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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to be annoyed that builders are recharging their mobiles and using the toaster!

99 replies

chocolatekimmy · 20/09/2011 21:46

I woudn't mind but one of the guys plugged his mobile in as soon as he arrived, before I had even left the house.

The other day the toaster (in the front room at moment) was left plugged in.

What a bloody cheek - they could at least cover there tracks and be more discreet

OP posts:

limitedperiodonly · 21/09/2011 11:24

Be thankful you don't employ my friend.

He recharges his electric car from the restaurant where he works unbeknownest to the owner.

ll31 · 21/09/2011 11:28

you sound v petty tbh - I'd be more concerned about the work they're doing rther than whether or not they use toaster. Dont see anything wrong with using toaster..

thefirstMrsDeVere · 21/09/2011 11:32

I dont think the OP is being vvvvvv unreasonable at all!

The builder didnt even ask permission how bloody rude! Would it be ok if he had a quick rummage around the fridge even if what he took out only cost a few pence to replace?

If a builder asked me I would say yes. If they did it without asking I would be pissed off.

Talking of builders using toilets.....
We had a portaloo in the front garden when we were having our adaptations done.
Unfortuantely it was navy blue and DS2 was convinced it was a Tardis and kept trying to get into it. When he wasnt trying to get into it he was staring out the window at it.

Poor builders wanting a quiet poo with a hyperactive 6 year old googling at them, expecting Dr Who to appear.

JenaiMarrHePlaysGuitar · 21/09/2011 11:34

Sorry diddl

Mind, dp (who isn't a builder) has a spirit level app on his phone

diddl · 21/09/2011 11:42

Maybe they will soon be able to actually build with them then

Can you imagine-sorry love, can´t do any work today, there´s a problem with my mobile!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 21/09/2011 11:45

ThefirstMrsDV - I've just had a giggle at the thought of your poor builders under surveillance from a Dr Who-mad 6-year-old! Mind you - a portaloo that was bigger on the inside would be a really good thing to hire for your builders - it could have a kitchen (with toaster, of course), a comfy staff room, and even a gym with static bikes (wired up so they generated electricity to recharge the builders' phones ).

I wouldn't have been bothered about letting builders plug in their mobiles or use the toaster, though I would have wanted them to ask first (but if you're out, that's a bit difficult). I do think that good builders are a pearl beyond price, and should be looked after with hot and cold drinks, and plenty of biscuits. I am blushing to think that I have never thought of offering a bacon butty, though whenever we've moved house, dh has bought fish and chips for all the removal chaps.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 21/09/2011 11:46

Diddl - maybe one of those really slim phones could be used to do the grouting in a bathroom or kitchen?

diddl · 21/09/2011 11:59

I agree with those saying it would be nice to be asked.

Yes, it is the builder´s place of work-but it´s primarily someone´s home.

scaryteacher · 21/09/2011 12:02

Think yourself lucky it's just charging mobiles. My 'gentleman' builder used to use my phone to call his mistress for long loved up calls, and to make arrangements to take her to Chelsea flower show. He got a bollocking and the phone calls knocked off his bill, as I was not going to facilitate adultery on my phone bill.

picnicbasketcase · 21/09/2011 12:02

The toaster wouldn't bother me but I might be a bit miffed about a load of people all having phones plugged in to charge them, because obviously that takes longer.

aquashiv · 21/09/2011 12:08

If it bothers you just unplug it or switch it off. They might get the hint and ask if its ok.
Think its rude but in the big scheme of things its not expensive.
Gosh to the person using his boss elec to charge his car

alemci · 21/09/2011 14:16

I definitely wouldn't give them an excuse to leave otherwise they take a 4 hour break.

I had a plummer who used to come on a Saturday morning. I would pay him for a mornings work but he would disappear for breakfast after 1hrs work. It used to really irritate me.

