Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Builder wanting to come back to work

52 replies

YeahWhatevver · 16/04/2020 19:59

More of a WWYD. Got some fairly major building work getting done. Stopped 3 weeks ago on the lockdown, all secure and weatherproof enough for a 3/4 month pause. Builder left saying he'd be in touch about restarting when it was all back to normal.

He got in touch on Tuesday saying he's planning to come back out by himself to continue with the works (understandably wanting to progress the work and continue to get paid)

We've said given the lockdown and guidelines over essential work only we'd rather not, we're happy to wait until June/July but he's now come back saying that if we choose to delay the works then he's going to take that, as an instruction to stop work and he's going to need to charge us for a delay to the programme.

We don't want to fall out, he's so far been really good but I don't want to have him out here, even by himself but feel like he's got us over a barrel.

OP posts:
fallfallfall · 16/04/2020 20:04

if the work he is doing can be done without interfering with the family (say a second bathroom or back yard shed, work on the roof) along with wearing a mask i'd certainly consider it. you would have to take into consideration your family's vulnerability.
completing work started may be considered essential for his insurance or yours.

Isleepinahedgefund · 16/04/2020 20:04

What part of your house is being done?

Govt guidelines are that Construction can (and should) continue where social distancing can be maintained, both the govt and CLC have put out guidelines.

If he can do the work whilst maintaining social distancing then you should let it continue. If he can't then it's a different matter.

If he can safely work and you decide to send him offsite I think he is right, you are delaying the work and should pay.

BayandBlonde · 16/04/2020 20:13

He hasn't got you over a barrel, he can't use Covid as a reason to claim delay. Force Majeure will not allow it. An unavoidable event outside of your control and epidemic will be a prime example, it should free you both of you from any liability.

However, to maintain the relationship, I am assuming he is a considerable way into the build, can you not allow him to work alone to progress the works?

I would be inclined to let him get on with r and get as much done ASAP. You don't want to find he has gone bust with an incomplete build which you've then got to find another builder to take over which will be a ballache in itself.

Original poster
YeahWhatevver · 16/04/2020 20:13

It's an extension, currently outside and not "linked" to the house as the part of the back walk were knocking down hasnt been taken down yet.

He's looking to come out and continue with the brickwork and roof, we'd not be in touch in any way, he'd be outside, we'd be inside.

Just thought that acceptable work would be emergency stuff - leaks, electrics, gas faults or enough work to make it safe and durable for the lockdown (which it is)

OP posts:
BayandBlonde · 16/04/2020 20:15

To add, the government have issued a PPN20 which encourages client / employers (which you are) to continue paying their suppliers for construction work

Isleepinahedgefund · 16/04/2020 20:16

You won't be anywhere near him! Of course you should let him. What do you think the risk is?

Normal construction should continue if it can be done while maintaining social distancing. That's what govt have said.

oblada · 16/04/2020 20:17

There is no restriction on 'essential work' so as long as he can carry out the work safely with social distancing he is absolutely right and should continue. He needs to earn a living and the economy shouldn't grind to a halt. I'm glad some people are finally realising that some work can (safely) go on...

Noname99 · 16/04/2020 20:21

Dear god .....this is where all the insane lunacy has got us.
The govt advice is clear ..... work from home if you can BUT if you can’t and your wok is not in a business that it’s been forced to close (shop, restaurant) then go to work and but observe social distancing!
Of course let him work!

edwinbear · 16/04/2020 20:21

YABU, of course he can carry on. He’s not going to be in contact with you Hmm

Original poster
YeahWhatevver · 16/04/2020 20:21

But it's not essential. This is my point, the site is secure, the materials are safe and dry, the extension is watertight

It would involve him driving 45 mins each way.

I don't think there is a significant risk but arent there are guidelines about non essential travel and work?

Maybe I've been reading too much of the rabid curtain twitching brigade and have just assumed that this is a no-no.

OP posts:
Tara336 · 16/04/2020 20:23

If the builder can work safely and not come into contact with you then he should be able to continue, he’s being perfectly reasonable by asking and reasonable in explaining what is expected if he can’t.

HuntIdeas · 16/04/2020 20:25

You are allowed to travel to work

As long as he doesn’t need to come inside to use the bathroom etc, I don’t see why you wouldn’t let him come back by himself and I don’t blame him for charging you

Greendayz · 16/04/2020 20:25

Sounds fine for him to work. We've had someone replacing our fence this last couple of weeks and it's been fine. It might be reasonable to ask that he doesn't use your toilet though, if that's practical for him. Coronovirus is going to be around for many months - the government cannot afford to pay everyone to stay home for 18 months, so work like that should continue - someone's got to pay the taxes

SorrelBlackbeak · 16/04/2020 20:26

The restrictions aren't 'essential work' only - people who cannot work from home are allowed to go to work provided social distancing can be maintained.

Tara336 · 16/04/2020 20:26

We have had it clarified today by our governing body (who approached the government) within construction there is no definition between essential and non essential work (words to that effect) in other words as long as you can socially distance etc you can work

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/04/2020 20:26

It doesn't have to be essential. The govt have said "work from home where you can". He can't. So he can work outside the home.

The risk isn't even there, to you. He isn't He going to be anywhere near you.

Original poster
YeahWhatevver · 16/04/2020 20:27

www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/COVID-19/Documents/What-constitutes-a-reasonable-excuse.pdf

You're right, this was posted earlier and makes it a lot clearer.

Looks like we could complete all the external works and then stop before knocking through into the main part of the house.

Builder wanting to come back to work
OP posts:
Greendayz · 16/04/2020 20:28

I'm not sure where you got the idea that only "essential" work is allowed. That's not the case in the UK. All work is allowed if it cannot be done from home and isn't on a specific list of retail and leisure businesses that must close.

user1471430558 · 16/04/2020 20:28

YABU, the builder is permitted to travel for work and since he is won’t be in contact with you he should be allowed to continue.

Toppingpoint · 16/04/2020 20:29

I’d definitely let him continue if there will be no contact with your family. If he has purchased materials he might need to finish the job to pay for them.

edwinbear · 16/04/2020 20:29

He is allowed to travel to work, if that work is unable to be performed from home. Clearly he can’t work on your extension from home so it’s OK for him to travel to work.

Bringonspring · 16/04/2020 20:29

It is all getting super crazy. He can work safely. It is his lively hood

Original poster
YeahWhatevver · 16/04/2020 20:29

Note to self..... Stop reading the pious outrage of the nation's curtain twitchers.

OP posts:
Jaxhog · 16/04/2020 20:33

It may not be obviously 'essential' work, but it will be essential to his livelihood so I'd let him back for as long as you won't be interacting with him physically. As an example, I'm happy for my gardener to keep coming. He needs the income and (obviously) can't work from home.

StormCiara · 16/04/2020 20:33

Glad you got it sorted though! And look on the bright side-you’ll get the proper builder doing everything instead of whatever daft lad he lets loose on the ‘easy’ bits