To keep locking the patio door?

[AliceRR]

We have a front door, “back” / kitchen door and patio door. DH often comes in and out through the patio door which I don’t mind but if he’s gardening, it’s wet etc then I’d rather not have the mess. I do all the hoovering and cleaning except he occasionally washes up. The carpets are to be replaced but it could be 6 months or more before we do this and I’m trying to look after what we’ve got for the time being.

Atm we have a builder in. He’s a friend of a friend of DH so we let him bring his dog (although wouldn’t if carpets / floors were done) and I do tend to close the living room and dining room doors to keep the dog out. I’ve posted before that he’s a bit messy anyway.

Anyway I’ve said several times to DH and the builder (like I said it’s less of an issue when it’s just DH) to walk around, even hiding the key, but they still do it. Just now builder asked DH for something so he went out the patio door to get it and builder followed then dog followed as well. I then locked the door! I’m v grumpy today I’ll admit. They then walked around and DH was annoyed. Builder was laughing. I said I have asked you before and you don’t listen. Anyway DH is annoyed with me. Builder said (joke) the job is taking me twice as long as I have to walk around. I said you shouldn’t take as many fag breaks then! He said he was only joking...

I can understand his point of view and it’s his house too which is why I don’t push it unless it’s wet, he’s muddy or whatever, but I don’t also want the builder doing it with his filthy shoes / boots and the dog.

I’m a bit stressed with how long the work it’s taking / the mess etc (amongst other things) and haven’t slept well for days so I know I’m a bit grumpy but I don’t think I’m being unreasonable not to want the builder and his dog going in and out through my dining room and then coming straight in onto the carpet, especially after I’ve asked.

Also at my parents’ we weren’t allowed in and out of the patio door for the very reason but there I don’t think we were ever allowed to use the door so not sure why they had a door 🤷🏻‍♀️ So maybe I’m turning into my mother...

Sorry for the rant.

Sorry didn’t realise that was so long

In short: I don’t want DH, the builder and his dog coming in and out through the dining room and patio door as I’m trying to keep the house clean!

If u can’t stop them coming in that way (hard for the builder to if your husband takes him in that way) then Put plastic down while work continues. Do not let dog in the house at all! My builder has two dogs but they stay in the truck.

Well DH went to the garage but the builder didn’t need to follow him out as he was going to bring the sandpaper back in

I also don’t really want him and the dog in the living room and dining room as I want some space

He’s been here five weeks and due to be done soon so it’s a bit late to tell him the dog is not allowed now

If your DH wants to use the door then he should either make sure he’s clean before he comes in e.g. shoes off outside or he needs to be the one to clean up any mess.

If the builder needs to frequently go back and forth I’d put down dust sheets for them to walk on. If it’s just occasional like popping out to his van then I’d ask him to go round.

No need for builder to have his dog on the job, this is an entitled liberty, so is trudging over your private living space and carpets.

The thing is the van is at the front so the only reason he goes round the back is for smoking breaks I. Which case he can walk around IMO

Thanks for the replies