one lady who had to make tea for 6 of us and i am certain reused the teabag for all 6 cups. Whilst spending almost 100k on her garden. Wild perspective.

[-]

ProfessorYaffle1@reddit

Ha! I like my tea fairly weak so do sometimes reuse tebags for myself simply because it prouces the kind of cuppa I like. But I make a conscious effort to make a more standard cuppa, ith a fresh teabag per person per mug if I am making it for others.

Althoug hthe last workmen I had round asked for coffee instead of tea which I feel was unsporting and undermined a lot of perfectly good sterotypes!

If they are there for long I aim to offer at therate of about 1 brew an hour, But if they were going to be there for more than a day I'd just show them the kettle and other bits and let them get on with it .

[-]

Polish_Shamrock@reddit

Rich people are rich for a reason sometimes lol.

[-]

HotDiggetyDoge@reddit

Often that reason is the battle of Hastings

[-]

Coxwaan@reddit

If I tell you I've just had one in the van, it means a) I'm not staying long enough to drink it or b) your house is rank

[-]

AbsoluteCnt@reddit

Maybe a trades thing because I will drink tea on tap when I’m working, and could comfortably do 12 a day.

[-]

SmegmaSandwich69420@reddit

I might do 7 or 8 Sports Directs of tea if I'm at home all day. I'll be pissing for England afterwards, admittedly, but 12 normal cups of tea is, well, normal really.

[-]

mynaneisjustguy@reddit

You aren’t gonna live so long tbh. Might wanna curb that

[-]

Chance_Taste_5605@reddit

Why? Tea is good for you, antioxidants innit. A cup of tea is mostly water anyway.

[-]

mynaneisjustguy@reddit

A tea is good for you. Lots of tea is not.

[-]

Chance_Taste_5605@reddit

What harm will happen to you if you drink 12 cups of tea?

[-]

mynaneisjustguy@reddit

Messes with your intestines so they can’t absorb nutrients, dehydrates you, gives tannin depression/addiction, messes with your heart rate and much more

[-]

justmeinthenight@reddit

Tea contains tannins, which can inhibit the gut from absorbing things like vitamins, nutrients iron etc.

[-]

SmegmaSandwich69420@reddit

I'm not home all day every day m8, chillax.

[-]

Feelincheekyson@reddit

If you’re home all day, how many smegma sandwiches do you consume?

[-]

SmegmaSandwich69420@reddit

Not so many at the moment, trying to cut back on the carbs.

[-]

Feelincheekyson@reddit

Never turning down the first cuppa is a motto I live by and I’m pretty sure at this point it’s a scientific fact.

[-]

V65Pilot@reddit

I disagree. I just finished a job, and the old lady offered several times a day, even though I declined every time. Nice old lady, but I swear. I'd have to move things in the garden to get access to something, and the moment I turn my back, she's put it back, and. I fall over it. One of those items was a steel rod, stuck in the garden(I swear, there's dozens of them....) Moved it, climbed the ladder, came down, fell over it, because she'd put it back, and almost impaled myself. I had made a pile of all the old rotted out fencing, after dragging it to the front garden, and took some pictures. After I got a price for removal, and her daughter approved it, I called the company. When I showed up to meet them, all the old fencing was gone....she had dragged it back into the garden, and had leaned it up against the old fencing, on the other side of the garden....this stuff was rotted through....I had to drag it all back to the front, just in time for the rubbish company to take it away. She offered them tea as well....

[-]

JustUseAnything@reddit

Also use this opportunity to assess whether their tea is up to standard.

[-]

ringadingdingbaby@reddit

I had someone sit down and start talking to me while they had the cup of tea.

I can not state how much I did not want that to happen.

[-]

mmoonbelly@reddit

Get bigger mugs

[-]

bunnyswan@reddit

Maybe op has tiny cups?

[-]

ChaiseLounge66@reddit

Yep, make the first one for them whilst showing where everything is. After that they can help themselves.

[-]

Gold-Selection-7897@reddit (OP)

I would but feels rude now that it’s day three to make a point of showing him where the kettle is. Currently i’m just settling for slowly declining the quality of tea so he stops asking for so many.

