Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Turning down tradesperson (Covid related)

2 replies

Cloudtraffic · 18/11/2020 01:17

We have been in a very fortunate position recently (probably not long-lived; so making most of it!) to have some expendable income to pay for some essential to be done around the house.

Think decorating, wallpapering (pre-lockdown) and some essential plumbing/roofing jobs etc...

We don't normally employ tradespeople (DH usually botches!) - but the two we have had so far have been wonderful and done really professional jobs.

They have worn masks, been mindful of distance and generally done their work professionally in difficult circumstances. We have been friendly, courteous and done everything we can to make them feel comfortable - tea breaks, sanitiser, own towels (if needed) etc..

So far so good - must be working as both are due to come back soon.

However, have had a visit from another tradesperson who has unsettled me - turned up with no mask (he is registered as are others; so not a "cowboy"). I was in two minds to let him in, but big house and ventilated - so thought (we're wearing masks so will be OK).

He did tour of house re jobs that need doing (about half an hour) and then left. Anyway he has come back with a reasonable quote for a tricky/essential job - we were happy with it. He gave us a quote (non-binding) and we said it sounds good - please send us more info re "product" and availability.

However I had "that feeling" and checked him out on social media - same picture as his profile for job - so know it's him. He is quite a prolific Covid conspiracist, anti-mask, anti-establishment, fake-newser etc...

I am no longer comfortable that he would/will take my family's health seriously. Equally I think his "worldview" is not mine - though in normal times this would not bother me (unless obviously extreme!)

So AIBU to say thanks but no thanks (would be comfortable explaining why if he asked - so not being evasive)?

OP posts:
ShirleyPhallus · 18/11/2020 01:21

I really don’t mean to be rude about this but how would this possibly make you unreasonable? If you aren’t happy or comfortable with someone in your home why would you invite them in to do work?

Just get someone else in. Can’t see anyone else would disagree.

Cloudtraffic · 18/11/2020 01:27

Thanks @ShirleyPhallus

I know what you are saying but I feel unreasonable and uncomfortable turning down someone who may need work and doesn't realise the impact their (private/social media) views (which they are obviously entitled to) have on others.

That said - not going there either - as views are opposite to mine (not something I would normally worry about if/when could employ someone to do work in my personal family space.

I wish it was that easy to get someone else in!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread