Tradespeople in the house - what's the etiquette?

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AbsterTheGamer@reddit

I am getting my fence replaced (old boundary line, lots of bends & curves, complicated situation as sharing fence with 5 neighbours). I wanted to ensure the boundary line is maintained & that there won't be any issues with neighbours. Sat in the garden while they were working as there was some sun (a rarity where I live). Did not go up to where he was working, nor offered advice nor asked questions. Basically only approached him when I was asked something. The installer got annoyed that I was watching him work & doesn't like this. WTF. What nonsense is this? How can you tell someone not to go somewhere in their own house?

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Lisanolan2010@reddit

I'm a domestic plumber so here's my take:

In regards to do you stay in or go.. it's completely up to you. I've worked in houses where people have hung around for the duration of the job or they've fucked off for the day and left me a spare key. It obviously all depends on how trusting you are or how well you know the tradesmen. Either way, it's fine. What not fine is staying in and standing there watching what we do for long periods of time. It's not that we're doing anything dodgy, it's just awkward. My perfect scenario is arrive at site, customer makes me a cuppa, have a little chat for 10 mins, then they leave me to crack on.

Refreshments. My perfect scenario is when the customer tells me to help myself to tea and coffee. That way I don't feel like they're waiting on me. If you really want the most out of a tradesmen get a couple of packs of biscuits in. If your after a favour "while your here can you have a quick look at this" knock up some bacon sarnies for lunch.

Always let tradesmen use your toilet. It's weird when people don't and gets peoples backs up instantly.

That's about it really. I think most people think too much in to it.

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AberNurse@reddit

I’ve never understood the toilet thing. Where else would you go? In my garden? Do these people not let guests use the bathroom? I would go so far as giving the bathroom a freshen up and putting out clean hand towels for a tradesman.

I’m a District Nurse and would be mortally offended if someone said no when I ask (purely as a courtesy) to use the toilet. Most people put out nice soap and paper towels or fresh towels for me too.

I must admit though I do like a bit of a chat and to watch occasionally, I’m not checking up I’m just nosey and I find trade skills fascinating. I like those “oh! That’s how it’s done!” moments.

I do offer plenty of refreshments though, tea, coffee, cold drinks, biscuits, blow jobs, bacon sarnies…

Just joking. I hate bacon and never cook it.

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oops_all_sixes@reddit

As a tradesperson who works in gardens mostly. Yeah if i can't go in to the loo, I'm not wasting my time and your money packing up to drive/ walk to somewhere with a public toilet for a wee.
As for watching if it's safe to watch having a nosey is fine its the loitering over the shoulder constant questions that just wind tradespeople up ( from my experience) .

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Schplargledoink@reddit

Yeah I've had people refuse to let us use the loo and we just pissed on their vegetable patch for a week.

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llyamah@reddit

Where did you poo?

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oops_all_sixes@reddit

My poo schedule rarely coincides with work, but there are some healthy rose bushes in kensington now.

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NefariousnessOk1428@reddit

You don't want to know, but they had a bumper rhubarb crop that year

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Zestyclose-Pause4837@reddit

Had me right untill the end 🤣

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jimbobhas@reddit

We had a customer the other week accuse our fitting team of pissing in their garden, and when we asked why she thought that she said 'Well I told them they couldn't use my toilet so they must have done'

The fitting team didn't piss either

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hillsboroughHoe@reddit

No bacon. I'm out.

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ukrepman@reddit

I used to work in maintenance in a hospital as a plumber/electrician and once a lady locked the door to her office and tried to give me a blowjob. I was only like 23 at the time so never reported it or anything. Pretty sure it was sexual assault looking back lol

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OfficialTomCruise@reddit

What hospital, does she still work there and can you book appointments with her?

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printedflunky@reddit

Plot twist, it was at an Ear Nose and Throat clinic and she was in for an exam

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ScotsRepublic@reddit

I've got four example of serious sexual assault from women. Most men I know have at least one. Feminism has tried to brainwash everyone into thinking only men assault and women are all victims,but that is garbage. Women are just as capable of sexual assault as men, and many do it. They get away with it because society has been gaslighted into not believing men can be victims and reeling men they should take unwanted sexual attention as a compliment (while simultaneously tell women that even the slightest unwanted sexual attention is akin to grape). It's a seriously ffcked up world.

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SubjectLuck6272@reddit

In my humble experience it is taken very seriously these days. You need to move with the times fella and maybe stop reading those less healthy subs.

Everyone agrees assaults should be taken seriously regardless of who commits the crime. No one is arguing otherwise.

I should say that you are also wrong if you think it is "common". Serious assists are generally rare and most crimes are actually committed by men. The vast majority of sex crimes are committed by men agaonst women.

But please dig out actual evidence if I am wrong. And not just some anecdote plucked off Facebook, we're all tired of those "sources".

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No-Mechanic6069@reddit

All very nice. But blaming feminism for this is crazy.

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AberNurse@reddit

I’m really sorry to hear that that happened to you, I hope you are able to access support if you need it. I’m also a survivor of SA. Sometimes we talk ourselves out of accepting what happened to us. Finding ways to blame ourselves or to deny it ever happening or to imagine the we are over reacting.

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Distinct-Flower-8078@reddit

Sorry to hear that happened to you fella. Whether or not you wanted it at the time/went along with it or not, yes that would be inappropriate, sexual assault and if you didn’t have a way out then false imprisonment.

Don’t be ashamed to talk to someone about it if you feel you need to - there are resources available, even if it was some time ago it can still have some impact, especially if you’re kind of realising later on that it was sexual assault and having to process that that happened.

All the best

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Locke44@reddit

I always let someone use my toilet but a couple of times I've been greeted to some skids when the toilet brush is right there. So I can vaguely understand some people not wanting someone else using their toilet.

