No enjoying the builders in ..,

[Iamnotagoddess]

Hence my third post in two days.

Is it normal to come back when you have left the builders here to no milk, sugar and very low levels of tea and coffee? Yes

We've recently built an extension and builders were here for three+ months. They brought their own kettle, tea, coffee, milk etc. Washed up after themselves, were so lovely and polite. They'd even mop the the floor after themselves I'd it was mucky.

I am told this is the exception to the rule though.

Am I the only person who keeps certain mugs for workmens’ use? I have my mugs I use for everyday and a supply of ones in the cupboard for anyone else. They are not substandard in any way just not my favourite ones.

I would always provide coffee and builders tea (I drink what they would term as ponder tea), milk and sugar. Depending on what biscuits are on offer they get those as well.

The one who banged on my window some years ago and made tea making signals got short shrift from me. Apparently he had a hangover according to his mate.

Poncey not Ponder

I've never had them provide their own tea and coffee, but the twice weve had lengthy work done the company have always installed a porta loo for the men in the garden. I thought this was now a legal requirement?

The first time I wasn't aware and when the company pulled up, I said oh no, I didn't order a porta loo, maybe it's for next door. The guy promptly came back and said no it's for you, your neighbour says you're the one having building work done 😂

I have had them ask for tea and coffees but it's usually in a jokey way so for example I ask them to do something a bit extra and they say ok, if you get thr kettle on. Seems fair to me.

I always offer a drink to start with, then tell them to help themselves. Most of the time they have their own kettle etc if its a long job, but will ask for sugar, tea if they've run out. Thought it was standard?

Saying you don't get beverages at your work is irrelevant really, because some people do. Depends if the person employing you is a tight arse

I would always offer tea/coffee/biscuits. At least a couple of drinks a day isn’t unreasonable.

In the 90’s though, some workmen stole a limited edition mug from our house. We were pretty gutted about that but learnt a lesson.

I don begrudge anyone I just was pissed off already and came home to no milk or sugar.

I hadn’t really thought about it tbh as I have been there before or they have brought their own stuff.

I'd be embarrassed not to have either offered tea at regular intervals, or if I were out, a tray with all the requisites. It's part of the homeowner's hospitality remit in my view, & really the least you can offer if you want cordial relations.

All these posters buying cheapo biscuits for builders - why? Who wants to munch own brand digestives all day? Just shell out an extra 50p and buy decent biscuits.

@escapade1234
Exactly

Previous poster seems proud she always gives tea etc but clarifies “Asda own brand”

I brought really nice biscuits and coffee etc. My builders were always so grateful (and did a bloody good job!)

I’d have been annoyed too OP. I wouldn’t have minded them helping themselves but I would be annoyed that they used all the milk.

the work looks good though.

TBH that’s the most important thing. Everything else is just niggles.