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Original poster

Decorator stinks of booze.

158 replies

HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 10:29

Put an advert up on Facebook as I needed a bedroom painting.

For content I'm on disability benefits so cannot do it myself and cannot afford the kind of decorator that you book through a website.

A guy messaged me on fb and showed me photos of his work, with him in photos so I knew it was him, he seemed nice and the photos were of a good standard work.

Because of my anxiety I asked a friend to be here so I didn't have to deal with a stranger.

She let him in showed him to the room etc.
I put him a brew on.

She got a call saying her kid needed picking up from school so she had to leave.

I took his brew up for him and he absolutely reeks of alcohol.

Reeks. My friend has zero sense of smell but I have no idea how she didn't clock it.

He came and knocked on the living room to to ask something and a few mins later the smell was still in the room.

He seems nice enough but I'm sat down here with my kids and my anxiety is through the roof.

I'm worried that it's gonna be a shit show and I'll be too scared to say anything.

Friend can't come back as her kid is vomitting and I don't have anyone else to call.

Please don't say I'm stupid. I've had lots of people do jobs off Facebook and this is the first time I've had an issue.

OP posts:
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Original poster
HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 10:31

I can't ask him to leave either as he's started and I don't know how he would react to me asking him. And I don't want to say it's because you're obviously an alcoholic.

My uncle was an alcoholic and the sweetest man alive who just had a terrible childhood so I'm trying not to judge.

I'm just worried.

OP posts:
anon12345anon · 07/08/2023 10:34

As long as he gets the job done properly, does it really matter to you?
I'm not saying it's right, but as long as he does the job, then just let it go.

pictoosh · 07/08/2023 10:35

I agree. If he does a good job pay him and off he'll go.

Wendysfriend · 07/08/2023 10:35

Is it definitely alcohol? I remember a perfume I use to wear which to me didn't smell like alcohol but on my skin gave off an alcohol scent to other people. Not that he's wearing perfume but could it be an aftershave or deodorant?

Original poster
HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 10:36

anon12345anon · 07/08/2023 10:34

As long as he gets the job done properly, does it really matter to you?
I'm not saying it's right, but as long as he does the job, then just let it go.

That's what I'm thinking. I need to just wait and see how it is don't I.

But I'm just worried that if it's poor I know I will just pay him and not say anything, as my anxiety won't allow it and I have no back up.

I was already stressed about having someone in my home, this has just made it worse.

OP posts:
Original poster
HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 10:37

Wendysfriend · 07/08/2023 10:35

Is it definitely alcohol? I remember a perfume I use to wear which to me didn't smell like alcohol but on my skin gave off an alcohol scent to other people. Not that he's wearing perfume but could it be an aftershave or deodorant?

It's 100% alcohol. Absolutely certain. Having grown up with several alcoholic family members I know the smell well.

OP posts:
primoseyellow · 07/08/2023 10:37

If he does the cutting in etc properly and doesn't make a mess then it wouldn't bother me. But if he has the shakes and messes up and does a shit job then I would say something.

Can you check if he is doing it properly and if it looks shit stop him.

madeofcheeze · 07/08/2023 10:37

As long as he does a good job I don't think it really matters that he smells of alcohol. Maybe he went out last night, or maybe he has a hygiene issue or something. Could it be the smell of his painting equipment? I'd only have an issue with this if he was obviously drunk and then going to drive, or if he did a terrible job (but I'd have an issue with that anyway, alcoholic or not).

Original poster
HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 10:38

He arrived on a bike. So not driving.

It's definitely alcohol. He didn't seem shaky.

OP posts:
anon12345anon · 07/08/2023 10:38

HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 10:36

That's what I'm thinking. I need to just wait and see how it is don't I.

But I'm just worried that if it's poor I know I will just pay him and not say anything, as my anxiety won't allow it and I have no back up.

I was already stressed about having someone in my home, this has just made it worse.