[-]

TimeInitial0@reddit

You could start the day off by telling him you are in multiple loong meetings today so cant get away very often...then show him where the tea prep stuff is

[-]

Cute-Sympathy-3201@reddit

Great idea

[-]

Round_Caregiver2380@reddit

Sorry I've got a lot of meetings today but I put the teabags and sugar next to the kettle and the milk is in the fridge. Help yourself

[-]

Buddy-Matt@reddit

Why does it need to be passive aggressive?

"Sorry, got a busy day today and need to focus, so won't be able to jump up to make a drink as often. Kettle's in the corner, milk's in the fridge, sugar's in the cupboard, help yourself mate"

Deliberately making shit tea feels like a far more passive aggressive tactic than just being straight with the bloke.

[-]

Gold-Selection-7897@reddit (OP)

Mostly a joke lol. He’s a decent guy so I will probably say something tomorrow just wanted to ensure first I’m not breaking some builder Uk etiquette that will lead to a shit finish.

[-]

Lonely_Cod3080@reddit

I'm a bricklayer and wouldn't be offended in the slightest if u told me to make my own...atleast ur offering...some customers don't even offer a cup of tea at all...

[-]

reallynotbatman@reddit

I ask this out of pure ignorance...is there much work for a bricklayer that isn't on a construction site? As in someone calls you round cause they need a new brick wall or something?

Is it normal red brick kinda jobs? Cinder blocks? Decorative stones that you have to put together like a jigsaw?

[-]

Chance_Taste_5605@reddit

I'd imagine it's walls but also stuff like repairing outbuildings or maybe stuff like ponds and brick BBQs?

[-]

Neither_Presence_522@reddit

So long as they’re not charging by the hour!!!

[-]

WhatWeHavingForTea@reddit

It takes 2 minutes to make a brew, and another 2 minutes to drink it while working.

If they were sat with their feet up while meant to be working or stood around doing nothing when not on a proper break / lunch then different matter.

[-]

nickspeeed@reddit

If you make a brew in 2 minutes from start to finish, then just stop making them. The bag should be in for 3, time for kettle to boil, adding milk /sugar. It's a 5 min job or uts dine wrong

[-]

WhatWeHavingForTea@reddit

Well yes, but I don't stand there doing nothing while the kettle is boiling or the tea is brewing so it's a 2 minute job.

[-]

DryBinWetSinkElseLoo@reddit

This or make the tea really bad every time

[-]

WhatWeHavingForTea@reddit

Nah not at all, make them the best brew they've ever had. Happy worker = better work 👍

[-]

Iwantedalbino@reddit

We’ve got a second kettle, we set them up with a little station in the conservatory and through the day I top up water and milk. Best leaving them to it. Fresh biscuits daily

[-]

WhatWeHavingForTea@reddit

Yeah absolutely... leave them in peace to let them crack on. If I'm making one for myself I'll offer to make them one but tell them where everything is so they can help themselves too.

[-]

Ath-e-ist@reddit

In another part of reddit I bet there's a post 'im and builder and the customers has said i can just shout and they'll make me a brew. How many before they get annoyed? I'm up to 12 already' lol

Nah but 12 is taking the piss a little, make a flask 🤣

[-]

my-comp-tips@reddit

I was doing about 16 cups a day for all the builders. Annoying but they did a great job on the patio

[-]

DenzLore@reddit

As a general rule, if you offer we will drink it.

Normally though just offer to make a drink when they are unloading the kit before the days work begins. Then when you see them packing up, offer to make another one "before you go." One at lunchtime is a nice touch but it's a bonus. We are usually on tight schedules so we don't like to break too often.

Nothing wrong with just telling them to help themselves, they won't mind. Oh & biscuits are always a welcome addition.

Just being offered a cuppa is always appreciated because not everyone does.

[-]

Designer-Lime3847@reddit

Bloody hell, where is he pissing 12 cups of tea a day?

[-]

bearwright1@reddit

12 too many, offer at 10am, offer at 12-1pm and then 3pm

[-]

Ok-Title-7542@reddit

Are they on day rate 🤣

[-]

zone6isgreener@reddit

This is presumably a joke.