Mumwithadragontattoo · 21/09/2011 14:39

YABU - Using the toaster is normal I would say. Plugging in their own charger is just one of those things you have to do if your battery is low. Surely you'd rather you could get hold on them on the mobile if they have gone off site than just get voicemail.

I imagine they do usually charge phones at home but sometimes they might need to do it elsewhere. It's no skin off your nose as cost is minimal.

I generally just leave tea and coffee for builders to help themselves but after reading this I think some bread for toast and some biscuits would be a good idea.

fanjobanjowanjo · 21/09/2011 14:45

I don't understand why you'd begrudge toilet facilities, tea & coffee making facilities, microwave & toaster facilities to your builders. Your home is like their office for the day.

I'd like to see your boss make you go home/find a public loo to do a toilet.

LoveInAColdClimate · 21/09/2011 14:48

I hate those "well, if that's the worst problem you've got" posts, and this really isn't meant to be one, but you could try to take heart from the fact that if you have the energy to worry about some toast and a phone charger, at least the project's probably going pretty well! Last time I had anything major done, work that was supposed to take 6 weeks took 18 months and threats of litigation - I really could not have given less of a toss if they had plugged in their aluminium smelter if it would have kept them on site to finish the work!

Maamaa · 21/09/2011 15:08

YANBU, why do we feel that it's Ok for someone to take advantage of the fact that they are in out homes? My Mom was so worried about upsetting the builders that she never complained once about the project taking three times as long as it was supposed to, lights being left on and doors left unlocked when she wasn't there. She was worried that if she upset them they had access to her home and knowledge of the layout and any valuables.
Totally rude to use your electricity for non work related things. Like many of the posters on here, I think it wouldn't be so bad if they had asked!

thefirstMrsDeVere · 21/09/2011 15:23

I have enough trouble keeping my loos in a usable state as it is. Imagine assorted large builders up and down all day

LaBag · 21/09/2011 15:25

I think we need to remind ourselves that OP is the CUSTOMER. The builders are employed to carry out a service. Can you imagine anywhere else that you would behave as if you owned the place.

No wonder builders get such a bad name.

cat64 · 21/09/2011 22:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

thecaptaincrocfamily · 21/09/2011 22:32

Sorry I think you are being a snob! Perhaps the builders contacts for other tradesmen/ building supplies is in his mobile phone book and without it he couldn't order more supplies of essentials like cement/ sand/ bricks As for the toaster! If you can't allow them to make toast using your electric that is really poor. I would consider it bad manners to not offer a cup of tea/ toast/ biscuits! Oh and I seriously hope my DF never worked for people like you!

thefirstMrsDeVere · 21/09/2011 22:37

How is it being snobby not wanting someone to help themselves without asking?

Even common people like me appreciate manners.

LEMONAIDE · 21/09/2011 22:41

H is a tradesman and wouldnt dream of doing this - he takes snacks and a flask but tbh, apart from the fact that they didnt ask, I think you are being quite unreasonable - id rather my builders made their own drinks rather than waiting for me to do it.

I also have to concurr that the nice clients get preferential treatment i.e. if he's really busy and a "favourite" calls we will always try to fit them in - I have to say that the nicest clients tend to be the older ones.

DontGoCurly · 22/09/2011 09:42

Yabu and very tight !!! I give builders free run at the kitchen and always provide a radio.

Plugging in their mobiles??? So what ! Seriously you are being well tight.

I plugged my mobile in while in a pub recently. It's a human right like a drink of water afaiac. As long as they didn't unplug a life support machine to do it then I don't understand the problem!?

kenobi · 22/09/2011 09:47

I have a Motorola Defy (rugged phone) which is so tough I chucked it across the car in a temper once as it was crashing repeatedly. The windscreen cracked, the phone doesn't have a scratch on it. I hate the bloody thing (except for its toughness) - it could be used as a hammer?

YABU - I feel the same way as a PP who said she'd make then a 3-course meal rather than risk them buggering off to another job for days hours on end.

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