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Wide-Height-7936@reddit

You……hate…….bacon…I think I’m gonna have nightmares tonight

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ben_jamin_h@reddit

Carpenter here. This guy is spot on about everything. One thing that always really irked me was on a week or two long job, sometimes the customers would go around taking photos at the end of the day pointing out things that were clearly a work in progress going 'this doesn't look right' or 'is this going to be left like this?' - leave any complaints or criticisms you may have until the end of the job, it's more than likely we are fully aware of the issues and there is an order in which things need to be done to ensure the project is perfect when it's finished. Of course I'm not going to leave a piece of 2x4 holding up part of your kitchen worktop, I just haven't fitted those cabinets yet because I'm waiting for the plumber to connect the pipes!

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willsagainSQ@reddit

I've been burned by this in the past though. One bathroom refit involved installing a shower over the bath, retiling, new towel heater/radiator, new shaver socket, washbasin and bathroom cabinet. The original bath was staying but was to have a new waste fitted as the old one was badly discoloured and worn. (loo was in a separate room). All written in the quote. When the whole job was finished and they showed me the work, they'd forgotten to change the bath waste. Too late to open up all the access hatches and do it at that point. A small but critical detail that devalued the whole job in my eyes and I wished I had kept checking progress with them. Subsequently I've always gone for frequent checks, but I do explain why I'm anxious about it. Our contractors have always been understanding and explained the order they do all the separate elements of the job in so its reassuring.

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ben_jamin_h@reddit

If you can't open the access hatches to reach the trap, that in itself is a major problem. How are you supposed to do it when there's a blockage?

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willsagainSQ@reddit

British plumbing. Gotta love it.

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BeKind321@reddit

I use a decent plumber who said he makes a lot of money sorting out botched jobs. My plumbing was done (badly) when I had an extension built. Hard to put all of it right but he did what he could. No issues since he sorted it out.

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tawtaw6@reddit

Are people only meant to check the last minute before you leave to check the work? Do you not set up snagging lists at 75% of completion or do you just do it at the end, when there is no time to fix anything

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ben_jamin_h@reddit

Generally you factor in snagging which is a day or two to come back, a week after the job is finished. If you've done your job properly there shouldn't be any snagging, but usually in a week of using the kitchen in this example, a couple of things might come up.

For me fitting a kitchen, it's very unlikely anything will be wrong on handover day. My personal standards of accuracy and finish are usually higher than the client's.

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ninja_chinchilla@reddit

My parents had the front garden totally redesigned - lawn, wall, hedge to paved with raised beds, and some of the back garden done too. My dad made the guys bacon sandwiches every day for the fortnight they were there. My aunt joked that we wouldn't be able to get rid of them. Not gonna lie, they did an absolutely belting job.

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Lisanolan2010@reddit

It's surprising how far a bacon sarnie goes.

I once did a bit of weekend work round a friend of a friends house. The Saturday afternoon I was chatting to the customer telling him we were going out for a few beers that evening etc. the next morning he had set up little refreshment stations at every area we were working. Bottle of water, biscuits, aspirin. He then knocked up bacon and sausage sarnies at lunch time. I've done probably 500quid a worth of free work round he's house since then haha.

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PJP2810@reddit

Genuine question, what about a curious child?

What's the stance on them observing and occasionally asking questions?

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Lisanolan2010@reddit

Curious children are the best. I've got a couple of kids myself so know how inquisitive kids are. I always try and explain what I'm doing if they ask questions. I also get them to shout "FLAME ON!!" to turn my blow torch on which they always get a kick out of. Sometimes if the kids really up in my grill I'll ask the parents if it's ok if they can help me. This usually involves holding a torch (not blow torch!) , turning a tap on "to test it" or just passing me a couple of fittings. I've given kids a couple of quid in wages in the past. They absolutely love it.

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colin_staples@reddit

I'm having a front door fitted next month - a half-day job - and my plan is to bombard them with tea/coffee and a selection box of good biscuits. I want them to know that I appreciate the work that they are doing for me.

And of course they have free access to the toilet. Even for a number 2. Who doesn't allow workers to use the loo if they need to? What are the workers supposed to do?

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No_Contribution_2231@reddit

I’m in the process of having an extension done. I’ve always left house keys so they can let themselves in to use the toilet if needed. They chose to piss down the side of the shed instead.

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colin_staples@reddit

I would be having a very serious conversation with the boss about that, it's unacceptable.

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SubjectLuck6272@reddit

Free access lol

Free as in beer or as in speech!

I was just imagining that some people charge!!

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aarongorn92@reddit

I fit doors! One thing I don't like doing is a number 2 at a customers house, especially if they are like you and offer drinks and biscuits.

Even if it's a really hot day, and it's torture, I'll poo later at home.

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unsinkable88@reddit

Make sure you tell them they can have a poo if they want.

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Beebeeseebee@reddit

Yes, that's important. Not saying that would be weird.

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MajorHotLips@reddit

Due to a change of circumstances I have recently become the tradesperson at people's houses asking to use the loo. Just want to say thanks and thank God most people are chill about it, I always get anxious about asking.

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TheBloody09@reddit

yeah I said pretty as much as an ex tradie, we all live on word of mouth, make us a brew or leave a kettle and bikkies and let us use the loo we are golden, we are not animals and do clean after ourselves. Sounds like her kitchens getting redone so she wont be able to make bacon sangers but I remeber working on a job in leeds and had to go in early so missed the B and B brekkie, not only did they bring the lads who stayed there Bacon on Toast and flasks of tea and coffee, they also brought enough for the whole site (was a shop fit job) I am sure that got them repeat custom.

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Trixtabella@reddit

Wait, people don't let you use their bathroom? WTAF

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lelpd@reddit

The last tradesman who asked to use my toilet left me some lovely skidmarks as a parting gift. I wouldn’t prevent anyone using my toilet, but it did annoy me because it’s pretty disrespectful

I wonder if there are other people who’ve shared my experience and decided on a ban from then on

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history2506@reddit

Good advice. Set the tea/coffee out, highlight the milk is in the fridge and leave some biscuits out.

Pop in to say hello, ask them open questions and once it gets a bit quiet make an excuse and leave them to it.

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FuzzyBrainfart@reddit

This for me describes the perfect customer. And a job will run a lot smoother with this kind of behaviour, the ones that stand behind you are some of the worst maybe worse than the ones that think there above you. I don’t let people in unless iv got the word of mouth from someone if possible.

