To not employ a tradesman who smokes

Wondered why this showed up again today, it was from 2022!!

I wouldn’t choose him either but I wouldn’t be honest about the reason because I couldn’t be bothered with any aggro. I’d just say we went with someone else.

Yes. Tell the tradesperson why they were not given the work. If they cannot respect you or your home then they don't deserve the work.
Had enough of tradespeople who do work then smoke while doing. It's disgusting, and blatant disrespect. They don't care they make you ill.

I wouldn't care about him smelling of smoke - it's temporary.

However, what is he doing? Building something? Will he be bringing wood with him? If he smells that strongly I'd be concerned that he smokes around the materials - because if he builds wardrobes and the wood has been in a van he smokes in, it's going to absorb it and stink for ages.

I'm an ex-smoker AND someone who used to work in trades.

Firstly, I do actually sympathise with you - it was only after I stopped smoking I realised how bad it actually smells.

However, as someone who used to work in the trades I'm going to tell you much the same as everyone else has - if you think he's any good, take the quote and get the work done, because he won't be available for long. The construction skills shortage is a very real thing and it's only getting worse.

The best practical advice I can give you is that if you find the smell is lingering (and it does linger - it gets into all your soft furnishings) rent an ozone generator once the work is complete. They're the only things that will completely get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke.

Make sure you read the instructions though - it's potent stuff.

@girlmom21

well it is actually as it’s a thread about ‘smell’. What one person finds offensive someone else doesn’t or else no one would smoke would they.

I don't think you should tell him that's the reason if you do decide to not go with him because he'll be dining out on your unreasonableness for years to come. Having said that as long as he doesn't smoke in your house all is good. If you've seen he's done great work elsewhere then this would be a loss to you really. But of course it's your money thus your choice.

Missed the reference then?

My only stipulation would be that they do not smoke in my house. Otherwise, just get a good job done.

Nobody's asking her to go into their house smelling of her perfume so that's irrelevant

Maybe he doesn't like your perfume? Honestly some posters on here are ridiculous. I'm a non-smoker and can smell it on others. There are lots of smells of other people I don't like, such as over bearing perfume, animals, body odour, weird cooking smells etc. Get over it, people are beyond precious.

Unfortunately I would have to agree here. It's shit though. We bought a brand new family car last year. Absolutely brand new and is our dream car (still under £20K though so not a Ferrari or anything). I bought it by saving like crazy (going without more often than not) working crazy hours and also using an inheritance from a loved one.

And that lovely, unique new car smell? Fucked. Gone. Ruined because of begrudgingly giving lifts to smokers. Now the car has that yucky stale smoke smell even though no one actually smoked in it. I've since given up the free rides (not like anyone ever offered petrol money anyway) but a tradesman who we actually need? I'd put up with it but I wouldn't like it. Just -very politely-make sure he knows not to smoke outside near open doors or windows so the stink doesn't get in.

If he seems competent and reliable then yeah, it’s a pretty stupid reason to forgo his services.

As long as they did not smoke in my house, it would not stop me asking for work from them.

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles ... now you're making me chuckle with him

😂This.

I think i'd prefer a carpenter who smokes rather than one who wets himself when he laughs!

Although he should at least have plenty of sawdust to soak up any spillage.😁

I mean, it's your choice but I do think it's an utterly daft reason not to have someone come and do the job.

Totally your choice ro hire him or not but can't really see any benefit in telling him the reason why. It probably has occurred to him at some point that smoking isn't the best habit, doubt this would be a light bulb momemt for him 😉

Married to a carpenter. . . Just read him this post... . He is wetting himself laughing .... at all of the replies, not particularly the OP ... he said he only has one cigarette before work, and one after, so if you're anywhere near Lewes, (East Sussex), he's your m

You're not being unreasonable to go with someone else. It's your home and you have every right to decide who will come into it.

But you are unreasonable to think that you should subject someone to a personal evaluation of their habits or smell.

It is your choice.

He won't change his lifestyle or suddenly recover from his addiction because he has lost some work.

Echoing pp's good available tradesmen for hire are rare.

I love it.
The wit of Mumsnet.