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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:

Rosebell75 · 07/03/2022 11:28

There’s a difference to having acces to running water and providing a full buffet service though!

And I disagree that not making constant cups of tea all day long means they’ll do a poor job or won’t return if something needs snagging. These are professional people and you’re doing them a real disservice by suggesting otherwise.

AlisonDonut · 07/03/2022 11:36

I’m a bit sceptical about the poster saying that their husbands or boyfriends or partners have never needed or never wanted hot water on a building site.

I'm an ex construction worker and a female (shock horror).

We were the ones blamed for having access to toilets and hot water, for years and years.

It is very true that most small sites will have to by law hire in facilities cabins or portaloos.

However these are kitchen fitters and work in people's houses. They will turn the water back on to fill their kettle if they need it. They will also turn it on to flush the loo. And in order to get home earlier with less faff, they will bring a flask and food with them. You don't need to worry about them, they know what they are doing.

LottyD32 · 07/03/2022 11:44

I think it's rude not to offer anyone, whoever they are, a drink/biscuits/sandwich if its lunchtime etc, if you can afford it, when they come to your home.

LottyD32 · 07/03/2022 11:51

@Player456

Another asbestos man came. Apparently the cupboards are supposed to be down before the ceiling is removed anyway, and as no one is coming to do that, I'm not sure exactly if/when they plan to start.

Apparently they were also told the house was empty, so I guess there is no reason for anyone to hurry, if they think no one is living here!

Contact the HA, they can't leave you without facilities, they will come and reconnect or put you up in a hotel. They also have to reimburse you if you have to get a takeaway.

I've done kitchen refits where the cooker was reconnected each night. Also, the sink should be left until it can come out/go back immediately so you can use it.

Erinyes · 07/03/2022 11:52

@LottyD32

I think it's rude not to offer anyone, whoever they are, a drink/biscuits/sandwich if its lunchtime etc, if you can afford it, when they come to your home.

There’s a difference between a visiting friend, and someone whose workplace is, temporarily, your house, surely. I mean, it’s not a hospitality/guest situation.

LottyD32 · 07/03/2022 11:52

Or they can bring you a baby belling mini cooker thing to use in another room maybe.

Orchidsonthetable · 07/03/2022 11:52

@ANameChangeAgain

DH and his staff work at homes. They take flasks and a packed lunch, there is absolutely no reason to put out a hospitality tray. Its appreciated occasionally, but certainly not something that's expected. A "drink", ie a bit of a cash tip when they have completed is much more appreciated if you wanted to do something. If a householder gives our guys £10 or whatever on a Friday they love it.

I’m sorry but I wouldn’t be doing this at all. I’m happy to provide hot drinks and some biscuits but am I hell dolling out tenners to everyone at the end of the week.

BonnyandPoppy · 07/03/2022 11:58

Our kitchen took about two months to refit so I feel your pain. We did however keep the washing machine plumbed in for most of that (there was an odd three or four days without it). We filled up the kettle from the bathroom sink. The water is perfectly fine, especially with a combi as it uses fresh water and not stored water. We also washed up in the bathroom. We had loads of workmen there and it ranged from them bringing their own drinks to ones who wanted lots of tea making. Most of them went to Greggs on the way in the morning but brought their lunch with them. We had the garden table set up int he lounge with kettle, microwave and toasty maker and had a single hob induction ring that plugged in lent to us by the neighbour.

LottyD32 · 07/03/2022 12:44

@Erinyes It's severe bad manners not to offer a cup of tea, at least. To anyone, guest or worker

user1497207191 · 07/03/2022 12:52

[quote LottyD32]@Erinyes It's severe bad manners not to offer a cup of tea, at least. To anyone, guest or worker [/quote]
No, when a working environment. really isn't, especially if your home is already a bomb site due to the work being done. I've never regarded it as bad manners when I've not been offered anything when visiting clients or other businesses, whether for as little as an hour or as long as 2 weeks. It can be nice to be offered something, but it's never even crossed my radar when nothing has been offered. The only time I've felt a bit miffed was in a meeting once in someone's home, when someone made themselves a drink and didn't offer me one, after I'd driven for 90 minutes for a home visit, but it certainly didn't mean I did less of a job for them or charged them more.

A social environment is completely different. Visiting friends/family etc., social basics like a drink and a biscuit/piece of cake is pretty much obligatory.

I do wonder if people are getting themselves confused between the differences between a social and working environment.