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Miserable-Brit-1533@reddit

I like to be on hand but not get in the way but I breeze in and see what they’re doing I have no idea what they are doing and they probably know that (im a Woman so odds are against me) my F in Law hovers over all trade people must annoy them.

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Miserable-Brit-1533@reddit

I’ve had men in today for summat one old and miserable one young then a jokier character came and went. Only he wanted tea the other two no. I find it unsettling when people don’t want tea. Anyway we have a jittery cat so sadly annual leave while they’re here.

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Joshawott27@reddit

Personally, I stay in but leave them to it. I just let them know where I am and where the loo is. Occasionally, I might offer them a cuppa.

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bumbleb33-@reddit

We tend to be around in the day and wfh/kids in and out so we keep kids out of the way where we can and offer drinks etc/leave tea coffee squash accessible so they can just get on with it. Offer to bring stuff back if they're on site a long time and we're nipping to the shop. I try to treat them as I would an acquaintance and be polite but not annoying whilst they're working.

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didntwant2joinreddit@reddit

I hate hovering waiting incase they need hot beverages so made them up a station with everything they needed plus biscuits. I always stayed to chat in the morning and made it clear how to get me if they needed me but other wise left them to it.

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GrannyWeatherwaxscat@reddit

Set up a “tea station” and tell them to help themselves. Make sure you have biscuits. Show them where the loo is and let them get on with it. I sit and catch up with anything I’ve downloaded or read a book/knit.

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SpinachnPotatoes@reddit

My mother : has pointed out the cupboard doors were off by mm. She builds 12th scale furniture and her eye was super in. Those poor guys.

My gran: after been told not to stand on the new tiles - dona little wiggle on the tiles while the cement squishes out.

I would stay at home. Too many people in and out the house - would not feel comfortable leaving strangers having the run of the home.

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Mountain-Contract742@reddit

Wait tell they’re finished then find something to snag
Argue with them like you know what your talking about
Go to r/DIYUK and ask the community if you were right to pick up on that thing.

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Choice_Midnight1708@reddit

If you're going to trust people to fit your kitchen, wire your appliances, plaster your walls etc. you have to trust them.

Give them a key. They can come and go. Put your valuable out of sight. Tell them exactly what you want, show them where the tea and biscuits are and leave them to it, checking in every couple of days for a big job.

You need to trust them to do a good job unsupervised. They need to trust you to actually pay once they've done said good job.

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Flaky_Sleep@reddit

I’d stay in. Offer them tea and biscuits.

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Daisy5915@reddit

I try to be home as much as possible but I give them a key so I'm not waiting round for them and vice/versa. I also stay well out of the way but let them know where I am if they have a question. When I'm out then they are told to help themselves but when I am home then we have a signal about when they are ready for another cuppa and I take care of that.

Biscuits turn into doughnuts and cake for multi-day jobs so they have a bit of variety.

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No-Cryptographer-192@reddit

"There is the kettle. There is the tea. There is the coffee. There are the biscuits.
If you need me I'll be upstairs."

Leaving them a key is also fine... most will carry their own kettle and tea/coffee supplies, but leaving some biscuits is definitely a winner.

I can't emphasise the biscuits enough....

Not sure what the etiquette is on bacon sandwiches these days, but back when I was working in peoples houses, a sarnie went a long way.

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Prestigious-Chance56@reddit

Which biscuits are best to offer? Bet. I’ll be buying biscuits to offer from now on.

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No-Cryptographer-192@reddit

Any are appreciated, but we really liked Hob-Nobs... Chocolate Hob-Nobs was like finding the Holy Grail :)

It's a silly little thing, but it's a small reasonably inexpensive gesture that shows that the homeowner sees the people working there as... well, people, rather than "the help" if that makes sense

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Resident-Page9712@reddit

Have you seen the price of chocolate HobNobs lately??!! 🤣🤣🤣

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Prestigious-Chance56@reddit

Of course, totally makes sense. I’ve always offered tea/coffee but will be adding biscuits from now on. Thanks for the recommendation.

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oops_all_sixes@reddit

6 years of mostly domestic jobs and I have been offered a sandwich ( bacon or otherwise) 3 times. And every time was by someone over 60. Though a lot of my work is in unoccupied properties I guess

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No-Cryptographer-192@reddit

Yeah I suppose things were different in the early 2000's when a bacon sandwich wasn't considered a luxury item :(

Things have really got fucked...

The most memorable job was for a lovely middle aged lady who was a carer for her mum, and she did SO much before we even arrived to make our job easier, such as completely sidelining and covering all furniture, pulling up carpets etc ( for a damp proofing hack off > drill > inject job)

Tea was offered all the frickin' time.. biscuits on tap, made us loads of food

When we left, we both found £20 each in our jacket pockets...
I'd never felt so appreciated in my life

A genuinely wonderful and hospitable lady

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oops_all_sixes@reddit

So about 90% of my work is at very expensive london properties that are going to be renovated. What i have noted is the offers of tea are inverse to the property value. I miss doing jobs for normal people.

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Excellent-Bass-855@reddit

Yup this, the poor ones keep the tea coming, bits of cake and stuff. I was a restoration joiner working on multi million old estates, very rare to get a tea.

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Hypselospinus@reddit

Personally, I find it best to stick in the room and offer constructive criticism and little comments like "Oh ... you're it that way. Strange choice."

A good tut doesn't go amiss either.

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Lidiflyful@reddit

I'll also add to this to NEVER offer a tradesman a cup of tea. They hate it when people do that.

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MrP1232007@reddit

Exactly this. For maximum efficiency from the tradesman, it's best to be eating a biscuit whilst holding a cup of tea and dropping crumbs down their neck whilst you lean over their shoulder tutting.

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AcademicDoughnut426@reddit

Who wants a biscuit for smoko? Nobody does, thats who!

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lostrandomdude@reddit

And definitely don't offer biscuits. You'll make them sick

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cedarvhazel@reddit

And also don’t let them use the commode! /s

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bishcraft1979@reddit

“A guy I saw on YouTube does it differently” is a good motivational comment

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jambo_1983@reddit

Dad?

