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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell the decorator not to bother?

51 replies

easterholidays · 10/11/2018 09:12

Sorry, this is a really dull one!

I need a bit of plastering and painting done on my flat before I move out next month. I contacted a local decorator who said he'd come round and have a look on Tuesday night, then texted that afternoon to say he was stuck on a job and could we do Saturday (today) instead. I said that was fine as long as we could do between 12pm and 3pm, and we settled on that (he said he'd let me know when he was on his way, he didn't specify a time). He's just texted to ask whether we can make it tomorrow instead, as his "children are taking him out to buy a car", apparently.

AIBU to think that if he's this unreliable, I don't want to book him in to do the job? The first excuse is just about fair enough, but this one just seems ridiculous. That said, he has good local recommendations and I do want someone who comes recommended rather than someone I just pluck randomly off a website.

What's the better option - tell him not to worry and start looking for someone else, or suck it up this time and hope he's more organised about turning up to do the job itself?

OP posts:
MatildaTheCat · 10/11/2018 09:15

Getting people to do very small jobs is difficult as anyone good won’t really need the work. If you need it done you might have to suck it up. Saturday afternoon was never likely to be very convenient for someone who works all week.

LL83 · 10/11/2018 09:16

That is annoying but you have any other recommendations? If not I would let him come tomorrow. I found it really difficult to get a tradesperson for a small job.

IceRebel · 10/11/2018 09:17

Nope tell him Sunday doesn't work for you, it's today between 12-3 or he can forget it. He obviously doesn't see your job as important, and I would expect if he ever came to look at what you needed doing he would give a wildly high price to avoid you asking him to take it on.

Peachpebbles · 10/11/2018 09:18

If they're recommended, I'd hang in there if you have the time to wait. Maybe one last chance?

ButchyRestingFace · 10/11/2018 09:20

I agree with you in principle but in my experience the PP is correct.

I remember texting a painter asking if he was free to come and sort something out for me. He advertises doing the very thing as one of his services.

I didn't give a specific time or date. The response was "naw, too busy". I replied saying that it didn't have to be in the immediate future. Still was't interested.

Original poster
easterholidays · 10/11/2018 09:23

Sounds like a consensus! I'm just worried we'll fix it a all up and then he'll do this again and leave me completely in the lurch, because I have a fixed date to be out of the flat by.

Saturday afternoon was never likely to be very convenient for someone who works all week

Saturday afternoon was his suggestion! My DP works nights so I offered any day, daytime or evening.

OP posts:
Oblomov18 · 10/11/2018 09:29

Stick with it. I know he sounds like a dick, but this is what they are like. They are like gold-dust. And they don't really need small jobs, so getting anyone to do it is a nightmare.

ButchyRestingFace · 10/11/2018 09:29

Is this a flat you've sold, OP?

Did you say you'd plaster/paint it for the new owner/renter?

If the painter lets you down (again) or you can't find a replacement, could you leave some money aside for the new owners/occupiers to get the job done?

I recently sold my flat and this was suggested to me regarding a (potentially) leaky bathroom. It wasn't leaking in the end.

Oblomov18 · 10/11/2018 09:30

Then tell him, you need it done by set date, because you're moving out. Tell him you can't be let down.
He'll probably do it on the way home, from another job.

IceRebel · 10/11/2018 09:30

You have a specific date to leave the flat by and have now wasted a week waiting for one guy to come and see what needs doing. I would be getting in touch with others or else you'll agree to see this guy tomorrow, he may come and talk about what needs doing or he may cancel again. If he comes tomorrow you then agree a price and arrange a date to do it in say a weeks time. A week passes and he gets stuck on another job and pushes yours back, before you know it that another week gone.

It is difficult to get workmen in for small jobs, but you have a deadline so really don't need someone who has already rearranged twice without even seeing how small the job is.

Original poster
easterholidays · 10/11/2018 09:32

No, it's a rental and the landlord only me put pictures up on the condition that I rolled and painted over the holes when I left. But you're right, if I can't get anyone to do it I'll have to explain and he can take it off my deposit (but I'd have no way of knowing whether what he took off was a reasonable amount, so I'd definitely rather sort it myself).

I've texted back and agreed to tomorrow. Thanks MN Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
easterholidays · 10/11/2018 09:33

Only let me put up pictures if I plastered and painted!

OP posts:
Original poster
easterholidays · 10/11/2018 09:34

Yes good point about making sure he knows I have a set date. I think I did tell him it was because I was moving out, but I'll double check! Will also research some other local options today, just in case.

OP posts:
Queenofthestress · 10/11/2018 09:42

Why on earth are you plastering? A bit of bloody filler and a dab of paint and you're done?

Notwiththeseknees · 10/11/2018 09:46

What on earth do you need a plasterer for? Did you put your pictures up with a jack hammer?

CoughLaughFart · 10/11/2018 09:47

Saturday afternoon was never likely to be very convenient for someone who works all week.

Then why did he suggest it?

YetAnotherUser · 10/11/2018 09:50

You're getting a decorator to fill a couple of holes and paint?

If you're competent enough to make the holes in the first place, I'd say you're competent enough to do the repair DIY.

Get a tub of filler and filling knife. Fill the holes. Get a sanding block and some 180grit paper. Once it's dry sand it flat. Get some paint, and paint it.

Job done, no contractor to mess about with, and probably a lot cheaper.

DerelictWreck · 10/11/2018 09:59

What are you plastering?!

OP this is the easiest job in the world and would cost you about £15 to do. Don't farm it out and get ripped off!

Original poster
easterholidays · 10/11/2018 10:13

Oh, I had no idea! But I am a complete doofus with DIY. If the walls were last painted a few years ago won't the same paint look a different colour now?

OP posts:
Original poster
easterholidays · 10/11/2018 10:14

(I assumed because of this that we'd have to repaint the whole wall, rather than just the bit where the hole was.)

OP posts:
Queenofthestress · 10/11/2018 10:21

Then you repaint the whole wall? It really isnt that hard, tape round the edges and slap a couple coats of paint on, bam you're done

FannyFanackerpants71 · 10/11/2018 10:25

Op , I would just fill and sand the holes as other posters have said. Then lightly brush a bit of fresh paint over the repaired surface. Once paint has dried and if it stands out I would just wash that particular wall down with a sponge and sugar soap solution to clean/lighten it up and it shouldn't stand out so much. Should cost you less than £20 all in but a little bit of elbow grease. Plasterer and painter will charge a bomb to do it. Sugar Soap great for removing scuff marks etc off walls too.

BadgersBiggestFan · 10/11/2018 10:29

If you told him this is why you wanted him I’m not surprised he’s not keen 😶

GemmeFatale · 10/11/2018 10:31

Have you decorated before? As a landlord I’d be really cross if you decided my professionally painted walls were the ideally place for you to learn/practice.

Fluffyears · 10/11/2018 10:43

I have this issue. First guy came out took two weeks to send a quote then said ‘i’ll Fit you in by e-mail’ no details of when.

Second guy we really want as we’ve used him before, he does mil’s house and we know he’s great,m. I called he said drop him a text with the details and he’d give me a quote. Thar was 3 weeks ago and he has actually ignored me and my very polit chasers.

3rd guy said ‘I can come out on Saturday as I am over your way and quote’ great! Messaged me on the Saturday ‘I forgot to pop over, are you available Monday’ sent back a ‘yes’ never heard from him again.

Final guy meant to come out last Sunday but had ‘a family energency’ came out on Monday said ‘yep’ gave a good quote and was meant to do yesterday. He then had another family emergency so will be Monday now! Gah I just want my lounge decorated and it does need plastered due to a large crack on my ceiling!