Erinyes · 07/03/2022 13:01

[quote LottyD32]@Erinyes It's severe bad manners not to offer a cup of tea, at least. To anyone, guest or worker [/quote]
It really isn't. I'm on excellent terms with our builders, but they're here to work, not to pay a social call, and I'm two floors up, also working. I point them to the kettle, tea, mugs etc.

I honestly wonder about whether some posters on Mn ever function in ordinary social situations, they seem to make such heavy weather out of the most ordinary things.

ThreeRingCircus · 07/03/2022 13:16

We usually put things out on a tray somewhere near a plug socket where we put the kettle/teabags/coffee granules/sugar/spoons/milk/biscuits. If it's hot we put some cans of fizzy then tell workmen to help themselves. So I don't make them a drink (I usually try and clear off somewhere as I hate being in the house when tradesmen are round) but I wouldn't even consider not providing anything.

BogRollBOGOF · 07/03/2022 13:24

I don't drink tea or coffee and don't routinely have cows milk in the house.

Apparently oat milk and cheapo teabags don't taste great anyway.

I wouldn't decline access to toilets/ water etc though, it's just not on my radar to freely offer and gauge the extent if someone's caffiene addiction.

ClemFandangoo · 07/03/2022 13:25

@gettingolderandgrumpy

This is mumsnet unless you provide a full tea tray with a selection of hot and cold drinks you are totally unreasonable. Imo they can sort themselves out only make them a drink if you make one but you say your disabled I doubt they are going to expect you to fill kettle in bathroom and make drinks while they are in the way in the kitchen . I honestly wouldn’t give it a thought and I’ve never given biscuits to workmen in my life a brew is offered if I’m home and making one that’s it .

I might put an afternoon tea on for the window cleaner next time he’s around 🤣

RampantIvy · 07/03/2022 13:26

I think it is considerate to provide tea making facilities for workmen. We live miles away from anywhere that provides hot drinks. After all, office workplaces provide these facilities for their staff so why shouldn't I for someone working for me?

When doing a hard physical job all day sometimes just a glass of cold water just doesn't hit the spot the way a tea or coffee does.

LesLavandes · 07/03/2022 13:51

Do you have an outside tap for filling kettle?

LottyD32 · 07/03/2022 14:00

@user1497207191
LottyD32

*@Erinyes*It's severe bad manners not to offer a cup of tea, at least. To anyone, guest or worker

No, when a working environment. really isn't, especially if your home is already a bomb site due to the work being done. I've never regarded it as bad manners when I've not been offered anything when visiting clients or other businesses, whether for as little as an hour or as long as 2 weeks. It can be nice to be offered something, but it's never even crossed my radar when nothing has been offered. The only time I've felt a bit miffed was in a meeting once in someone's home, when someone made themselves a drink and didn't offer me one, after I'd driven for 90 minutes for a home visit, but it certainly didn't mean I did less of a job for them or charged them more.

See, imo, that's bad manners. I'd have offered you the use of the toilet and then a cup of tea.

It's got nothing to do with social or work situations, or the standard of work you'd do, it's just basic manners to offer a cup of tea (or cold drink) to anyone crossing your threshold.

user1497207191 · 07/03/2022 14:03

@LottyD32

I'd have offered you the use of the toilet and then a cup of tea.

LottyD32 · 07/03/2022 14:05

[quote user1497207191]@LottyD32

I'd have offered you the use of the toilet and then a cup of tea.

I always make sure I stop beforehand to use the loo, so don't need to use a client's toilet. As for the drink, it only miffed me because she made herself one and didn't offer. I didn't need one as I'd had something on the way, and wasn't expecting either a drink nor the loo.[/quote]
That's for you to decline the offer then if not needed but it's still bad manners not to offer.

RampantIvy · 07/03/2022 14:46

[quote user1497207191]@LottyD32

I'd have offered you the use of the toilet and then a cup of tea.

I always make sure I stop beforehand to use the loo, so don't need to use a client's toilet. As for the drink, it only miffed me because she made herself one and didn't offer. I didn't need one as I'd had something on the way, and wasn't expecting either a drink nor the loo.[/quote]
I don't expect my kitchen fitter to work for 8 hours in my house and not use the loo, not do I expect him to make a 10 mile round trip to use the loo in the supermarket.

RampantIvy · 07/03/2022 14:47

@LesLavandes

Do you have an outside tap for filling kettle?

Yes we do

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