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Original poster

Non-essential workmen in house - yay or nay?

27 replies

Jellysplat · 30/10/2020 11:14

I’m hoping to get a small amount of totally non essential work done on my lounge. It would just give us more space and make it easier over winter. It would require a workman to be in our lounge for a few hours, we could leave him well alone and open the windows and then air the room out after for a while.
My partner thinks we shouldn’t but I’m not sure when will be a better time?! Would you do this right now?

OP posts:
pinkearedcow · 30/10/2020 11:16

If it's just for a few hours, I don't see the issue. Unless you are in Wales!

Fuun123 · 30/10/2020 11:17

I never understand why people post on Mumsnet about a decision you can only decide.

How can we tell when we don’t know what the work is, size of your lounge, layout of your house, where you are and what tier, what company you’re using etc. I know nobody would share that level of detail on here but that is the only want to decide something like this.

If you want the work done and think you can make it safe enough then do it. If you don’t think you can make it safe enough then don’t do it.

Changethetoner · 30/10/2020 11:18

Yes, if the tradesman can fit you in, go ahead.

ohthegoats · 30/10/2020 11:18

Hard to find anyone to do work around us!! Everyone trying to make their houses better now they are stuck in them.

We're about to start a non essential extension. These guys still need to work.

nancy75 · 30/10/2020 11:19

Yea just let him in & leave him to it.

TrivialSoul · 30/10/2020 11:20

If you can find someone to do it, distance from them when they are in the house, air the place thoroughly and use a dettil misting spray then I'd go for it. With the threat of another lock down always looming I'd be making any changes now that I could to make life more comfortable over winter.

FippertyGibbett · 30/10/2020 11:20

Yep. Go for it.
I’m having my boiler serviced next week so I don’t t see a problem.

BlanchflowerTulip · 30/10/2020 11:23

Personally, yes. Up to you though innit?

Ohchristmastreeohchristmastree · 30/10/2020 11:23

It’s work for the tradesman, so I would.
I just had about 6 weeks work done on my house!

Mumisnotmyonlyname · 30/10/2020 11:36

Yes but open a window.

IHTC · 30/10/2020 11:39

Go for it

Whatyoucanandcantdo · 30/10/2020 11:41

I never understand why people post on Mumsnet about a decision you can only decide.

That would render mnet fairly pointless then wouldn't it 🤦

Sleepforever · 30/10/2020 12:15

@pinkearedcow You can have work done in your house in Wales.

Non-essential workmen in house - yay or nay?
user1493413286 · 30/10/2020 12:18

Yes as long as you can leave them alone in the room then I would. I would expect them to wear a mask though.

Chickenfingers · 30/10/2020 12:25

Do it, why wait when it could be another year before this is all done. I've had workmen in and out not had any issues.

thinningtheherd · 30/10/2020 12:33

no chance. only if absolutely essential, but then I am vulnerable and in a Tier 3 area

MayFayre · 30/10/2020 12:52

Yes, if you’re happy and they’re happy.

I’d keep windows and doors open and stay out of their way.

bettybyebye · 30/10/2020 12:56

Yes absolutely, we started building an extension in September and it won’t be finished until December...who knows when all this will be over, if it will make your house work better for you you should go for it asap

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 30/10/2020 13:00

I would. I’m tier 3 and ultra cautious, but not especially at risk.

Be in a different room. Keep >2m away if you have to be in the same space, masks for all of you will pass closer. Wipe down surfaces each other has touched. Windows and door open as much as possible.

tapdancingmum · 30/10/2020 13:06

We've got a guy in fitting the floor as I speak. I'm still waiting for the plasterer to turn up. We waited till this week as it's half term and I'm off but I didn't think twice about it as we need the work done. All doors are open and we're out of the way.

RevolutionRadio · 30/10/2020 14:00

We had carpet fitters on to do the hall way and stairs, we just closed the door to the living area and didn't do out of it til they were done. We also left the landing and bathroom windows open.

cologne4711 · 30/10/2020 14:13

I've had a mix of essential and non-essential work done since the start of lockdown. If you need work doing, and you can find someone with capacity to do it get it done. Remember, they don't want to be ill either, so they won't intentionally put you or themselves at risk.

IrkedEssex · 30/10/2020 16:55

It's fine.

fussychica · 30/10/2020 17:05

We had a our central heating done in the summer plus some plastering. We just stayed outside or in the conservatory while they worked. It worked well and contact was minimal and distanced. Windows open and all surfaces and handles anti bac'd when they left. Harder now due to the weather but if it's just for a few hours, you aren't in a high risk group and you can stay out of the way, I would.

Tyzz · 30/10/2020 17:26

I've got work planned and I'm pretty cautious and high risk.
They will work in one room with windows wide open and masked. Afterwards I will not go in that room for a few hours and will wipe down.

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