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Original poster

I have a man painting the outside of my house...

42 replies

SoupDragon · 31/08/2006 10:43

... how often should I offer him drinks?

I hate having workmen about.

OP posts:
MissyCocker · 31/08/2006 10:44

best to just go out and leave him the kettle

I have a plasterer in the kitchen. I hate it too.

VeniVidiVickiQV · 31/08/2006 10:44

Once every 3 hours. Ask for your cup back so you can make him another, else you'll be mug hunting for days

expatinscotland · 31/08/2006 10:48

Never.

Put kettle and such out for them.

I don't get it - you're PAYING someone for their service, and you're expected to be their skivvy as well?

No.

MrsBadger · 31/08/2006 10:50

twice a day, at 10 or 11am and at 3 or 4pm

personally I'd rather make the tea than have strange men ferreting about in my cupboards looking for teabags.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/08/2006 11:23

I was thinking of twice a day and tomorrow if it's sunny I'm abandoning ship and leaving him the key!

It's not being a skivvy, Expat, it's being polite. IMO.

OP posts:
oliveoil · 31/08/2006 11:26

Twice a day at least.

I also offered a sandwich if I was making lunch which usually gets turned down as they have a parcel that wifey has made already.

I think it is very rude not to offer drinks!

Joolstoo · 31/08/2006 11:28

I've got a man painting the inside of my house - he has a drink when he arrives and one at lunchtime. I've offered more but he always says 'no'.

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/08/2006 11:28

I wouldn't go so far as to offer lunch Or biscuits on this occasion because I forgot to buy any yesterday...

OP posts:
Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/08/2006 11:29

Should I hand him a card with the mumsnet address on it? He has a 6 week old baby daughter

OP posts:
southeastastra · 31/08/2006 11:30

he might think you're trying to recruit him for some weird cult thing!

oliveoil · 31/08/2006 11:31

does he look knackered???????

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/08/2006 11:38

He looks surprisingly well - although he did start work at 8am this morning :-D

He probaby would think me a loon if I haneded him a card and muttered "SoupDragon says come to Mumsnet".

OP posts:
Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/08/2006 11:39

And this is a weird cult thing isn't it?

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 31/08/2006 11:40

Well, I'll never own property in this country, and one advantage is never having to worry about workmen.

Pamina3 · 31/08/2006 11:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Gingerbear · 31/08/2006 11:41

My brother is a builder. He appreciates a cuppa first thing if he has an early start, usually has a flask with him and sarnies at lunchtime. Then he works through non stop until 6 - no breaks, and always refuses further cuppas (he hates using other folks toilets!)
In fact, he once did some work for me and never used the loo all day!

HappyDaddy · 31/08/2006 11:45

Blimey, we always offer our builder a drink whenever I'm having one (which is a lot). Usually offer or cook him some lunch, DW made him a crumble once too. He's a really nice bloke and a brilliant non-rip off builder.

Gobbledigook · 31/08/2006 11:58

Oh God, I hate having workmen about too - I can't relax at all. Hate having to offer brews all the time but I do do it.

Having a porch put on in a couple of weeks so I'll be brewing up again...

southeastastra · 31/08/2006 11:59

i like to lurk around builders you can pick up tips for yourself. and we always seem to get workmen that waffle on.

Pamina3 · 31/08/2006 12:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Blandmum · 31/08/2006 12:00

SD I keep reading the tread title as 'A man panting outside my house' LOL

Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/08/2006 12:03

Luckily his wife is breastfeeding so hopefully he'll understand if I'm flaunting my norks in the living room

FIVE cups of tea?? Eeek! He has a large bottle of water, that'll keep him going.

All I need to do now is find the key to the window locks...

OP posts:
Original poster
SoupDragon · 31/08/2006 12:03

No panting. Unfortunately.

OP posts:
Pamina3 · 31/08/2006 12:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AnelaSunshine · 31/08/2006 12:18

Joolstoo and Soupdragon- are you in London? I desperately need a painter!
Can either of you recommend your workmen on anything other than the quantity of tea consumed?
TIA
Anela