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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Builders just showed up Xmas bank holiday to start decorating with no notice !

20 replies

Deadcatbounce · 27/12/2022 11:06

Hi All

I'm having some building work done, it's been very delayed so a few months ago I gave builders until the end of the year to finish or I would get someone else to finish job

They have just pitched up with no notice to start work today, it's a Xmas bank holiday! I'm not there but have had 3 calls and 2 emails saying they can't get in!

Haven't replied yet as completely taken aback, work is finishing painting and.plastering etc

AIBU to say WTF

OP posts:
Caspianberg · 27/12/2022 11:11

I would say that’s normal and fine.
Its the 27th, a normal working day for most. It’s only bank holiday as this year was double due to when Christmas falls. Self employed painters won’t get paid though for these double days, so back at work

I have just came back from town dropping friend at appointment, everywhere is open as usual, including the ear specialist she went to ( ie booked appointment ages ago, not emergency)

Dailymash · 27/12/2022 11:13

How much work is there to do? Is it realistic to get it finished before the end of the year (Saturday) if they don’t work today? Why is it an issue that they’re willing to work a bank holiday?

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 27/12/2022 11:13

Tomorrow is a normal working day.

Today is a substitute bank holiday.

I wouldn't have expected them either!

Womencanlift · 27/12/2022 11:14

You wanted it done before the end of the year, they are working to get it done before then

Yes they probably should have confirmed with you but for a lot of people today is a normal working day and will be especially for those that are self employed

AnotherAppleThief · 27/12/2022 11:14

Presumably the actual issue is that they didn't let you know they were coming? If they had I'm sure it would have been fine.

ColdHandsHotHead · 27/12/2022 11:15

I would actually have checked with them which days they planned to work. Builders are a law unto themselves.

Plumbear2 · 27/12/2022 11:15

It's a bank holiday, they shouldn't have turned up. There's no post, no banks are open. Some shops will be open but that's usually the case.

Follycastle · 27/12/2022 11:15

AnotherAppleThief · 27/12/2022 11:14

Presumably the actual issue is that they didn't let you know they were coming? If they had I'm sure it would have been fine.

This. It’s the lack of advance warning rather than the date itself that is the problem.

luxxlisbon · 27/12/2022 11:15

If you want it done by the end of the year but don’t want them to do it on the 27th how are they supposed to finish? It’s normal for builders to work on bank holidays.

AkoraEdelherb · 27/12/2022 11:15

I would have checked with them pre-Christmas exactly which dates they were intending to work.

I’m working as usual today, no bank holiday for me as I’m self-employed.

NoSquirrels · 27/12/2022 11:16

I gave builders until the end of the year to finish or I would get someone else to finish job

Given that it’s pretty close to the end of the year and they’re not finished, then it’s not that surprising they’re wanting to work, although trying to do so without notice on a bank holiday is annoying.

Did you check their plans for getting it sorted by the end of the week? Were you expecting them tomorrow?

It’s really just a miscommunication and as you want it done, I’d get over there with keys (expressing my surprise politely!) and let them in.

Original poster
Deadcatbounce · 27/12/2022 11:18

They emailed on boxing day to say they couldn't get parts to finish by NYE so inagreed to extend completion date to mid Feb , they signed off speak after Xmas and NY

They have had a 6 month delay as started another job and didn't have enough staff to.finish mine which should have been finished Dec 2021

Issue is that I have family staying over Xmas, and can't clear the bedrooms for painting and.plastering while they are here !

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 27/12/2022 11:18

If you don’t give them a call back ASAP they’ll bugger off and when you complain they’re not finished by the end of the year they’ll blame you.

Call them now!

NoSquirrels · 27/12/2022 11:19

Deadcatbounce · 27/12/2022 11:18

They emailed on boxing day to say they couldn't get parts to finish by NYE so inagreed to extend completion date to mid Feb , they signed off speak after Xmas and NY

They have had a 6 month delay as started another job and didn't have enough staff to.finish mine which should have been finished Dec 2021

Issue is that I have family staying over Xmas, and can't clear the bedrooms for painting and.plastering while they are here !

Oh well, if you’ve already agreed all that then just refer them back to it and say they can’t get access today.

AkoraEdelherb · 27/12/2022 11:21

So you’ve been undergoing house renovations for over a year now?

Unless you live in a 14-bedroom mansion and these are the Royal Family’s builders doing your house for free, I’d fire them today. Find someone more competent and who doesn’t overbook themselves with no available staff.

Original poster
Deadcatbounce · 27/12/2022 11:23

About 3 weeks work left!!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Deadcatbounce · 27/12/2022 11:26

So so tempting, but finding anyone else is a nightmare so for 3 weeks worth of work sticking with them !

OP posts:
Original poster
Deadcatbounce · 27/12/2022 11:39

Follycastle · 27/12/2022 11:15

This. It’s the lack of advance warning rather than the date itself that is the problem.

Show quote history

Yes, I have repeatedly said they need to give notice of when they are attending as they want pets confined etc and rooms cleared!

OP posts:
Lost123454 · 27/12/2022 11:52

They may well be self employed so they won't be getting paid for today unless they are working

If you aren't even living there and say you want the job finished why are you even bothered about this?

Original poster
Deadcatbounce · 27/12/2022 13:10

Fair point but they have had a year to finish job, I am living there and had popped out to buy fresh veg before cooking for 8!

OP posts:
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