ULPT: Contractors entering my house with shoes on
Posted by pwern_@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 9 comments
My house is considered a no shoes house, but lately contractors (think plumbers, electricians) have been entering my house to fix things with their (dirty) shoes on. I had to mop my floor every time they finish work as they leave boot marks on the floor. The only saving grace is that my house is not carpeted.
I tried to subtly hint them by asking if they would like to wear my in-house slippers, but to no avail and it’s getting on my nerves as this would be on going for a few more months.
Is there anyway I can tell them to take their shoes off without being confrontational? I don’t want them to do a bad job on the job request.
MacintoshEddie@reddit
Why subtly hint? You can outright tell them to wear boot covers or to bring indoor footwear. It's a very reasonable request, and if anything they should have asked about it at the start of work. Chances are it's already included in the terms of the work agreement.
sikkerhet@reddit
wrong sub
also, contractors just have to wear shoes in the house. sorry. imagine being asked to do your job barefoot.
toomuch1265@reddit
A homeowner told me that I couldn't come in to repair their oil furnace without removing my shoes. They said absolutely no one will be allowed in. I told them to enjoy the cold and left. They called my shop to complain and send someone who understands rules.My shop told them to find another company.
tiaratwinks@reddit
You could lay down bubble wrap on the floors with some plastic sheeting to protect your surfaces.
furculture@reddit
Usually I have seen them use some quick slip on disposable shoe covers before stepping inside the house. Should probably ask them if they have those and encourage them to use that.
Competitive-Ant5086@reddit
This will invalidate the safety standards for the soles never do it
furculture@reddit
Didn't fucking ask you for guidance.
furculture@reddit
They should usually be carrying some shoe covers with them in their work truck or similar that would be put on before the job. They might be forgetting, but it wouldn't hurt to ask then if they could simply put those on.
maxgaap@reddit
If you expect a workman to basically be barefoot in your house you are nuts. For insurance/health and safety regs they may be required to wera boots with non-slip soles or steel toes.
Not really unethical, but:
Be direct and ask them if they have shoe covers. A lot of trades people have a box in their van or truck.
We are a shoes off household as well. I have extra pairs of regular slippers for guests. And I bought a big box of disposable shoe covers online. It was like 200 pair for under $25. It has lasted for years. Come in handy a few times for trades people who didn't have their own covers, and once or twice for people who had shoes that were hard to remove or mobility issues that would make taking their shoes off.