Show quote history

Aw, I feel for you. Hopefully he'll do a good job.
But if he doesn't, deep breath and point out what you aren't happy with.

Hope it works out ok Flowers

GenerallyGreenerGrass · 07/08/2023 10:50

He could just be a heavy drinker at the weekend, not an actual alcoholic.
If he’s had a heavy weekend, it will stay on his breath and even come out in his sweat.
Otherwise he could be a functioning alcoholic and should do a good job hopefully.
Just pop up to see how it’s going and and if all looks well, just try to get on with your day to stop you stressing about it.
I’m sure it will be fine….,

Useruser0912 · 07/08/2023 10:54

I got a guy off Facebook to decorate for me he was recommended by a friend. When he got here we got chatting and he was open about the fact he was an alcoholic. He was lovely and done a brilliant job. Fingers crossed its the same for you.

TokyoSushi · 07/08/2023 10:56

It's not ideal, but as long as he isn't behaving badly and does a decent job then hopefully you can just pay him and that'll be the end of it.

TheFormidableMrsC · 07/08/2023 10:57

There was a guy who used to get on my train when I was a commuter. Every Monday morning he absolutely stank of alcohol. He didn't the rest of the week so I always assumed he was a heavy weekend drinker. Keep making him tea. Offer him water.

Original poster
HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 10:59

TheFormidableMrsC · 07/08/2023 10:57

There was a guy who used to get on my train when I was a commuter. Every Monday morning he absolutely stank of alcohol. He didn't the rest of the week so I always assumed he was a heavy weekend drinker. Keep making him tea. Offer him water.

I've made him another cuppa and a bacon sarnie.

OP posts:
Whataretheodds · 07/08/2023 11:01

If he's an alcoholic his lines will be straighter after a drink than before.

FrenchandSaunders · 07/08/2023 11:01

stale alcohol or fresh? I would let him do the job and then see what the standard is like. Presume you haven't paid him yet?

Eyesopenwideawake · 07/08/2023 11:02

White spirit cleans paint brushes. That's alcohol.

Original poster
HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 11:04

Eyesopenwideawake · 07/08/2023 11:02

White spirit cleans paint brushes. That's alcohol.

He didn't have anything with him.

I provided all equipment and paint.

It's alcohol.

OP posts:
SpeckledlyHen · 07/08/2023 11:08

I think you should cut him some slack until you know the job is done. As you said yourself you do not have the funds to pay for a professional decorator so you have found someone on FB. To be honest, even if you had paid a professional the job may not be any better, I've seen some rubbish painting by so called professionals. He has shown you his work so I am guessing he has done this before.

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 07/08/2023 11:10

Better than smoking on the job.

Original poster
HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 11:10

SpeckledlyHen · 07/08/2023 11:08

I think you should cut him some slack until you know the job is done. As you said yourself you do not have the funds to pay for a professional decorator so you have found someone on FB. To be honest, even if you had paid a professional the job may not be any better, I've seen some rubbish painting by so called professionals. He has shown you his work so I am guessing he has done this before.

Cut him some slack?

I've not mentioned it to him. I've dade him some breakfast, 2 cups of tea and am giving him the benefit of the doubt until he's finished.

How much more slack could I give him?

OP posts:
Original poster
HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 11:11

I just venting on here because it is a little unorthodox to turn upto work smelling like a brewery.

OP posts:
FawnFrenchieMum · 07/08/2023 11:13

HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 11:04

He didn't have anything with him.

I provided all equipment and paint.

It's alcohol.

Show quote history

This part worries me more then the alcohol smell, no decent decorator would use equipment provided by the client. Paint would be 50/50, quality of paint makes a huge difference to the job.

SpeckledlyHen · 07/08/2023 11:13

HelpMeOhMyWhat · 07/08/2023 11:10

Cut him some slack?

I've not mentioned it to him. I've dade him some breakfast, 2 cups of tea and am giving him the benefit of the doubt until he's finished.

How much more slack could I give him?

Show quote history

Jeez.. calm down dear.

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