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Neat-Possibility6504@reddit

Gold😂

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desmondresmond@reddit

“Is that how a professional would do it?”

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just_jason89@reddit

As an electrician, I can confirm this is the way to go.

I also found customers who offered advice on how they'd do it to be extra helpful. Equally it's always refreshing to see the curious ones who like to watch over you shoulder and ask "why are yo udoing it that way?"

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aggressiveclassic90@reddit

As a mechanic I agree with you, it's always really nice to learn your job while doing your job...all while having certificates for learning your job.

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bl4h101bl4h@reddit

Don't forget to mix in a few teeth sucks.

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ElMachoGrande@reddit

How I do it:

I talk to them so we are in agreement of what is to be done. Then I say "I'll be in my office (I can work remotely), just ask if there is something you wonder.", and at lunch time I just say a hello and ask if they need anything. Apart from that, I don't disturb them.

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p4ttl1992@reddit

Tea/coffee and some biscuits offer them every hour or two so you can keep them fueled.

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AlGunner@reddit

If they dont let you use the toilet, get an old bottle, a big 2 litre/4 pint milk bottle is perfect with the bigger opening. Use that as a toilet (no. 1's only please, Im not that gross) and leave it for them to dispose of.

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LegitimateUse3985@reddit

Personally, I would stay in the house because I don't trust anyone.

I would aim to have a quick chat when you greet them - just in case they need to clarify any details with you about the job. Then I would offer them a drink (tea / coffee or cold drinks if it's hot). When I give them the drinks I would say something like "Right, I'll leave you to it - help yourself to drinks / toilet etc and I will be upstairs if you need me".

Then just let them get on with it! They tend to ask if it's ok to use the toilet anyway, even though you said to help yourself. Just being polite I guess. And if they need your input in relation to the work, they will come and see you.

If it's an all day job, I might pop down now and again to offer them drinks and to make sure they haven't stolen anything.

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vvvvaaaagggguuuueeee@reddit

When I was doing driveways (was as dodgy as you may think). One place we went was a little old lady whose son was organising us to do her a safer new flat driveway. For all the consultation the son was there and he'd pop in once a day to see how things were.

Because it was just the wee old lady rattling around in this house on her own we didn't ever go in the house. I guess they knew we were pissing in the hedge. But just with that one it seemed like it was more polite for a bunch of muddy sweaty stoned lads traipsing through the house of this frail lady who was alone.

Maybe because we were working outside it was also just assumed we never went inside, like working cats on a farm...

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Greedy_Pot_smoker@reddit

Most are up for a chat. But just let them do thier thing just don’t stand there watching them. Offer a drink here and there or tell them to help them selves. Let them know they can use the bathroom when they need to. You can stay home or go out. That’s your choice

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CatFoodBeerAndGlue@reddit

Complimentary reacharounds.

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Rich_Sell_9888@reddit

I used to install kitchens.I preferred the homeowners to be there ,offering cups of tea and bickies.None ever questioned my methods.One customer had two elderly parents keeping a very watchful eye on me.I asked the son if they were displeased with something and he said no,they are amazed the tiling was done so quickly.( the last guy had taken three days)I had removed the old kitchen and there was only six of the large size tiles there.He had only asked for a single row along his benchtops because he thought the tiling would have taken weeks to finish.lol

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PhilMeUpBaby@reddit

Make sure that there's no cold water in the fridge.

Trades people can sense when you've put extra water in the fridge and this offends them.

If you leave a note out that says, "lots of cold water in the fridge - help yourself" then they're gonna want to burn your house down.

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TheBloody09@reddit

You have paid for the service so as an ex tradie we will roll our eyes and prob just banter but any worth their salt will do any changes you wish within possability if something isnt of your liking have a talk to the forman, there will be a senior person, Ask him why something is being is being done in a way and there must be a reason and be honest, I am paying for this and a layman etc, usually they will say like ok so we need to pipe this way or whatever for reasons and even a layman can see ok that makes sense, you can google if you need too.

Apart from that live at home as usual offer them a brew in the morning maybe, let the kids see the guys because all tradies love kids alot and do loads of hours so is nice to say hello to kids where you work. I would if is a second loo say can you use this one instead of x for example. If you can leave a kettle around for them to use, perfect because at points you may think why they sat around doing nothing. Most of the time they are waiting for plaster to dry or glue too dry or something to dry.

Also its very reasonable too leave a key, I have never ever met anyone I worked with take the piss out of a clients house, anyone worth anything will want to get the job done as fast as possible but as right as possible because we work on word of mouth and most are geniune hard workers who went through years of apprenticeships and take pride in our trades.

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sadsack100@reddit

Just had my house gutted and fully renovated. Had tradespeople in for months. Put out a tray with cups, tea spoons, tea, coffee, and biscuits. Leave milk in the fridge. Never leave the house until they are completely clear exactly what you want doing. For example, positions of sockets. Write down instructions so there is no misunderstanding. Keep checking in. Point out snagging issues as you see them. They are probably going to sort them, but maybe not. Some will try to get away with minimum finishing, so make your standards quite clear. If you do leave for any time, be back before they finish. I wouldn't leave them with a key. Did it once and they left the unlit gas on, locked up, and buggered off. Good luck!

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Hevnoraak101@reddit

Just offer them a cuppa and leave them to it. If you've got to go out, go out. They're there to do a job.

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irritatingfarquar@reddit

Fill a large container of water for making plenty of brews for them, get some mugs that you don't mind being broken, because it's almost guaranteed that if you use decent ones for them they'll drop one and break it.

Also Make sure you have Mcvities chocolate biscuits or HobNobs and not the cheap shite.

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d_smogh@reddit

It's not as though you will have a kitchen to make tea and coffee and back cakes for them. Take the kids to CentreParcs for the week. CentreParcs in Belgium as it is half the cost of a UK on.

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kebabish@reddit

Tell them you could have done this yourself but you just dont have the time. They LOVE hearing this.

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mallymkin@reddit

You give them as much tea/ coffee as they want, when they want. If they say they don't want any, ask again later Be good to your trades people

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PositiveOnion801@reddit

I need to stop drinking rum tonight, I read transpeople not tradespeople and was trying to work out what the issue is

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Wide-Percentage-9726@reddit

Whatever you do, don't set the bar too high when it comes to hot drinks.

