To not employ a tradesman who smokes

[Pob13]

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?!

Nobody's asking her to go into their house smelling of her perfume so that's irrelevant

Some fantastic answers 😂! You are of course right that good tradespeople are hard to find.
And I dont know why I thought telling him might be a good idea. Why on earth would he give a fuck about my opinion 🤦‍♀️

My only stipulation would be that they do not smoke in my house. Otherwise, just get a good job done.

Missed the reference then?

I don't think you should tell him that's the reason if you do decide to not go with him because he'll be dining out on your unreasonableness for years to come. Having said that as long as he doesn't smoke in your house all is good. If you've seen he's done great work elsewhere then this would be a loss to you really. But of course it's your money thus your choice.

@girlmom21

well it is actually as it’s a thread about ‘smell’. What one person finds offensive someone else doesn’t or else no one would smoke would they.

I'm an ex-smoker AND someone who used to work in trades.

Firstly, I do actually sympathise with you - it was only after I stopped smoking I realised how bad it actually smells.

However, as someone who used to work in the trades I'm going to tell you much the same as everyone else has - if you think he's any good, take the quote and get the work done, because he won't be available for long. The construction skills shortage is a very real thing and it's only getting worse.

The best practical advice I can give you is that if you find the smell is lingering (and it does linger - it gets into all your soft furnishings) rent an ozone generator once the work is complete. They're the only things that will completely get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke.

Make sure you read the instructions though - it's potent stuff.

@WalkerGirl21 thank you, that is really helpful! It will be in my little boys room so I definitely dont want the smell sticking around.

I wouldn't care about him smelling of smoke - it's temporary.

However, what is he doing? Building something? Will he be bringing wood with him? If he smells that strongly I'd be concerned that he smokes around the materials - because if he builds wardrobes and the wood has been in a van he smokes in, it's going to absorb it and stink for ages.

Yes. Tell the tradesperson why they were not given the work. If they cannot respect you or your home then they don't deserve the work.
Had enough of tradespeople who do work then smoke while doing. It's disgusting, and blatant disrespect. They don't care they make you ill.

I wouldn’t choose him either but I wouldn’t be honest about the reason because I couldn’t be bothered with any aggro. I’d just say we went with someone else.

Wondered why this showed up again today, it was from 2022!!