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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To get my driveway and garden done this week?

19 replies

BrokenBrit · 22/03/2020 15:20

Having my driveway done as it’s old and rickety and becoming a trip hazard and a new fence as the old one has loose panels.

Work men won’t be coming in and we are key workers so are out of the house as normal so won’t see them.

AIBU to have garden work done this week in the current climate?

OP posts:
NoMorePoliticsPlease · 22/03/2020 15:24

There are things to balance, first safety, they are outside and you are at work. Second the cash flow of the firm. Both are reasonable reasons to be ok. I probably wouldnt want them using the house. Whether they want to work considering the 2 m social distancing? Their choice but I wouldnt. do the workers decide or the boss?

isseywith4vampirecats · 22/03/2020 15:25

my son has done some outside work for me this weekend as the weather was dry

CallMeRachel · 22/03/2020 15:26

It's their risk to assess, not yours as you aren't even going to be there.

You would be unreasonable however to cancel the work now at such short notice. They will have already ordered the materials.

annamie · 22/03/2020 15:27

Make sure you don’t give them all the money at once. Do you have a contact? Pay in instalments. Make sure last instalment isn’t too small.

Ariela · 22/03/2020 15:31

Perfectly reasonable:
a)you had planned and need the work done for your own safety.
b) you will not see the workers
c) it is their choice to continue or not & they are outside
d) the cash flow will help them

Seeitsortit · 22/03/2020 15:45

I’ve planned to have my back door mended - currently can’t lock it easily. I’m going to alcohol clean the key, pop it in the door on the outside and stay out of the kitchen whilst it’s fixed then give the worktops another clean down after he’s done, do a bank transfer for the money. Minimal risk to all of us and he can keep going in these hard times. I also need some guttering sorted around the back, and have someone who’s happy to look at it - don’t need to see him and another bank transfer.

timeforawine · 22/03/2020 15:51

I would, you won't be in and even if you were they are all working outside, it's their call how they handle distancing, when we hand our drive done none of them stood around taking for long, each guy had a separate job to be doing

BanKittenHeels · 22/03/2020 15:52

We are having some repointing done and our front door measured for replacement. Neither worker will be entering our house. Already discussed and agreed.

Chillicheese123 · 22/03/2020 15:53

It’s fine you won’t even go into contact with anyone

Apolloanddaphne · 22/03/2020 15:56

My DM is having some outside things done this week. She plans to let the guys come and crack in but she won't be going out to chat and give them tea. This will be a blessing because once she starts talking she doesn't stop!

Itwasntme1 · 22/03/2020 16:06

This is fine. My brother is a builder and is working away on a roof. He and his employees are taking precautions, the was their hands regularly and only access the roof from the outside. They do not go into the house.

Original poster
BrokenBrit · 22/03/2020 16:09

Thanks for reassuring me. I can think rationally at the moment!

OP posts:
Mummyoflittledragon · 22/03/2020 16:31

My friend is nearly at the end of a build. Her kitchen isn’t complete and she obviously wants it finished ASAP... Trades people may have to stop at some stage, but atm they will continue. Not much risk with outside work though.

cactus2020 · 22/03/2020 16:53

Handyman did various jobs this weekend. He was glad of the work and I kept my distance but think the risk minimal.

foxy86 · 22/03/2020 17:28

I’m hopefully having the windows on my house replaced. If that is done we can then crack on with decorating while in isolation.

rslsys · 22/03/2020 19:32

We're having hall & landing flooring laid on Monday week. We're going to move into the caravan (parked by the back door) for a few days to give the fitters free reign.

Cezzy · 22/03/2020 20:56

If the contractors are happy to work and as you say there is no need for close contact let them. We are self employed and no work, no money. I know measures are in place but it will take time to come through. We had our garden done. I left cups of tea (in cleaned cups) on the porch for them. So long as they can be safe I think it’s ok. We are still working but if any staff feel vulnerable we will understand if they self isolate but we do not have a lot of staff or close contact so will continue as long as we can to provide services our clients want so long as we are able, but we have space to practise social distancing.

Seeitsortit · 23/03/2020 09:05

I’ve messaged the bloke coming and explained the measures I’ve put in place and he’s more than happy. I think as long as you are not in contact and reducing all risks as much as possible (same day bank transfer for payment, sanitising the work area, leaving them in isolation) then if outside then it will be just like being in their own back garden

Hoppymclimpy · 23/03/2020 09:13

We are having a log cabin installed this Thursday and Friday. I've spoken to the company and they are happy to continue as they are working outside. I'll provide tea in designated cups which I'll leave for them at a distance. I'll bleach and wash the bugs up afterwards. They are working outside and as it's a small company I'd like to keep them going during these unknown times x

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