We had our garden done. The first day, my mum happened to be here and she is mad about tea/coffee and made them 7/8 drinks a day.

Rest of the time, they were banging on the door asking for more drinks because she'd set expectations way too high. Made it impossible to do work calls etc.

Give them a kettle, mugs etc. and get them to sort themselves out!

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Click_To_Sign_In@reddit

I leave the house if I can, and I just tell them to help themselves to tea/coffee/biscuits etc.

It's better than popping my head in every hour and offering a tea.

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mcwhiskers1@reddit

Love reading things like this...just be human lol.

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Alert_Ad_5750@reddit

I worked in construction for 11 years now and as a woman I've learnt that generally tradesmen are pretty friendly and truly appreciate working for a nice and welcoming person. For the most part they're a very nice and easygoing bunch.

Acknowledge them, have a chit chat and let them get on with it they know what they're doing, if you feel like being extra hospitable you could offer them all a cup of tea.

What they don't like is people watching over them and bossing them about, looking down on them and acting superior.

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Scragglymonk@reddit

do what you do normally, be it using the house

when I bought the house had central heating and double glazing fitted in the first month and painted the rooms later as needed somewhere to live, they will work around you

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aarongorn92@reddit

As long as drinks are always offered, that's the main etiquette. And be present enough so trades can make sure you are happy with their work.

When they are done, have a snag list ready while they are there. They'd rather not have to come back to get paid because the snag list was withheld.

When it comes to paying, just do it while they are there. If you picked trades with a good reputation, they will return if there are any future problems. Don't keep payment hostage to ensure warranty work.

They should have their own dust sheets. Just clear the area of your stuff where the work is being done.

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nataliewtf@reddit

Show them to the tea and coffee making facilities and go out. lock your underwear drawer.

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Horacegoesskiing@reddit

I just want them to come in do the job and fuck off. Sadly every single one will turn up late, one will have decided not to take a shit before leaving home and decide your toilet will be the best place to dump a load without cleaning behind them, another will use the toilet and manage to piss all over the place.

That’s day one, day 2 some fuckwit will have forgot some crucial tool, and have to go back to the yard for it. He might, or might not, return that day.

Day 3 will be a laugh when someone sudenly realise the measurements are wrong, and it will Be your responsibility to cover the additional costs.

After day 3 you think it can’t get any worse, but by day 180 you wish you were back at day 3.

To answer the question, do what makes you feel comfortable- they will fuck you over no matter what.

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cloche_du_fromage@reddit

Hide you laundry basket and lock your knicker drawer.

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PartTimeLegend@reddit

I have a simple stance with tradesmen. I make them a drink and ask if they know how to work a kettle. I tell them where things are.

I work from home and so I’m generally around if needed. Tell them to shout if needed.

I tell them there’s coke, beer, and milk in the fridge. Use what they need.

Don’t stand over me while I work and I won’t stand over you.

I will leave them to do work and go out if my day needs it. I will tell them where keys are if they finish early and ask them to post them through the letterbox if they finish before I return.

I am either really trusting or just CBA with being a dick.

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Fair-Wedding-8489@reddit

I had an extension and new kitchen done last year, and the builders were here for months, so I got to know them. The same builders just did my bathroom. Last year, I offered them drinks, etc, in the beginning, and they would always say no, and so I stopped. I think their boss may have told them they can't and they never used our toilet either. Our toilet is upstairs and nobody used it in those months. They all live locally 5/10 minutes away from my house, so maybe they just went home . We stayed upstairs in our bedrooms and I work from home so I was home all the time. We only went down from time to time to get something as our living room was the temporary kitchen or to see what's going on. I never hovered around them or watched what they were doing.

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goblinf@reddit

let them have a key. so if you aren't around they can go get stuff, their lunch etc and keep house secure.
keep an eye on what they are doing, I get them to outline what they'll be doing, then check as they go along. It's a LOT easier to do that than snag afterwards! Often there's choices to be made and if you don't specifically tell them what you want they'll make assumptions and jsut do it. I generally ask what the options are, what they would do and why, then decide.

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EleventeenThousand@reddit

Tradesman here.

Do: 1.) Plenty of tea/coffee. 2.) Chat with me. 3.) Answer my questions about how you want certain things. 4.) Let me know when/if you're leaving. 5.) Tell me where the toilet is. 6.) Question things if they look permanent and not quite right. (Honestly, I wouldn't be offended and would rather you raise a concern now, rather than when payment is due).

Don't: 1.) Watch me for the sake of watching me... It's awkward. 2.) Make yourself a tea and not offer me one. 3.) Take ages to pay.

If you get most of those things right, you're an awesome customer!

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bannanawaffle13@reddit

Offer regular tea or coffee, biscuits and stay out of there way but make sure your available.

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Guilty-Poetry4450@reddit

That's it. Had the roofers in a couple of winters back. One day they had a roof-light out for changing and it started to pelt down - bathroom with a great hole open to the sky. They stuck at it uunder a bit of plastic wrap from the skip, got the new light in and got good and soaked for their trouble. While they were enduring this half-hour of miery for me, I chucked a whole bag of cocktail sausage rolls in the oven. Gave them to the lads when they came down for their lunchtime brew. We never looked back.

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Small-Literature9380@reddit

Ten years as a kitchen fitter, twenty as a general builder. Yes, establish early on who drinks tea and who drinks coffee. If there are young guys in the team or during hot weather keep a few bottles of water in the fridge and hand them out, don't rely on tradesmen to just take stuff even after you have emphasised that they are welcome to do so. Toilet facilities, of course, tradesmen are human (mostly), but ask them to take off grubby boots if they are using your bathroom. As a kitchen fitter, I set a rule that the first pieces of equipment into a client's house were brush and shovel, dust cloths and floor protectors and a small industrial vacuum cleaner. The relief on client's faces when they noticed these things set the tone for a good working relationship.