You don't make tea for builders apart from when they first arrive, you show them where the supplies are.

[-]

roxieh@reddit

I had builders in March and none of them would accept a drink from me, even water, and I offered every day they turned up and several times. One of them said they didn't like hot drinks and the others were always insistent they were fine. So I just told them to please let me know if they changed their minds, I showed them where the tap was for water and bathroom obviously and just said they were welcome to things. They were working outside rather than in but now I wonder if I made some kind of mistake. I've never had builders in before.

[-]

abdwxyz@reddit

Nah you’re good. It’s good to offer everyday even if they never accept it. Some companies explicitly tell their workers not to accept drinks from customers

[-]

bacon_cake@reddit

Some companies explicitly tell their workers not to accept drinks from customers

Why?

[-]

abdwxyz@reddit

Dunno. It’s definitely not the norm but I reckon some bosses think offering tea should only be seen as a polite gesture, some don’t like their workers taking tea breaks, others just enjoy being pricks

[-]

Suspicious_Juice9511@reddit

and they finish jobs for you? one sounds mean to me.

[-]

zone6isgreener@reddit

Always.

Honestly I cannot believe this is a serious question. If anything you'll be seen as a right loser if you act as a waiter all day, just the sort who'll end up getting messed around.

[-]

front-wipers-unite@reddit

As a carpenter I can confirm, if a customer makes me a cup of tea, that's it, I'm taking that fucker for every penny he's got. /s

Honestly are you serious mate? I've never thought of any customer making me teas all day as anything other than absolute fucking thoroughly sound.

[-]

Suspicious_Juice9511@reddit

oh. not a grown up response then.

[-]

zone6isgreener@reddit

You got back the same quality that you gave so don't get snotty now. let me guess, you've had builders mess you about.

[-]

Suspicious_Juice9511@reddit

never.

I asked a question. sorry you have all that anger hurting you that you lash out at strangers.

[-]

zone6isgreener@reddit

What a strange post.

[-]

Former-Replacement43@reddit

Every 40 minutes I'd say

[-]

Poo_Poo_La_Foo@reddit

Maybe if they're drinking zero other fluids??!*

*that is my actual 72yr old dad.

[-]

ThePodd222@reddit

My 83 year old dad too, except he exists on coffee and Fosters only. It took excessive nagging and two visits to A&E with dehydration for him to finally start drinking water regularly 🙄

[-]

Poo_Poo_La_Foo@reddit

Firstly: Coffee and Fosters sounds like a lost Oasis song.

I've only ever see my dad drink water when very hungover, which is typically twice a year. It's tea on tea on tea. Then expensive wine, then gin. Then sleep....then we get rolling again.

If I am more than 10 inches from my own personal water bottle I will simply shuffle off this mortal coil.

[-]

ThePodd222@reddit

Ha it does sound like it should have been the B side to Cigarettes & Alcohol.

I'm the same yet when I grew up I don't remember anyone carrying water. I don't think I drank plain water during the entirety of the 80s!

[-]

stockly123456@reddit

2000

[-]

_robertmccor_@reddit

Think if you’re making tea that much you’re better off prepping a flask for him before he comes round. Hopefully it lasts him for the day

[-]

banxy85@reddit

I could understand if it were a plasterer. Need a constant supply of piss for mixing up batches.

[-]

Virtual-Addendum-329@reddit

3 or more

[-]

Relevant-Respond-501@reddit

One an hour would be 👍 👍 👍

[-]

Pizzagoessplat@reddit

Usually, one on arrival and then I'd show him where the kettle is with sugar and bags next to it.

Twelve times would actually piss me off because I've things to do myself.

[-]

That-Space-2032@reddit

4 or 5 usually

[-]

Cool_Actuator6848@reddit

As the old saying goes.... Make a builder tea and you quench his thirst for an hour; give a builder a mug, kettle, milk, teabags and sugar and he will be thirst free for a lifetime.

[-]

levinyl@reddit

Amazing that your dog works from home as well....

[-]

oateyboat@reddit

Head of Barketing

[-]

levinyl@reddit

Haha!

[-]

Gaunts@reddit

Best pair programmer you can find is a dog.

