Do you find having people working on your home really stressful?

[Absentmindedwoman]

I'm really worn out by this. Landlord organising so he is liaising with the plumbers and electricians etc and we want to be agreeable and just get the work done, but it's taking fucking forever.

We're replacing a gas powered washing machine and dryer with electric and honestly can't believe how many visits it is taking. We're on the sixth visit. Loads of errors and not having right equipment for first few after taking measurements etc. On Saturday there was a mix up and we were told they would start at 9am when it had been arranged for 10am and they arrived at 10.30am. Were here until half past three in the afternoon. Could not use the bathroom during that time.

Now today they were scheduled to arrive at 9am and I've just asked and they think they will be done by two.

I'm chronically ill and think my overall low energy levels have something to do with how difficult I'm finding this. I just can't believe how long it is all taking - when I had a washing machine replaced in London, people came and whipped out the old one and plumbed the new one in in about an hour!

Would you feel stressed by this kind of thing?

Not in the slightest, I enjoy it but my husband finds it really stressful. The next time we get anything done I'm going to move him into a travelodge, it'll be much easier all round! 🙃

I hope you're work doesn't take too long 💐

I hate it. Last week we had a boiler service. An hour later - no boiler function. It took 3 days to get an "emergency" appointment to fix it.

Yes, it's awkward when they are there for so long. I find I can't settle to anything. I once had to book a day off work to have a gas fire installed only for the fitters to be saying, 'oh, it must be nice not to have to work'. I was young and shy back then, I should have pointed out that I could only afford British Gas prices because I did work! Hopefully they will crack on and get out of your hair.

OH YES!

I loath it too, but it's a necessary evil sometimes
My friends husband can do everything himself ( all kinds of diy , new windows, boilers everything) , I envy her so much !

It doesn't really bother me, I offer them a cup of tea when they arrive and tell them to give me a shout if they need anything. I pretty much ignore them after that. Definitely no small talk.

Not being able to use the bathroom would be really annoying though.

Glad it's not only me!

I think a big part of it is I can't go anywhere else in the (tiny) flat to get away from all the noise and activity.

They are working in the kitchen/ living area and the bathroom. Unfortunately the bathroom is accessed through our bedroom, so I can't just kind of discreetly hole myself up in there. So I'm just sitting on the sofa as they're getting on with things.

I really don’t like it. It really makes me anxious and I find it exhausting. We had builders in for two weeks not long ago. I really struggle not feeling comfortable in my own home

The layout and size of the flat too is so small that we've had to shuffle stuff around and I can't really access the kitchen to make them a pot of coffee - much less make any lunch for us!

I'm starting a kitchen refit in the next couple of weeks and I'm dreading it. I know the builders doing it but I just really hate having people in the house virtually all day. The cat will go mental as he hates men and loud voices and builders are usually very loud.

I think it stems from doing up a house once before and for about 2 years I had workmen in on weekends and my days off. I worked shifts at the time and it was really hard going.

The bathroom will be the next big job but I think I will swerve that for another 5 years.

I absolutely hate it. So I'm keeping my 25 year old kitchen. DH wants it done but I can't face it. Last time we did a kitchen (our previous house), the builders ripped out the old one and there was literally nothing but a rubble heap. Then it was the weekend. The following Monday, there was apparently a weeks delay before anyone could do anything more. WTF! "Reputable" national company. I now only use word of mouth local recommendations if I really have to get stuff done - but I'd prefer to keep the old stuff as long as it's not too shit.

I don’t know why, but when we’ve got people in doing something, I just can’t carry on my normal day-to-day routine. I always end up skulking in the living room/kitchen/bedroom - wherever they aren’t, pretending to be busy with something, while I’m actually on my phone (probably MN). Can’t concentrate or settle to doing anything constructive. I also offer lots of drinks, as it gives me something to do!

I really hate it. Had builders in on and off for about 8 weeks when we had the loft converted last year. I was kind of okay at the time, in a grit your teeth kind of way. Afterwards, I was burnt out and had some sort of stress reaction! Which sounds very dramatic but it went on for a bit TOO long and my nerves just couldn't take it! I don't mind the odd day but people constantly traipsing in and out your house every day for weeks....never again.

And yes, this too. Feel weirdly self conscious! Had to get over it a bit during the 8 week dark period though 😆

Yeah I can't concentrate. It feels like I'm in a public place, I just can't relax.

I also feel oddly guilty like I should be leaping up offering to help, even though I have no clue about the work they are doing and have very little energy today and I'm not obliged to help But it's making me tense all the same!

Normally I offer tea and coffee but I can't really get to it. Which is further stressing me out.

When I can’t easily get to the kitchen to make drinks I made a little builders station with cups , sugar, tea etc and biscuits/ flapjack or whatever. Just make sure there was plenty there in the morning and remind them to help themselves and leave it at that.

Yes, I find it really stressful if anyone has to come round to work on the house. I can't relax at all 😬

My kitchen is about 30+ years old but the freestanding cooker has almost had it and I want a decent kitchen and a lovely new built In oven.

I'm tempted to cancel the whole thing though and just buy a better cooker.

Keep telling myself it wont be that bad ...🙄

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels odd when the builders are doing anything in the house.
We had one round once who was lovely, but he did not stop talking ! Unusual for a man , I know ! It set dh's teeth on edge as he isn't a talker and kept telling me to stop talking to him ( I wasn't !)
It is awkward.

I worry beforehand, but once it gets started, I don't mind it too much. I hope they will be finished soon.

I've got workmen of various kinds coming in for three weeks in June to combine the bathroom/toilet and refurbish the lot.
I've put it off as long as possible but it has to be done before the toilet cisten finally fails. Three weeks, oh God!