On the down side, do not trust strangers to stay out of rooms where they have no business. Light fingered wandering around someone's home is very rare but does happen. Let your kids meet the workmen and make it clear that they are not to get in the way, ever, and that the workmen can call on you to lay down the law if the kids are pushing their luck. One of my scarier experiences was trying to work in a rather nice upper middle class house with two small kids of about three and five constantly round our feet, only to be utterly shocked when Mum, having finished her meeting with their accountant, said "keep an eye on the kids for a minute, I'm off to the shops" and drove off to the next village leaving her children with two complete strangers in a dismantled large kitchen.

If the workers are doing something you don't understand, ask about it, not every ten minutes but as part of a chat over a cuppa, most professionals won't mind a bit of explanation as they go along, particularly where there may be a number of ways to achieve the end result. Make sure you know where things turn off: Water, electricity, gas, and the bane of our lives, intruder alarms which were fitted by a previous owner with no instruction how to disable them or even isolate the battery. If you want the workers to do something outside the scope of the original contract, like removing old rubble or stripping tiles off a wall, first ask if they have time to do it, then make it plain that they will be paid properly for the extra work.

Good luck, you are in for a stressful time even with the best squad you can get, and in a few days you will be happy it's over.

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Black_Canary_Jnr@reddit

Offer a tea and keep an eye on the job they’re doing.

We just had a plumber in to fit a boiler, did a right hash job of it, pipes going everywhere, ended up having to move the extraction pipe he put in to fit the boiler into a cupboard because it extended 30cm below the boiler into an oversized hole. Absolute pigs ear of a simple installation. Whatever was quickest and easiest for him apparently, put in copper pipes through the rest of the house and this professional comes in with easy fit piping and still complained the whole time he was here.

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Worried_Sandwich9456@reddit

Get them started, make sure to offer a cup of tea if you have tea making facilities still. Show them where the toilet is. Then keep out from under their feet. Make sure you have water stored if its going off, enough to flush toilets with if its a long time.

Other than being in to greet the various different tradespeople, Go out if possible especially if you have kids, they do not want them under their feet, and the power and water is going to be off at points by the sound of it.

Leave your phone number with them and don’t disappear on a trip a hundred miles away in case you are needed back.

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TheWallsOfPepAndCo@reddit

Stick to them like shit to a blanket. They love it

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anabsentfriend@reddit

Unless it was an empty house undergoing refurbishment, I wouldn't ever leave trades home alone unless you know and trust them implicitly.

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Eyeous@reddit

With trades people I like to be around and supervise. They are made aware of this upfront. I also have a rule - no shitting in my house. If you need to take a piss fine but if you need to shit go find a public bathroom. In return I pay handsomely and I offer tea / biscuits late afternoon.

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TheGreatGrappaApe@reddit

Tea and biscuits are over there lads. Leave them to it. Shoes off if your going to go and use the loo please.

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rosywillow@reddit

What I do is give them a tray next to the kettle with mugs, tea, coffee, milk & biscuits. Then I either go out and leave them to it, or hole up in my bedroom with a book. I let them use the loo and make sure the loo brush and the loo cleaner are in plain sight.

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patronus1123@reddit

I pretty much make them a brew and leave them to it. I’d pop my head round the door every couple of hours see if they wanted a brew but that would be about it other than letting them know when I was taking the dogs out or popping out. I honestly don’t think they care if you’re home or not as long as you’re not hovering over them all the time. If you decide go out just make sure you leave your number as they are bound to have some questions at certain points.

If you’re staying home my tip would be ask them if the water needs go off at any point and make sure you have a full kettle and a bottle of water before it goes off.

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Suggestedrelative@reddit

Used to be a handyman.

Leave them to it. Offer them tea and coffee and something to drink.

Allow them to use the toilet

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M-Celeste@reddit

I can't imagine not letting someone in my home use the toilet. Does that happen often?

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Suggestedrelative@reddit

Happened to me a few times. I didn’t tend to do repeat work for people that were like that. I always tried my best to be clean and respectful.

Given the nature of some jobs. Dust was unavoidable. Kept a Henry in the back of my van, when I decorated a bedroom I cleaned it after and did the stairs and landing where I’d walked just incase. The lady was shocked and said it looked cleaner now than when I started… she had told me that the last person who did work for her said “I’m paid to work not to clean” I’d tend to factor it into the job of cleaning was required, and I’d always ask if they wanted me to clean as I appreciate some people have high standards and on the other hand I’ve had people tell me not to bother and that they’d do it.

Some people were great though, I’ve had roast dinners, cakes and endless cups of tea and Christmas cake!

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THE-HOARE@reddit

Offer them all a cup of tea when they first arrive after the first one just tell them to help them selves show them where the tea making stuff is. Make your self a little busy so you dont appear to be over their shoulder but free if anyone has questions. Towards the end of the week if they have been nice and lovely to deal with buy them a treat like a box of those ricecripsy treats from the shop as a thank you it goes a long way.

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Pink_Flash@reddit

Offer drinks every 1 or 2 hours or leave some for them if cold.

We had a garden wall knocked down (it was a fall risk) and a fence put up. Unfortunately it was during the heatwave we had, so I let them use the garage at the end of the garden to sit and take breaks in the shade, offered tea/coffee often for hydration and left a big pitcher full of ice and orange squash to keep them cool.

Couple days I was home so I made some basic sandwiches (chicken salad/ ham & cheese) for lunch. This is not standard but I felt bad as they were working hard outside during the heatwave.

Fence turned out great by the way.

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morbid909@reddit

I just tend to walk about in my nicest stockings and heels fresh from the shower. Always get treated well.

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Excellent-Bass-855@reddit

This is a thing.

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RegularIndividual374@reddit

I leave them tea/coffee and a variety pack of biscuits and leave them to it

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farlos75@reddit

Offer the occasional cuppa, ome or two a day is fine, the morning one is best just before 10.30 for popmaster. Figure out whos in charge and if you have any questions or complaints try to direct them to them. Saves on confusion and makes life easier overall. Other than that, be friendly amd let them do their jobs.

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LHM1989@reddit

It's up to you, I prefer to be in the house but out of their way, just incase they have any questions or run in to any problems that need a decision. Saying that I have people in tomorrow and Tuesday and I can't work from home anymore so my mother in law going to be there to let them in etc.

I've got tea, coffee, biscuits, dilute juice and cans of coke in the fridge they're welcome to. Will pop some mugs/glasses/spoons out in the morning. I wouldn't mind if they looked in cupboards for mugs etc but I was speaking to a guy once who said he doesn't like looking through cupboards in case the customer thought he was being nosey so he just didn't make himself a tea. So I tend to just leave out anything they'll need to make sure they know they're welcome to use it.

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Schplargledoink@reddit

Only stay home if you like the constant sound of hammering, drilling and lots of swearing. Leave them the key and your phone number in case they need you to make a decision, plus if you go out you won't be there if the neighbours kick off, let them deal with it.

I'm a builder btw.

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Forsaken_Fly2522@reddit

Fuck them lol. No tea. No toilet. No food. Thank you. 😂😂😏😏

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Trixtabella@reddit

Personally I'll welcome them in make them a drink if they want one show them where everything is if they want to get a drink and let them crack on while I'll hide away in another room, because who needs someone standing over them whilst they are cracking on.

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seven-cents@reddit

Be there to answer questions.

Offer tea and the use of the loo.

Don't be afraid to set some ground rules.

Speak to them normally, ask questions, check the work.

Don't be afraid to criticise the work if your unhappy with it. The sooner you raise any issues the sooner they will be remedied.

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ayeitsmeee@reddit

on your dime? I don't know any tradesman who work day rate for domestic clients. Clients are not there to supervise either, they're not children.

Use your home as if the tradesmen were not there, except in the areas they're working in as they're responsible for health and safety. Ask them at the start of the day if they're going to need you around for questions and when their breaks are and if they'd like tea and coffee on them.

That's it

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dingo_deano@reddit

We are normal people communication is key. Lay the ground rules down - when and where we can toilet. What rooms are out of bounds without prior consent. Move your vehicles off the drive. Provide a kettle and brew making facilities. Leave your number so anyone can get hold of you. Maybe have a word with your neighbours and let them know you are going to have some vans about for a week or so.

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gegorb@reddit

Make em a cuppa now and again. Show your face every so often. Stop them doing something you are not happy with as soon as you can.

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snufflycat@reddit

Set them up a little station with a kettle, tea bags, milk and biscuits then tell them to help themselves, otherwise you will find yourself in the role of tea lady for the duration of the work.

Personally I stayed in the house the whole time my kitchen was being done, so I could keep an eye on things and be on hand if they needed to speak to someone, but I stayed out of their way as much as possible.

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Distinct_Ordinary_71@reddit

I will be in to greet them, offer them coffee or tea and then show them round: - parking - access - the job - water stopcocks and power breakers - coffee/tea making so they can help themselves - bathroom so they can help themselves

I make sure not to hover over them but do tell them if I am going out.

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Mysterious_Ad_3119@reddit

I’m usually in the house when works going on, mostly so if they have a problem/question they can give me a yell and sort it out there and then.

When my kitchen was gutted and refitted I set up the tea/coffee station in the room with me and they were in charge of refilling the kettle, they get told where the loo is and that they’re free to use it.

My plumber, chippy and sparky have done various jobs now so whilst I don’t intentionally loiter in the room I normally end up having a good natter with them catching up on news.

The plumbers now heckle me when they need tea (if I’ve got the kettle) otherwise make it themselves and head off to the loo when needed without asking. They also put in cake requests if they’re here on their birthday!

The sparky & chippy are mates so try and coordinate jobs at my house!

It’s all a bit bonkers but they all get in well which makes my life easier.

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RatArsedGarbageDog@reddit

As others have said, I'd stay local. Popping out for a few hours but not whole days. If possible relocate the items you need from the kitchen so you don't need to be in there with them much. I'd leave some mugs and tea and coffee out and just tell them to help themselves. Sheet up any flooring you don't want work boots on between the front door, kitchen and toilet.

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oops_all_sixes@reddit

Yes! putting down some sheets or something if you have them is a great call, at best it keeps areas tidy, at worst it shows the workers where to put their own dust sheets as its the bits you care about!

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oops_all_sixes@reddit

You don't need to be around, but you should be available in case of queries. Leave a phone number where you can be reached written down somewhere. When I am on site I am usually in the garden but if the customer can provide the 3 T's ( Tea Toilet Telephone number ) I will be happy. If you are in the house let folks get on with their work, if they need you they will ask.

The worst days for me are when I have constant supervision, questions and interruptions. I am a professional, and I know my role. Having a set of eyes glued to me just gives me another thing to think about.

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MaidInWales@reddit

We had our kitchen fitted last year, I work from home so I was around anyway apart from the odd trip to the shops. I'm glad that I was around as every so often there would be a question when the fitter either hit an issue with the design or when he thought there was a better way of doing it.

I kept out of the way, told them where the tea, coffee and biscuits were (chocolate digestives were the favourite), where the toilet was, and offered a cuppa whenever I was making one for myself.

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ginger_lucy@reddit

For a job lasting a day or two I’d stay in, but in another room. For a longer job I’d hope to be able to trust them with a key. If it’s a big project lasting weeks I can’t work from home all that time so I’d have to.

Definitely offer tea, coffee and biscuits and put out a station for them. My dad was in the trades and he and his mates were very scathing about “dry jobs” so I wouldn’t dare not. Mind you, most of the guys who turn up these days are gym bros who don’t want biscuits, have brought their own fancy coffee for the morning and spend all day drinking their own protein shakes, so don’t touch what I put out. But it shows appreciation to do it, and then I get to eat the biscuits later.

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nsfgod@reddit

Just make sure they have fre and unrestricted access to tea making and biscuits.

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Moreghostthanperson@reddit

Be around, but not in the same room. No one likes feeling like they’re being watched whilst carrying out a job, it’s distracting and awkward. But at the same time I’d any issues come up it’s good to be on hand. Popping out is probably okay, like if you wanted to take the kids to the park for half an hour or nip to the shops or something, but personally I wouldn’t want to be gone for the whole day.