[-]

JustLetItAllBurn@reddit

Except a rubber duck.

[-]

Feelincheekyson@reddit

Definitely except socks too, mine has the really good ability to unpair them and leave them in the garden

[-]

levinyl@reddit

Brilliant at it, Anything is paws-ible with this one...

[-]

Why_Not_Ind33d@reddit

Lives in Barking

[-]

flaninacupboard2@reddit

It’s a ruff market.

[-]

Purple_ash8@reddit

Lolz.

[-]

Creative_Ninja_7065@reddit

I just set them up with the kettle, mugs, and loose tea bags along with some biscuits. I don't mind if they finish the lot, it's only a few quid, but yes, I wouldn't have time to make that many cups of tea while working from home :)

[-]

Less_Instruction_345@reddit

That is a lot. Just set him up with a tray with kettle, mug, teabags etc and let him do it himself 👍

[-]

Sparrowhawk131@reddit

1 is too many.

If I’m paying them to do the job, I want them to get it done and get off my property. If they want to have a break, good for them, I won’t be supplying anything for them to do so.

[-]

Darkerscr@reddit

Just make one big flask

[-]

glasstumblet@reddit

Max of 2 cups

[-]

ParisLondon56@reddit

There's no set amount. You just show them where everything is and leave them to it. My mum had works going on during summer last year, she bought them beer to drink, and said take what you want.

[-]

LynxPebble@reddit

1, the build things, they can build a cup of tea

[-]

Bloodedparadox@reddit

For someones doing me a service and want a cup of tea common courtesy is to offer it while they work

Just make sure they actually working instead if sipping all day

[-]

bob_f332@reddit

If I was drinking twelve cups a day I'd be expelling it so often I'd have no time to do any work.

[-]

SmallCatBigMeow@reddit

Show him to the kettle and tea bags, tell him to help himself.

[-]

MissingBothCufflinks@reddit

"here is the kettle, mugs, milk and a metric fucktonne of sugar, go wild"

[-]

AdonisCarbonado@reddit

Yeah a little excessive but if your mugs are small then this could be a reason but we generally use the welfare unit so no excuse really to ask. Maybe nick a little milk in between if we run out.

[-]

MadCaddy85@reddit

I’d be pissed off after the 3rd ask if that was me lol

[-]

Indigo-Waterfall@reddit

Why not just show him where the supplies are and let him get on with it if he wants a tea.

[-]

thatpokerguy8989@reddit

Just say 'do you mind if you just help yourself, I'm a bit busy with work'

I would have said that after the 3rd, because making 12 is just nuts lol

[-]

speculativeinnature@reddit

12 cups in an 8 hour day??! Blimey! Yeah, just show him where the kettle and tea is and let him do it himself.

[-]

DaBestDoctorOfLife@reddit

I’d say 3 it’s ok. 4 is excessive.

[-]

Sufficient-Star-1237@reddit

I make ours a flask up.

[-]

binarygoatfish@reddit

I made tea for my father in law who is a builder. I don't drink tea. He never asked again.

[-]

Lenniel@reddit

I drink a lot of tea so I'd probably offer one every time I made one, but I'd say max 1 an hour/90 minutes

[-]

PlatformNo8576@reddit

Use this formula (projected daily hours - hours late) * (weight of labourer in kilos / age of labourer) + number of breaks during day = maximum cups of tea

[-]

Purple_ash8@reddit

Any more than 2 is surely taking the piss.

[-]

OkScheme9867@reddit

If a customer offers I say yes. I'm busy and my hands and boots are mucky so I'm not going in their kitchen to make one. If a customer offers me 1 cup of tea I have 1 cup of tea; if they come out and offer me a tea every hour, we'll guess what I'm saying yes 8 or 9 times a day cause I'm polite,

[-]

UncBarry@reddit

Maybe, but I’d go for 3 cuppas, 5 max.

[-]

Purple_ash8@reddit

You’re not a builder by any chance, are you?

[-]

UncBarry@reddit

Used to do plumbing work, I would refuse as many cuppas as I drank, and I used to be partial to a nice cuppa.

