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Original poster

Who should pay for our new thermostat, us or the decorators?

20 replies

BumptiousandBustly · 14/10/2011 17:21

We have had decorators in today - stripping wallpaper in the hallway - after they had gone I noticed that our thermostat was dead! I opened it up and there was lots of moisture inside, so clearly from all the wallpaper stripping.

My question is, who should pay for the replacement? (Likely to be around £60/70 if I can find the thermostat on its own - its wireless and the receiver is fine, so its just that bit needed.

I should add that they have only started today, they come very well recommended, and the plan is that they do work while we are away next week, so don't want to piss them off.

So MN Jury, who should pay?

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 14/10/2011 17:25

You.

They are not micro surgeons, it's probably near impossible to do it without getting it wet.

Unless they're supposed to remove it?? Only a decorator would know that , I'm afraid I don't.

bluegnueboo · 14/10/2011 17:26

I'd of said them as part of their insurance.

SausageGoulsAndFruitSpooks · 14/10/2011 17:27

Their insurance?

Maisiethemorningsidecat · 14/10/2011 17:29

Them - isn't that what their insurance is for? Didn't they mask it off or cover it before stripping the paper? I'd get on to them tonight if you have a number.

MollyTheMole · 14/10/2011 17:32

Them

Missingfriendsandsad · 14/10/2011 17:46

At least tell them and see what they do, they might be apologetic and sort it out at trade prices or even just cover it - if you have work and lots of extra work then it would be worth them sorting it. HAving said that though I have had an electronic thermostat stop working because of 'water ingress' then when someone finally came to look at it it had dried up all on its own and started working again..

Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 14/10/2011 17:58

OK, I kind of think its only the kind of thing a decorator would think of, but I would they they would have to think about it. (Its not like we got the local odd job man to do it, they are proper decorators by trade). And also that they could have masked it off.

i also agree that we are putting a lot of work their way (and potentially more if we are happy with this work). On the other hand, the thought of massive stress about it makes me not want them in the house - so I don't want to get really stressed about it.

i am also really hoping it will sort itself out when it dries out - fingers crossed, as this will solve it (no more wall paper removal in the hallway).

The annoying thing is that its wireless so if anyone had thought about it, we could have removed it easily.

They are actually working tomorrow so I think i will wait and chat to them then - as at least I can see how they are reacting etc - rather than on the phone where there is more room for error.l

OP posts:
QueenStromba · 14/10/2011 18:03

If it's removable then stick it in a bag of rice and leave it for a few days, it should draw the water out and hopefully it will start working again.

Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 14/10/2011 18:41

queenstromba - good suggestion - its in the rice now.

OP posts:
aldiwhore · 14/10/2011 18:43

Off the top of my head I'd say 'them' but I wouldn't say anything until they've finished and the invoice is due.

diddl · 14/10/2011 18:54

Is it the fact that it´s wireless that is the proble?

Would they have known this?

If they´re experienced, I would have thought that they would have known when things need covering tbh.

redlac · 14/10/2011 18:59

I would have thought it was your responsibility especially since ou knew it was wireless where presumably they wouldn't have known

Tianc · 14/10/2011 19:05

Getting water in electrical devices tends to bust them, it's hardly specialist knowledge. I had the same with a plasterer getting muck in a fully wired thermostat, and got the building firm to sort it out.

In fact, the tendency of trades to do their bit while breaking something else is one reason for using building companies rather than freelancers ? you can reasonably say to the office, your guys broke it your guys fix it. Whereas a plasterer can't fix the electrics even if he gave a shit wanted to.

Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 14/10/2011 19:07

I don't think the fact that it is wireless is the problem - like Tianc says - water breaks electrics! I do think they could have thought of this!

OP posts:
Tianc · 14/10/2011 19:13

I used to think was funny. Now it just makes me cry.

diddl · 14/10/2011 19:14

It was just a thought.

Is it usual to cover radiator thermostats when stripping wallpaper?

Perhaps they should just have opened a door/window?

I mean our bathroom gets full of steam, but it doesn´t stop the thermostat working.

redlac · 14/10/2011 19:24

Sorry what I meant was it was your responsibility to move it since you knew you could move it - a bit like moving your telly out of a room when you know they will be using steam strippers

Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 14/10/2011 21:40

Well the good news is that I have managed to turn it on, and I can see everything on it, and it all responds to all the buttons etc.

The only thing is, i am not actually sure I believe its 23.5 degrees in the hall!

Fingers crossed it will have a more sensible temp on it in the morning.

OP posts:
Original poster
BumptiousandBustly · 15/10/2011 08:32

Thanks to queenstromba - put it in the rice for the evening, and its now working!

OP posts:
QueenStromba · 15/10/2011 10:36

Yay!

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