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Original poster

Not making drinks for workmen?

121 replies

Player456 · 06/03/2022 12:36

We're having our kitchen refitted.

We've been told to clear everything out and will only be allowed to access the kitchen for fresh water before they arrive in the morning and in the evening.

My friend said that I will need to get biscuits in and make tea for them.
I'm not considering this at all.

When we had the bathroom refitted, and any other works, I've always made drinks/given biscuits, but as I can only fill the kettle once from 8am-5pm, I don't really want to do this. Sure, we could store water, but we are going to have everything in the living room (washing machine, cooker, fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, plus all the food and tins from the cupboards), so there really isn't anywhere to store water. We also have only kept out three mugs (one for each of us), as space is so limited, and I've not figured out where we are going to wash up, so don't want lots of mugs hanging around.

We're already going to be in trouble as DH (who does have an electric qualification), has disconnected the cooker, and we were told to leave it, as they would do it, but then I would have to move it straight after (DH will be at work, I am officially classified as disabled now, and cannot walk properly, let alone move a cooker).

OP posts:
GeneLovesJezebel · 06/03/2022 12:38

Where are they going to make drinks if you don’t make them ?
And presumably you can fill the kettle in the bathroom ?

MyDcAreMarvel · 06/03/2022 12:39

Yeah you can’t do that it’s really rude. How much space do a few mugs take up. Fill the kettle in the bathroom.

Indoorcatmum · 06/03/2022 12:43

On their first day I would just say "hey, making got drinks for you guys will be a bit awkward without kitchen access and I don't want to get in your way (tinkly laugh) , so I've put some treats on the bench for you, hope that's okay".... Then your hands are washed from the situation, you've communicated and they honestly will be happy.

I would then put some sweets, biscuits and soft drink and tea bags in a basket, along with the kettle and they can figure it out!

Hugasauras · 06/03/2022 12:46

When we had builders in for a longer-term job, I just provided biscuits and a tea tray and left them to it. Most of the time they chose to go to Costa and stuff anyway. If you can't access kitchen then they'll hardly be expecting you to make tea for them, surely?!

Hugasauras · 06/03/2022 12:47

Oh and we had a separate kettle they used so you could just fill up a spare kettle if you have one. Presumably they might access the loo at some point too so can refill it if they want.

KylieCharlene · 06/03/2022 12:48

Well, all the workmen around my parts I've noticed prefer to sit it their vehicles with Starbucks and McDonald's so unless you live in to he middle of nowhere I'm guessing they'd prefer to slope of to some such convenience.
I've offered drinks plenty of times and been turned downGrin.

BusterGonad · 06/03/2022 12:49

Agreed, leave the kettle out for them to sort it themselves and a packet of biscuits etc.

Original poster
Player456 · 06/03/2022 12:52

No spare kettle. I thought about the bathroom, but we have a combi boiler and I was told they put some sort of limescale stuff in it, so I've been scared of using the bathroom tap to drink from.

OP posts:
Datsandcogs · 06/03/2022 12:53

Do you want the best from them? Probably yes, then accommodate them, make them welcome and provide what you can. Doesn’t cost much but will create goodwill.

MyDcAreMarvel · 06/03/2022 12:57

You can buy a kettle for £7 if you can afford a new kitchen you can afford a kettle. Water is fine boiled.

Original poster
Player456 · 06/03/2022 13:00

@MyDcAreMarvel I wish I could a afford a new kitchen, it's a HA house.

OP posts:
GlitterSquid · 06/03/2022 13:00

I'd put a treats tray out too. A few soft drinks, nice biscuits....and when they arrive ask them about brews etc. See what they want to do, work together.

Duracellbunnywannabe · 06/03/2022 13:01

@Player456

No spare kettle. I thought about the bathroom, but we have a combi boiler and I was told they put some sort of limescale stuff in it, so I've been scared of using the bathroom tap to drink from.
Buy one for a £13 from Argos.
Original poster
Player456 · 06/03/2022 13:01

Thanks all, I will make the drinks for them. I'm just panicking (I have pretty severe social anxiety).

OP posts:
dottydodah · 06/03/2022 13:23

We live in town .When we had our kitchen refitted .The workman popped to the shop for sandwiches/Snacks .And came fully equipped with loads of Energy Drinks! I did offer hot drinks but they didnt want them .I would maybe have an extra kettle on standby or flask just in case though!

ParkheadParadise · 06/03/2022 13:29

I always offer tea coffee cans of Irn bru, coke and biscuits to anyone that comes to my house.

Outhouse71421 · 06/03/2022 13:30

Don't do it. Leave them a kettle and cups, and tea etc.

nordica · 06/03/2022 13:32

I would just leave them biscuits and tea bags and say you don't want to get in their way but to help themselves. They will be able to access water if they need it.

Unexpecteddrivinginstructor · 06/03/2022 13:34

[quote Player456]@MyDcAreMarvel I wish I could a afford a new kitchen, it's a HA house.[/quote]
In that case I wouldn't worry. It's not as if they will add anything to the bill if they don't like you. Plus they spend their time fitting kitchens without water so probably bring flasks. Just pop some biscuits out.

Original poster
Player456 · 06/03/2022 13:58

Thank you all. I won't be able to be at home everyday anyway. I've got a pre-surgery assessment this week (not sure why, I've not got any surgery planned).

We'll have to share the kettle (though I will probably go without), as I can't physically get to Argos right now. I can't drive (and will not be able to as cannot put weight on my ankle).

OP posts:
MyDcAreMarvel · 06/03/2022 13:59

@Player456 I wish I could a afford a new kitchen, it's a HA house. ahh ok hopefully you can still afford a cheap kettle.

MyDcAreMarvel · 06/03/2022 13:59

Sorry missed your update.

woodhill · 06/03/2022 14:00

I always make drinks for workmen and provide biscuits.

maddiemookins16mum · 06/03/2022 14:01

We had windows fitted on Thursday. 2 lovely chaps arrived bang on time.
I made them tea 4 times during the day and even gave them a £1 bag of those giant Cookies you get at the supermarket bakery bit. I told them where the loo was and said ‘no need to ask etc’. It was a fairly pleasant day so I put two garden chairs out (they had their lunch there).
They left the whole place spotless - and even took our old shower screen with them when they cleared the rubbish. They put cardboard down on the floor so they weren’t traipsing mud etc.
I believe if you look after your workmen, they’ll look after you/your home.
I was off work so making tea was no issue.

AlisonDonut · 06/03/2022 14:04

You do not I repeat not have to make drinks for workmen. Or women.

If you want to leave them a kettle then great, otherwise, they are used to it! They fit kitchens for a living. So they will know how to access water and electricity to boil a kettle. All on their own.

Go do your work when they arrive, or go out, or whatever and leave them to it. They will be absolutely fine.

And they don't need biscuits either. They know to bring their own and if they don't, they will go to a shop at lunchtime.