[-]

LordBrixton@reddit

How are you paying this builder: for the job, or by the day? Because 12 tea breaks seems excessive to me.

[-]

buginarugsnug@reddit

Yeah that is a bit excessive

[-]

thetartanviking@reddit

Is it with milk and sugar too?

I can guarantee it's caffeine+sugar addiction for those "energy bumps" rather than simplu eating well and resting appropriately ... And mitigating the harsh effects of the job with proper movement, breathing techniques and stretches

I see it in ALL work environments ... Even office culture LOVES a sugar snack for those dopamine hits and to stave off tiredness and boredom

Caffeine and sugar addiction is no joke and should be treated with the same severity as alcohol due to it's destructive effects on your intestine, colon and skin health

[-]

Affectionate-Rule-98@reddit

Put the kettle, tea bags, milk and sugar where he’s working! If he’s nice also chuck a pack of chocolate digestives up there too

[-]

Vaskov@reddit

I take a 2l flask to work and my work mate takes 2 1.5l flasks and they are all gone by dinner. Not sure what's considered too much we've always drank that much from being apprentices

[-]

Why_Not_Ind33d@reddit

With a smile, just say

Don't take the piss mate, I don't warn the cash I need to pay you by making cups of tea

Christ if you let him make his own, how much time is he wasting? At this rate he'll have you down the shops to get him some tartan paint

[-]

JohnCasey3306@reddit

Keep your trades happy.

...but show him where the kettle is and tell.him.to make his own.

[-]

yasminsdad1971@reddit

Hahahaha! I never ask customer to make me a tea unless they offer first. I generally get from 0 to 4.

12? I would need a catheter. Is he on day rate? 😆

[-]

tommmmmmmmy93@reddit

If it's a full day I make them the first one, then tell/show them where it all is. If it's a nice day I leave the door open so they feel invited in. After being sheepish about the first one they tend to crack on. Generally they treat your kitchen and stuff very nicely and cleanly if they feel genuinely welcomed.

[-]

Low-Bat9059@reddit

Legend. This is what builders want

[-]

Responsible_Trash199@reddit

I came here to say, just make it and stop complaining. But I didn’t expect 12

MyBuilder normally has one in the morning around 10 a.m., one for lunch about 1 pm and another one around 3 pm.

Sometimes I make it for myself and him, sometimes he makes it himself and also makes me one

[-]

martinhsa@reddit

This is the CSCS version of Four Naan

[-]

raccoonsaff@reddit

That does seem like a lot, but not unheard of.. I'd just say one morning you've got a really busy day but the kettle is free to use, or something like that?

[-]

Majick_L@reddit

At a recent dentist appointment I was told that 5-6 cups a day with 1 sugar in is not good at all, and puts me in the high sugar intake category

[-]

hallerz87@reddit

I make them tea/coffee when they first get there. After that, they can help themselves to tea bags, milk and sugar. You're not there to wait on them while they work.

[-]

Dear-Grapefruit2881@reddit

Depends. If he's taking a break with each cuppa yes. If he's not them let the guy have them as long as you're happy, you could let him make his own if the making bothers you.

[-]

Honey-Badger@reddit

I can't help but think they're intentionally taking the piss?

[-]

moreglumthanplum@reddit

There’s the kettle, there’s the tea, there’s the Choc Hobnobs (never skimp on the biscuits with someone you need to do a good job). Leave them to it.

[-]

xafoquack@reddit

And popsicles if its hot.

The joy on builders for some cheap aldi ice lollies in summer. goes a long way

[-]

MerlinOfRed@reddit

100% with the biscuits. An extra £2 to keep the people fixing your house in a good mood? Bargain.

[-]

front-wipers-unite@reddit

Worked for a cabbie a few years ago and he never worked Mondays. I guess he worked long hours over the Friday and Saturday, so had his rest Sunday and Monday. And every Monday lunchtime he'd do us steak sandwiches.

[-]

Numerous-Work-9268@reddit

I used to work construction, 1 an hour is the going rate.

