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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not employ a tradesman who smokes

62 replies

Pob13 · 29/07/2022 11:53

We are trying to find a carpenter to do some work. First one came today to have a look, he seemed good but absolutely stank of smoke. He's been gone over an hour and I can still smell it. I just dont think I could have him in our house for several days.
So, would you be honest and give that as the reason or just say you are going with someone else?!

OP posts:
ShandaLear · 29/07/2022 11:56

If I was lucky enough to get a tradesman to actually show up these days I wouldn’t care if he mainlined heroin as long as he did a decent job. Smoking isn’t ideal, but if you lose him you’ll just have to find one somewhere else.

MrsDeaconClaybourne · 29/07/2022 11:56

Definitely wouldn't give it as a reason as it's not particularly useful feedback for him is it? I doubt it's suddenly going to make him give up if he's a heavy smoker.

If he was really good I'd just open a window and light a candle or spray some (MN hated) air freshener when he's gone!

GirlInACountrySong · 29/07/2022 11:57

He may have been working in someone's house and the smoke from them has clung to his clothing

Apart from that you are being ridiculous!

DenholmElliot1 · 29/07/2022 11:57

ShandaLear · 29/07/2022 11:56

If I was lucky enough to get a tradesman to actually show up these days I wouldn’t care if he mainlined heroin as long as he did a decent job. Smoking isn’t ideal, but if you lose him you’ll just have to find one somewhere else.

This 😂

GirlInACountrySong · 29/07/2022 11:58

I work with tradesmen

He's shrug it off and move on to next customer and have a good laugh about it with us all!!

Original poster
Pob13 · 29/07/2022 11:59

ShandaLear · 29/07/2022 11:56

If I was lucky enough to get a tradesman to actually show up these days I wouldn’t care if he mainlined heroin as long as he did a decent job. Smoking isn’t ideal, but if you lose him you’ll just have to find one somewhere else.

😂 that is a very good point!

OP posts:
GiveMyHeadPeaceffs · 29/07/2022 12:00

ShandaLear · 29/07/2022 11:56

If I was lucky enough to get a tradesman to actually show up these days I wouldn’t care if he mainlined heroin as long as he did a decent job. Smoking isn’t ideal, but if you lose him you’ll just have to find one somewhere else.

This absolutely 😂

10HailMarys · 29/07/2022 12:00

I wouldn't tell him that, no. You'll sound bonkers.

Fine to not want someone working in your house for whatever reason, and it's obviously something that really bothers you, but I strongly doubt he's a) going to stop smoking as a result of your feedback or b) actually losing any other work because of it, so he gains nothing from knowing why you decided to go with someone else.

fudfootedfannybangle · 29/07/2022 12:00

My motto is fags and weed, glue and speed, but I draws the line at crack. That way, everyone knows where they stand.

featheryfancy · 29/07/2022 12:02

@fudfootedfannybangle Grin

GirlInACountrySong · 29/07/2022 12:04

Well I'd not want someone in my home sawing wood and using power tools off their face in weed or glue

Smokers Are nothing in comparison

TheDogsMother · 29/07/2022 12:07

ShandaLear · 29/07/2022 11:56

If I was lucky enough to get a tradesman to actually show up these days I wouldn’t care if he mainlined heroin as long as he did a decent job. Smoking isn’t ideal, but if you lose him you’ll just have to find one somewhere else.

This 😂😂

Thepeopleversuswork · 29/07/2022 12:08

I couldn't care less really TBH as long as he got the job done. Not a smoker and don't love the smell but I'm not sufficiently neurotic about it that I wouldn't hire someone for being a smoker.

You would look really weird and controlling if you told him that tbh.

TheDogsMother · 29/07/2022 12:09

Send him and his fags here OP. I've been trying to get a carpenter for months

AbreathofFrenchair · 29/07/2022 12:10

ShandaLear · 29/07/2022 11:56

If I was lucky enough to get a tradesman to actually show up these days I wouldn’t care if he mainlined heroin as long as he did a decent job. Smoking isn’t ideal, but if you lose him you’ll just have to find one somewhere else.

This. With bells on!!

We had someone quote yesterday which we waited 12 months for them to come and quite and weve booked them to do the work. They are starting the work September 2023.

As long as they don't smoke indoors, I couldn't care less

Littleduck80 · 29/07/2022 12:10

I'm the trade and where we are, decent carpenters are like rocking horse shit. Well, ones who are actually available any time soon. So it depends how desperate you are but it's a bit of a wet reason to me and I suspect if you tell him, he will likely thank you secretly as he will think he's dodged a bullet.

Yabado · 29/07/2022 12:27

If I could get a carpenter I would buy him a 100 fags for being able to do the job 😂

gatehouseoffleet · 29/07/2022 12:32

As long as they don't try to smoke in my house it's fine. I often see them light up in their van when they are having a break. Not my business.

PeloAddict · 29/07/2022 12:34

ShandaLear · 29/07/2022 11:56

If I was lucky enough to get a tradesman to actually show up these days I wouldn’t care if he mainlined heroin as long as he did a decent job. Smoking isn’t ideal, but if you lose him you’ll just have to find one somewhere else.

That Grin
I've miraculously found a plumber who turns up within 24hrs and is reasonably priced and does a great job
I'm never letting him go

RockinHorseShit · 29/07/2022 12:40

You got a tradesman to show up & you're bitching that he smokes Confused I'm married to one & can't even get him to show up for work here.

So long as he's not smoking in your house, YABVU, buy some febreeze or burn a nice smelly candle & let him crack on

Mountainpika · 29/07/2022 12:44

No, wouldn't want someone who stank of cigarettes. Never had a cigarette in my life.

girlmom21 · 29/07/2022 12:46

I haven't experienced this tradesman shortage and I wouldn't want my house smelling of smoke - but he wouldn't be in the whole house and he wouldn't be chain smoking through the day. He'd probably just had a cigarette on his way to you.

SirenSays · 29/07/2022 12:47

What if the next one smokes?

Triffid1 · 29/07/2022 12:50

You can choose whatever reason you like not to use someone but I see no value or point in telling him why. If you find someone else who you like better (because he doesn't smoke) then crack on, hire him and let the smoker head off to another job.

Whatsthestoryboringglory · 29/07/2022 12:53

If I could get him to commit to turning up and doing a good job, I’d probably offer him a cigarette with his coffee and biscuits (and I don’t smoke).

I had a tiler once who was WEIRDLY keen on my cat, kept whtsapping me pictures of him during the day and telling me what he (the cat) was doing, but my bathroom looked amazing when he finished so I’d totally use him again. Maybe send the cat to MIL first for the day.

My point is, you can tolerate a lot to keep a good tradesman. My cat might disagree.