Builder wanting to come back to work

[YeahWhatevver]

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.

Cousin is a builder, but his job (on a private home) had to stop a month ago as he could no longer get supplies. Apparently many are made in Europe/China and with many factories closed, and hardware suppliers closed, he had to stop.

I'd let him work, but I wonder where he is getting his supplies from? Maybe they are already onsite or stored?

I work in construction and it’s perfectly fine for him to carry on as he won’t be in contact with you.
If you don’t let him continue then you are stopping the work if he has a contract saying so he can charge you.
If you still decide not to go ahead you may have to prepare yourself that he may not be able to finish the job as he will have other work lined up in June and July.

it is his lively hood

You should probably make sure he wears his calm hood though, just for safety.

@jasonpollack

The other advantage is that the front grass that's currently dying beneath pallets of bricks and roof tiles may yet survive!

Thanks everyone

The Construction Industry Council issued new guidelines today for working on building sites, including travel from and to sites.

cic.org.uk/admin/resources/site-operating-procedures-version-3.pdf

Our construction work is continuing. The builders can drive to site and do social distancing. Some suppliers took a break to figure out how to make the business work while sticking to guidelines but they are opening up again now they have sorted it. Our builders realised what was happening and got supplies in early so they are sorted for the next month at least. We wondered whether they would shut sites like they have done in Italy and Spain but given latest hospitalisation figures, I think that is looking unlikely now.

sorry to go ot but i dont get the moving home part-do they mean selling or renting or just moving in with someone?

To reassure you we are having the same work done and said to our builder if he wants to continue do, if not don't. We let him choose. He is working outside on the roof and not knocked through so he's continued as planned. I've no ideas why you wouldnt allow him to do that it's perfectly safe.

My ex is a builder and is working as normal but with social distancing in place. He needs to be a bit more organised as lots of suppliers are closed or on reduced hours but he’s managing ok so far. He will carry on work for as long as he feels safe and people feel safe to have him I suppose.

Suppliers round us are opening up again now.

If it's not putting you at risk why would you not let him continue. Your job gets done more quickly.

Should there be a legal issue (which there won't) it will be on him not you

Our building work is continuing with sensible precautions in place. It helped that half the workforce got the last flights home to Eastern Europe leaving the remainder able to distance appropriately. We need our builder to stay solvent. He and his workers need to be paid. I need a kitchen. It's all ok.

I think you’re being unreasonable. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be working in this instance. I think this is an example of why the chancellor is so concerned for the economy!

Let him come back to work .

YABU!

Let the poor man work ffs

Yes just let him get on. It will be so so delayed otherwise. I've had tree surgeons in this week and outside painters on scaffolding

DH manages builders who are still working. Think about where your builder will go to the bathroom and wash his hands - these are increasingly important right now. Handwashing facilities in particular are vital.

Also think about how you will check the work that's being done. You'll be on site, so periodically you should be able to check his work while remaining 6 feet apart - all possible, just think about how to do it.

I live between four houses with major renovations and all have continued during lock down. The lock down rules include people being allowed to travel if they need to for work - he is trying to earn a living to support himself and a family I guess. Since there will be no contact - are you worried about the noise etc or lack of privacy since you are going to be home 24/7 now?

YABU, ALL work (unless in an industry that isn't allowed to operate - shops, pubs etc) is to continue, and where possible to be done from home, where that isn't possible it needs to be done in the workplace whilst maintaining social distancing.

The essential idea of work gets confused because only designated essential key workers qualify to send their children to school. You can be non essential and continue to work if you can't do it from home, and you don't require childcare.

There is

There are no "guidelines on essential work only."

Current Government advice is

• Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
• If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
• Wash your hands as soon as you get

The advice does not include the qualification that “work” needs to be “essential”.

In addition yesterday the government published a letter specifically to the construction industry.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877074/secretary-of-state-letter-construction-industry.pdf

Genuinely can't see why he can't work? You will hardly see him. What's the issue?

I think in the circumstances it will be ok as he is working outside and away from you. We have figured out that our builder could return if he uses the front door and we don’t and then we sanitise everything from hall to bathroom. I don’t want him to come yet but we were figuring it out if he did want to return. He was half way through. He removed all the tiles bar the ones behind the actual shower unit, the plumber then removed the shower unit. That is the stage we are at. It is our only bathroom. We have an outside loo as well. Bathing is fun. We have a washing up size basin on the shower tray and a jug! We are on week 5 now. Good luck with your extension.

This is why the country going fucking crash. He won't even be near you yet you won't allow the poor man to work. Psssh.