[-]

griffaliff@reddit

42

[-]

spiyda99@reddit

When I was a student, in about 1976 working for my Dad in the summer break, we fitted a new black slate roof to a house with twin gables. It was so hot we had to wear cotton gloves to handle the slates (rubber ones stuck to the slates)

We worked 20 minutes up and ten minutes down, fluid was a bucket filled with water with half a bottle of orange squash in it, we just dipped our mugs in and topped up pretty much continuously during the ten minute break....

A kettle would never have kept up !

My dad, now 94 no longer does roofs, and I had a new hip a couple of weeks ago so no roofs for me...

That leaves my son looking for someone to relay his ridge and hip tiles.... Hopefully in not such stupidly hot weather!

In a more general answer I'd say 10 is pushing it in normal weather.

[-]

Rikology@reddit

Give him a kettle and tea bags and let him crack on 12 is insane

[-]

chippy-alley@reddit

probably biased due to the amount my family drink, but a normal mug is 1/3 of a litre? so 3 litres of fluid per day if its physical and youre sweating a lot doesnt seem too out there.

My lot drank 3 cups an hour if their eyes were open though, so they'd have done 12 cups before lunch

[-]

cjuk87@reddit

That's taking the piss hahaha! 12??? One person or several?

I had landscapers round for 5 weeks and every day I made brews throughout the day and kept the biscuits topped up. But it was like 3 brews each a day. Also bought them a maccies breakfast every Saturday.

My mate was in shock and said he doesn't offer people anything when they work on his house.

[-]

Zeifer95@reddit

Full caffeine? How does your toilet look? 3 teas and I'm done for the day

[-]

Quick_Creme_6515@reddit

No official toilet breaks. He just pisses in the rhododendrons.

[-]

Quick_Creme_6515@reddit

Building in this heat? He needs hydration.

[-]

PoinkPoinkPoink@reddit

12 times is insane. I’d say 4 or 5 max for a full working day is the upper limit for civilised people.

As others have suggested, tell him where the stuff is, let him sort himself out. Or get him a sports direct mug.

[-]

Individual_Eye_257@reddit

Me and my 2 work colleagues start at 8am and by 9am we've had 3 brews, then from 9am onwards we have one on the hour every hour.

So around about 11 throughout the day, sometimes 12 if we can squeeze one in half an hour before we finish.

[-]

TheRealDanSch@reddit

I'll hazard that he's an ex-smoker who swapped one vice for a fat less harmful one

[-]

lemon-fizz@reddit

That’s taking the piss in my opinion. He’s got you running around like a blue arsed fly and personally I think it shows he lacks manners.

Tell him if he needs to drink a dozen brews a day he can make them because you can’t be leaving your job twice an hour to make him drinks.

[-]

Holiday_Newspaper_29@reddit

Is there a reason why builders et al don't just bring their own water bottle and a 'thermos' of hot drink with them to the job site?

[-]

Sophiiebabes@reddit

42 is fine, but 43 is excessive.

[-]

PintCEm17@reddit

Tell him to bring a flask

[-]

Big_rizzy@reddit

Just make him a bad one

[-]

TelecomsApprentice@reddit

I usually offer regularly and they either take it or they don't.

But he's a bit of a nutcase calling down for a brew multiple times. Bloody cheeky bastard. As if you're a servant.

[-]

Man-I-Love-Fajitas@reddit

But that's what OP told them to do

[-]

TelecomsApprentice@reddit

Maybe it's just me (and as a Brit) but I wouldn't actually ask that many times, it feels cheeky and intrusive.

Yes maybe I'll have one first off and if they offer but 12 times is taking the piss.

[-]

front-wipers-unite@reddit

After years of working in people's houses I've long gotten over the awkwardness that comes with asking the customers for a tea. Ask, they'll either say "coming right up" or "make it yourselves you lazy bastard".

[-]

R4D000@reddit

1-2 is enough, isn’t it?

[-]

AnneIie5e@reddit

Give him a flask. Or offer to fill his if he brings one

[-]

worldworn@reddit

When they have politely declined and you feel the urge to say "ah go on".

[-]

Legitimate-Quail-101@reddit

I would look at it another way. If the builder is doing a great job and getting on well with me, they can have as many cups of tea as they want. I'll usually supply biscuits too if I like them. Stuff like that is not worth souring the relationship over.

