AIBU to think we surely can't get a patio put in right now?

[Polomints]

We had a quote for a patio a few weeks ago (before lockdown) for our garden that is fully pawned with no place for a seating area. The guy messaged me earlier in the week to say they now have availability next week if we want it done.

Now, I would love a space to sit and relax in as I think we'll be spending a lot of time in the garden this summer, but I just feel it's inappropriate at the moment. DH thinks I'm being ridiculous. He says there are no restrictions on tradespeople so it's fine as long as we say they can't come in the house, but I think this is basically just a large non-essential purchase. Who is BU?

Lawned not pawned

If they are working outside at a distance from you - no problem.

It’s a benefit to you and work for a small business. No risk. Win win

Worryingly my autocorrect tried to make that wine, wine

Are non essential purchases banned now?

I don't see the issue as long as they're not expecting to come in and use your toilet our fence is meant to have been replaced this week, the only reason they didn't come is the fencing yard was closed.

I would say go for it. They're not in the house so they are distanced, they are a small company so could definitely do with the work and money right now!!!
Only difficult thing is you can't do the polite thing and ask if they want a cuppa, unless you shout from an upstairs window and then somehow get it to them without making contact.

Our next door neighbour is currently having the entire house renovated - new kitchen, bathrooms, windows, the lot. None of the guys are observing distancing. And both of them work in the NHS 🤷‍♀️

I thought this was going to be about hiding the evidence of lockdown-induced spouse murder!

Wow, I was expecting to be told no way. Honestly, I was worried about what the neighbours would think if they saw loads of workmen. Maybe I'll just go for it then!

I don't know... it's a bit "non essential" at the moment?

Totally fine. Outside workers who can observe social distancing are acceptable. Keeps money going to small businesses who would otherwise struggle, and gives you a better garden to enjoy over the next few months.

It’s not non essential for the builder and there’s no risk as it’s outside and no contact

Lakie me too!

OP, go for it - at least if DH becomes a complete pita during lockdown you'll have somewhere to hide the evidence

Don't be so silly - it's not non-essential. By that reckoning anything you do bar sleeping and eating is non-essential. People's lives still go on.

Thanks everyone, I'm actually glad to be told I'm being ott here.

Also, laughing at the suggestions about hiding DH's body. We haven't got to that point just yet.

I think it's a good idea to have it done now. You'll get lots of use out of it and they need the income. You could throw an extension cable out the window (weather permitting) so they can boil their own kettle for hot drinks.

In the guidance it says, that outside work is fine. It's indoor that is essential work only.

I am gonna put my husband under a patio at this rate so i would love someone to come in and do the digging for me

Don't workmen tend to need the toilet?

Yes, but it’s ok if you provide a Milton filled penis beaker

@MitziK a lot of workmen do jobs when the owners aren't home. So what do they do for the toilet then?

@LakieLady
Don’t give me ideas 🙂

I think it is a good thing. Clearly builders can't do inside work where the homeowners are living in the property as that would breach the lockdown. But outside work is totally different and my interpretation of the rules is that it is allowed. It's actually good for the economy too so should be encouraged where safe.

A couple of builders knocked on our door today to ask if they could take the offcut slabs in our alleyway to finish laying a patio...I think you're fine OP (unless those are your builders as the slabs are well past their best )