To tell the decorator not to bother?

[easterholidays]

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?

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

Fine, but then just say no, rather than agreeing to come out and then cancelling on the day (twice!).

Oops posted too soon...

Then you repaint the whole wall?

I agree with @GemmeFatale's point about how someone else's flat, which I have said I will leave in a good state, might not be the best place for me to try it myself for the first time!

I'll see what he says tomorrow and I might make the point that if he's not keen then I'd rather know upfront. If it comes to it I can always tell the landlord that I can't find anyone willing to do the job - he owns quite a few flats that he rents out, so he must either be handy himself or know someone who is!

Sorry I don't know why I'm using so many exclamation marks

In that case OP maybe a local handyman/woman would be a better option. They can usually be found on local FB sites or word of mouth. They tend to charge a day rate which may work out cheaper for you.

I've just texted him to make sure he knows what a tiny job it is and he said "really don't mind doing as am also a handyman", so fingers crossed. I do appreciate the DIY advice above and will put it to use when we buy our own place, hopefully next year...

Have you got the leftover paint?

It's no good telling you want it doing by x date. If they are any good they'll be booked up til New Year, never mind next week.

Just tell your landlord to keep a few pounds back and it it himself, a few holes isn't worth messing about with, especially if you don't have a clue what you are doing.

We learnt to decorate ourselves as we wanted an excellent finish but weren't prepare to pay 'excellent' prices. Especially as the previous guy would spend hours on his phone, and if he worked quicker then he'd be finished sooner. (Charges by the hour)

No leftover paint but I do know the make and colour.

I'll see what the chap says when he comes tomorrow; he knows the dates so finger crossed. If he says he can't get it done before then I'll do as you suggest @TheCupboardUnderThe Stairs and ask the landlord to sort it himself, but I think I'll end up paying more that way (because the landlord specifically asked me to make sure I got it sorted before I moved out, so it's extra inconvenience etc. for him).

You are insane to pay someone to do this, I am not particularly handy but have just done exactly this in our smallest bedroom, removed pictures filled the holes (bought ready made polyfiller in a tub), sanded them then painted the wall. I'm 8 months pregnant with hip problems it was not difficult all. Even if you have to buy a new pot of paint, fillet and sandpaper (get fine stuff 120 grade) it will cost you less than twenty pounds. A competent 11 year old could probably manage it

You are utterly mad to pay for this work.

Fab of filler, sanded down nicely and repaint the wall. Done. Cost you less than £20 including paint.

I basically cloned Mrs Strowman - Sorry!

I'm with @Merryoldgoat and @MrsStrowman . I hate it when women can't deal with shiz! It's a tube of filler , and a sheet of sand paper. Jesus Christ OP, it's not rocket science. Google a YouTube tutorial and get on with it!

I agree Fanny

I’ve just wallpapered my hallway, an halfway through restoring my dining set picked up on eBay and will be doing some tiling next week.

The only thing I steer clear of is electrics, plumbing and gas. Otherwise just crack on - YouTube will tell you everything you need to know.

@Merryoldgoat well done, you go girl! We can do this shiz! ......Apart from lifting the boiler in situ.. we can't do that.. not strong enough..thank god for the strength of men and their boiler carrying plumbing capacities!

Fanny do you realise how contradictory your post is?! Sexist to say women can't lift boilers etc!

@DerelictWreck yes, I was joking & trying to be ironic .It was my attempt at humour but clearly fell short. I completely renovated my house alone
so assumed all other women could do the same. I see now that that is not necessarily the case and I apologise most profusely.

I hate it when women can't deal with shiz!

I think this is a bit unnecessary. I deal with plenty of stuff and am both the more practical hands-on one and the breadwinner in my relationship. I've never done this particular task before and, as a PP said, I don't think it's particularly appropriate to practise on someone else's wall, especially someone who will be looking for excuses to keep money back from my deposit!

Whoops sorry fanny 

@DerelictWreck ✌️peace sister!

@easterholidays eh? I was only joking. Gave you some good practical advice earlier. Shizzle ma nizzle this place is touchy!

Hard to tell tone of voice from a post sometimes, Fanny.

I can decorate but I actually can’t be arsed. By the time I buy a pasting table and brushes and all the gubbins i’d be as well paying a bloke £200 to do it and tidy everything up after himself.

HE asked you to plaster (🙄 fill tiny holes) and paint. That’s on him if you’re not of a professional standard. It’s not rocket science, but you can watch some you tube videos if you’re completely clueless. You can do this for under £30 and have some kit for when you buy your own place.

No, he asked me to arrange for it to be done. He won't be impressed with a shoddy amateur job!

@easterholidays we are all trying to tell you , you are being mugged off here. You will be charged a fortune. It's a really easy fix, you can do this. The only poster who disagrees on this thread is a landlord!!! Nuff said!

And if the guy who's coming tomorrow gives me a quote which I think is too high I will look into alternatives and doing it myself might be one of them. The investment of time involved in doing it myself (of which I don't currently have much) will also be factored in, though. Thanks for all the advice, the message is loud and clear.