Tradesman always complaining.

[EddyF]

I have used the same guy for all decorative/fixture work for my home for a number of years. I use him because his work is decent (only had one problem with him); he is reliable and his prices are fair (although I always give him more at the end of the job as I think he’s cheaper than the open market).

What I can’t stand is his constant complaining. As soon as he’s in the door, he looks for problems with the task. “Oh no…you need a hammer. Come here, I will show you. You see this thing? Bend down to see it… well whoever did it previously did a bad job”.

Then he sighs. Mutters. Scratches his ear. Looks around the job. Finds something else that is not ‘simple’.

Normally I can humour him (just want the job done!) but today I’m finding it hard with him. I’m WFH upstairs and the constant sighs that I can hear and calls for random tools (do you have a hand Saw🤨) are really annoying me. This is not a free job and I’ve agreed to your quote so why the attitude? It’s so jarring. He nearly sent me to the shop to get something that was already in the package for the product. I feel tense when I’m easy going lol.

I have another person but he’s not as good in his work as this guy. The other guy never complains and just finds solutions as it’s part the job?

I just really hate it. Any job before he’s even started there is a problem. Problem with the foundation of the walls. Problem with the tap. Problem with washing machine connections.

Why are you providing tools for him? He should have his own.

Sounds like you need someone better.

"I use him because his work is decent (only had one problem with him); he is reliable and his prices are fair (although I always give him more at the end of the job as I think he’s cheaper than the open market)."

You honestly don't know how lucky you are.

If you don't want to use him, maybe take your chances with someone else and see how you get on ?

Any decent tradesman will have his own tools.
And I have never had to go and buy materials - the tradesman always goes and gets anything he needs.
However the sharp intake of breath, slow whistle, scratching of head, shaking of head, and the 'I've never seen that before' type comments are taught as part of their apprenticeship training.

Stop using him then

[massive generalisation] tradesmen are never happier than when criticising the work of other tradesmen!

I'd just warn him I'll be on calls all morning so won't be able to help/respond unless in a genuine emergency. Then plug some headphones in and leave him to it.

I would find that exhausting. You don’t have to choose between only these two people, look elsewhere.

Thanks everyone. I love doing up my home so having this guy is really helpful. I have tried other tradespeople in the past (London) and I’ve had issues with poor workmanship. This guy is trustworthy (can leave him at home); he is fair in pricing; helpful with recommendations and I’ve known him for years (all the family use him). It’s the moaning and look of hardship/sorrow he has doing these jobs! I know I’m lucky but it’s not the thing I needed on a Monday morning!

He always manages to ‘fix’ whatever he’s complaining about. I’m just unsure why he needs to tell me step by step processes. It’s damn annoying and puts me off wanting work done.

STBExH is one of these Tradesmen. Clearly there's far more to why we've separated than that, but living with it is exhausting 🤣🤦‍♀️

Well you'll just have to say 'here is the tool box in case you need anything (though every tradesman I know bring their own) snd I've got back to back team meetings all day so I'll leave you to it'! And repeat in a similar vein every time.

“Trevor, you always moan when I get you in to do something for me. Pack it in, yeah? Or I’ll find someone else.”

Why would a tradie not bring their own tools?

Every tradesperson I know / have met or used is incredibly possessive of and territorial about their tools and has generally invested a lot of time and money into building up their kit: they are quite literally their livelihood.

I think you need to find somebody else.

Just go out and leave him to it. Or shut yourself in your office/bedroom and ignore him. You don't need to humour him.

I mean, having done a considerable amount of DIY, I can agree that there's almost always a problem with the task at hand and it's usually more effort than you'd anticipated. Although I do it myself to avoid having to have people like him in my house 😅 bit weird being a handyman (presume that's what he is) and not bringing basic tools for the job you've agreed to do!