[-]

secretvictorian@reddit

I drink tea by the gallon and I'm not a builder. I have a pint sized mug that I use. Just let him make his own tea

[-]

Adventurous_Toe_1686@reddit

“Shout if you need a cuppa” was your first crippling mistake.

Don’t give them a hall pass, you offer to make them a drink… occasionally.

You’ve set yourself up for failure here. Just going to have to continue this song and dance until the job is done, otherwise it will be very awkward.

Nothing worse than having a slightly miffed labourer in your house.

[-]

stormye1@reddit

Mrs Doyle has entered the chat .

[-]

Electrical-Rush-3538@reddit

Keep him fed and watered it will gain productivity and keep him going

[-]

BarrySquiggle@reddit

Just set up a little station with kettle, cups biscuits etc. and leave them to help themselves, they don't want to ask, you don't want to be asked.

All.adults.all.choosing.all.the.time.

[-]

anabsentfriend@reddit

Usually one when they arrive (8-9am), 11am, lunch (1pm ish) and 3pm.

Every tradesperson I've had in has usually followed that pattern.

[-]

buy_me_a_pint@reddit

Before covi19, when we had the plumber in (we known him a long time) we let him get on with him making his own tea/coffee

When we had the builders in pre-covid19, I think some bought their own bottles of water, and my Dad made tea and coffee for them, all the builders just wanted to get on with the job in hand,

[-]

R0gu3tr4d3r@reddit

My son has about 12 a day... works for a builder.

[-]

arioandy@reddit

Show him the kettle and that packet of hobnobs

[-]

Glittering-Draw-6223@reddit

12 times per day?!?!?! who tfd drinks tea 12 times a day?!?!? no builder i know would. even in a 12 hour day thats a brew every hour, which is insane. is he actually doing anything or just drinking and pissing all day?

[-]

bluelouboyle88@reddit

I'm a builder and I think 3-4 is about right. I happily make it myself though if my customer doesn't mind.

[-]

CustomerNo1338@reddit

I think you work for your builder. I hope he treats you right.

[-]

Just-Literature-2183@reddit

What colours your piss.

It is a trick question, if its still coming out liquid you are golden!

[-]

cactusdan94@reddit

12 times!? Assuming hes working 8 hours a day... Thats a cup every 40 minutes😂

[-]

Oblomovsbed@reddit

Is your builder doing anything other than drinking tea and pissing?

[-]

JarJarBinksSucks@reddit

5 is excessive.

[-]

Neo-Riamu@reddit

That depends is that 12 cups of tea in little tea cups of 12 mugs of tea in a mug.

Neither sounds excessive to me but I work in a place where we could easily get to 12 cups before lunch.

Anywho show them the kettle and tea bag save ya a lot of time.

[-]

Norbertthebear100@reddit

300

[-]

MillyMcMophead@reddit

We had builders here for six months building an extension. In all that time despite us continually offering they wouldn't accept one single thing from us. They had their breaks at regular times and worked hard in between. Your builder is taking the pish.

[-]

Poo_Poo_La_Foo@reddit

"Give the man a kettle and he'll learn to brew"

Or something.

[-]

seven-cents@reddit

12 cups? That's taking the piss. He's wasting time while on the clock.

It's like those people who love a good chinwag, and tell you their life story instead of working.

A couple of cups of tea over 4 hours is fine, and a bit of polite banter is great, but 12 cups of tea during work hours is absolutely ridiculous!

[-]

McLeod3577@reddit

Is your builder on an hourly rate, or a fixed price for the job?

[-]

thisismyuaernamr@reddit

Any more than 2 is taking the piss. 8-4 workday 10am break 1pm break

[-]

CaerwynM@reddit

You can have a drink when not on break you know?

[-]

thisismyuaernamr@reddit

I’ve been a bricklayer for 20years, I know what’s good form and what’s not

[-]

CaerwynM@reddit

That's just dangerous, your supposed to drink its like a human requirement like air

[-]

Heavy-Locksmith-3767@reddit

Nothing says you can only drink tea though.