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VeterinarianLazy4029@reddit

And don't let them shit

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Maleficent-Ebb1323@reddit

I keep well away other than a quick "if you need anything, let me know" at the start. Then I bring in a giant tripod with a camera mounted and put it pointing directly at them and say "don't mind the camera, it's completely unrelated to your work".

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pillowcase99999@reddit

I would recommend working from home if you can. Years ago I had a new bathroom fitted, took a week or so and me and my then wife went to work and let them get on with it. Later noticed some things went missing, Jewellry, lingerie and some of her sex toys!

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Jamin881@reddit

Work from home as a teacher during half term?

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EmergencyToe1359@reddit

If any tradespeople is round I just tell them if the need me let me know otherwise I stay out of their way. It's an anxious time as a homeowner having work done but workmen don't need anyone hovering over their shoulders. I try not to be away from property , after all it's your house and you want to be sure it's treated respectfully.

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Melodic_Arm_387@reddit

This is my take. I’d be home, but wouldn’t hover in the room they are working on.

In OP’s case (where they are doing the kitchen) I’d probably show them where tea/coffee/sugar is, say they can help themselves and that I’d be around if they needed anything, but mainly stay out the way.

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SuicidalSparky@reddit

I'm a sparky. Honestly I'm not fussed either way what you do but that being said I do like it when my customers disappear into their narnia wardrobe and I can sing along to Magic FM all day and just crack on.

I'm not fussed if you're in or out but I'm happy to be left a key if you prefer.

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yabyebyibyobyub@reddit

As they come in, ask if you can film their arse cracks and "get that out of the way right off".

They will appreciate the polite request and will often give you a shufty at their pubes too.

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_youllthankmelater@reddit

I usually hang around but out of the way. I buy nice tea and coffee and some biscuits and keep the hot drinks flowing. Being around to "dip in" to what they're up to is helpful as you can learn a thing or two for when they're not around, and ask them to do stuff to your needs and most importantly listen to them and their experience.

After day two they can be left to it, imo.

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Imaginary-Put-7202@reddit

Set yourself up a brew station in another room in case tea is required

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lovinglifeatmyage@reddit

Plenty of tea and coffee and don’t forget the biccies, biccies are paramount. Your better class of tradesperson tend to like hobnobs.

Anyway that’s all besides the point, they ain’t turned up yet. If and when they do the first thing you do is a jig of joy

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VeterinarianLazy4029@reddit

We're just in to do a job, always offer a cuppa and leave some biscuits lying about that'll keep them on your good side

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DryAd4911@reddit

Be there. Tradies had 101 questions I needed to answer when doing our kitchen . Mostly little things, but imagine if all your handles are vertical not horizontal like you wanted them because you weren't available to ask at time of fitting. Also, our old lead pipe, main water was very delicate when exposed so as we are there we could immediately make the decision to get it replaced without delaying the entire project. Alternatively you have to trust them to make the correct choices if you are not there or things could be delayed while trying to contact you...

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Heypisshands@reddit

Leave out tea, coffee, milk, sugar, kettle, cups and biscuits. Tell them where the toilet is and where you will be if they have any questions. If you need to leave, let them know and leave them a key if they need to leave before you are back. Tell them to post it through the letterbox.

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rememberimapersontoo@reddit

offer tea then leave them alone

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WronglyPronounced@reddit

I'm a tradesman and the most common situation is the homeowner sticks around for the first day hiding in a different room then the subsequent days they tend to go out for most of the day. This is usually because the noise and such gets annoying.

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TonyHeaven@reddit

Personally speaking,I would be in as much as possible,they seem to work better when there's something there. Also,I don't trust them all to behave well,junior workers particularly. Do make them tea/coffee and offer food if you can,because they will be nicer to you and do a better job.

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Electronic_Fig33@reddit

They’re just people doing their job. Treat them right and they will be right. Offer a brew or show them where to make there own. Whip out the biscuits if you want them to really like you.

It’s good to be around incase they need you but can also just leave a phone number. Obviously there are exceptions but most tradesman want to get on and do a good job for the customer.

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Naive_Reach2007@reddit

Leave some biscuits out, tea coffee and show them where the milk and sugar are, and cups of course also where the toilet they can use is.

Be honest just say you may be in the house but won't be looking over there shoulders and if they have to go off you would appreciate if they could tell you if they are coming back that day and approximate time so someone will be in

You don't say how old your kids are but tradesmen don't mind little ones offering to help out especially 5 year olds!

Have open communication as a lot of issues arise with workmen over assumptions

Also ask about tidying up at the end of the day!

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seven-cents@reddit

This is stupid advice! We do not want or appreciate children in the work space.

They're distracting and at risk of injury

Do not allow children in the work area under any circumstances.

It's dangerous and an insurance liability.

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BoopingBurrito@reddit

I had my kitchen and bathroom done last year, generally staying in the property but out of their way was the way it worked best. If I needed to go out, I let them know roughly how long I'd be. I tried to tie going out to things like when they needed the power or water turned off.

You definitely want to be around a bit each day so that they can ask any questions that come up.

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whitevanmanny@reddit

I used to fit kitchens. It's much better if the owner is around in the background just in case of the odd query, but as mentioned don't hang around in the room too much, it can be distracting and if you're too friendly/ chatty, also make the job take longer. Keep children well out of the way, power tools and kids don't mix well. And yes, the odd cup of tea is always appreciated.

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Rafiq07@reddit

If these are tradespeople you've never used before, I'd suggest ensuring either yourself or another adult is in the house whilst they're working.

We tend to offer drinks and snacks throughout the day. Also, I personally like to check in every now and again to ensure everything is going to plan or ask/answer any questions that might arise whilst they're working.

Mostly, I stay out of the way but on the premises. We seem to get on okay with the tradespeople that come down, so hopefully, we're doing something right in that regard.

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Spoopylaura@reddit

Personally if I have people coming into my home I like to be around! Not only may they need to speak to you but I don’t think I’d feel comfortable completely leaving people alone in my house! Maybe popping out etc but I don’t think I’d leave for the full day! You might feel more at ease once you’ve met the workers etc