[-]

CaerwynM@reddit

No, but nothing saying you can only have tea on a breK either, and the person is making tea for him so it's not like her taking 12 breaks to boil kettle and make a brew

[-]

BrieflyVerbose@reddit

Bet he's pissing like a racehorse every day.

[-]

Diega78@reddit

You need to realize that the volume of tea consumed is directly proportional to the quality of the job. It's science.

[-]

Sirlacker@reddit

If you're home, offer drinks at least 3 times. One when they arrive. One at around lunchtime and one towards the evening. If they refuse the first one, offer the second and third. If they refuse the second, don't bother offering the third, they probably either bring their own drinks or don't want to drink at your house.

12 times is a piss take. Even more so if it's your own supply. I'd leave 4-5 teabags out and that's it for the day.

[-]

TURBINEFABRIK74@reddit

How often do they go to the restroom? 12 cups look insane to me 🤣

[-]

SladeGreenGirl@reddit

Show them where everything is in the kitchen and tell them to feel free to help themselves 😌

[-]

gponter79@reddit

Probably around 20-30

[-]

MintyMarlfox@reddit

Got landscapers in at the mo - they get one when I get a drink (work from home as well).

One at 8 when they get here, one at lunchtime, one at 4. Sometimes an extra round in-between.

Wouldn't be taking a builder asking for one. He can bring a flask if he wants that many.

[-]

Adhyskonydh@reddit

3 a day? Personally I might offer them one if i am having one.

[-]

Pineapples-1971@reddit

None. If he wants hot drinks he’d better bring a flask.

[-]

Gullible_Wind_3777@reddit

Do they have lunch? Like eat food lunch?

I skip meals with tea, it keeps me going. ( I don’t skip on purpose ) but if tea available then always yes lol.

I’d say to them, help yourself.

[-]

TSC-99@reddit

Tell them to help themselves

[-]

Martysghost@reddit

I can drink maybe 10 cups a day but I kinda know I'm going overboard and it wrecks my stomach, offer him an omeperozle and watch his eyes light up 😂

[-]

This_Distribution990@reddit

When they arrive, 10 o clock for 10sies, 12.30 and 3pm that’s around my tea time at work on site. But I take my own kettle but if it’s offered those times would be lovely !

[-]

Silver-Appointment77@reddit

Hes drinking more tea than doing actual work. I dont make builders cuppas. Im paying them to work. Not to stand around all day drinking tea. Or of Im feeling nice, maybes 1 cup. Im not nasty or anything. Just hardly make cuppas myself.

12 is taking the piss.

[-]

Happy_Assumption7983@reddit

That is taking the piss. One in the morning one in the afternoon. That's more than enough even a little generous.

[-]

Less_Coyote7062@reddit

If he’s gonna be there any longer, you’re better off buying a thermos that holds 12 cups and take it up to him on his first try with a paper cup

[-]

Superspark76@reddit

I always have a spare kettle and cups kicking about. When I have trades working and I don't want them trekking mess about, I leave a kettle and tea/coffee for them to use. Otherwise I just leave the tea next to the kettle with some cups.

I don't make it for them

[-]

Still-Consideration6@reddit

How longs his day?

[-]

Leading_Exercise3155@reddit

No amount of tea is too excessive 😁🙌

[-]

Interesting-Voice328@reddit

10am,1pm,3pm is the norm , 12 a day definitely excessive, I’d be weary of saying help yourself as he would spend more time making drinks and peeing than working. I’m currently getting 1 at lunchtime which is fine, I can ask if I want one or help myself.

[-]

Ok-Palpitation-5380@reddit

I had a customer used to make me 2 mugs at a time. When I first questioned it. He just said “I know you lads like your cup of tea”. Top fella

[-]

Mr-Incy@reddit

Seems a bit excessive to me, but as long as the work is getting done in a timely manner it doesn't really matter how much tea he is drinking.
I certainly wouldn't be making them that many, especially if I was also working, so you could either let him know that you can't keep stopping your work to make him a cup of tea so needs to slow down on the requests, or let him help himself.

[-]

No-Accident6125@reddit

That's up to you. Tell them you're busy and to help themselves.

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

Please help keep AskUK welcoming!

When repling to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!

Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.