if you had an mid terrace extension built, did you let builders use your loo?!

[lelf79]

We are in the process of getting quotes in for a mid terrace single storey extension. I want to ask builders to get their own portaloo so they dont trash our hallway/loo for however long it may be. I'm pregnant and constantly needing to go, (sorry TMI) DD is just starting to toilet train too so dont want to add to the stress with more "accidents" if its not necessary. OH thinks i'm bonkers for even thinking about it but he's not the one who's going to be around sharing
What's the "done" thing? what did you do?

Would def prefer them to have a portaloo - would depend on cost though, theres a point where I'd give up. Assume you can get one into the back garden?

The 'done' thing is to let them use your loo.
If you want them to use a portal then you pay for it.

Our builders quoted us nearly £500 for the portaloo so I'm letting them use ours. They've barely used it to be honest, I think they're going down to the bottom of the garden.

Of course I would let them use it.

Portaloo but it would expect to foot the bill. Not out of a squeamishness re 'trades' using my facilities or whatever, internal building/improve by works would be fine to use the loo but extension building is a messy business (muddy footings etc) and I'd be keen to keep as much of that out of the rest of the house as far as possible. There's enough to contend with with dust and whatever.

The done thing would be to let them use yours, but they will probably get one if you ask them to, but it will be expensive. Up to you really.

Builders I know well (good, tidy ones who would treat your toilet well!) have told me the following.

They're not insulted if you get a portaloo, they understand the whole traipsing in and out thing, and your privacy etc. They know they'd respect your property, but sub-contractors, delivery people etc who are only there briefly (and who won't get to know you) are (in their experience) not always as "careful" shall we say. This is a generalisation, but they've been in the business over 20 years.

It will cost you extra but the extra expense will save you a load of hassle.

Would never occur to me. When we had our side extension done ten years ago, they just used our loo. And we've just had gardeners in for a week - they used our loo as well. But, as 56 year old, with a pelvic floor shot to pieces by 4 pregnancies, it always amazes me how infrequently workmen need the loo!!

We had a rear extension and factored in a portaloo. They used it so we didnt have them traipsing mud through our house. We have three little ones and a dog to keep in so it was the easiest option for us. The portaloo was emptied and washed weekly but there was still an odour. We had it on boards at the front of the house in case it leaked onto the drive.

I asked my builder about this and he said hd hadn't priced it in and that they were "house trained". Turned out they were and all was fine

Thanks for all the advice it's a lot to think about guess it will depends on costs

We had 9 months of work mid terrace and they used a portaloo.its the norm around here. They would piss all over your loo seat, leave dirty footprints, mucky sink etc. they know this. So they arrange their own loo.

Yes, we let ours use our loo. They didn't seem to use it very often in practice and were much less mucky than my children.

If you're mid-terrace, won't they be traipsing through your house anyway? Make sure the floors are well protected and IME you can expect to redecorate everywhere whether or not they use your loo.

Finally, I don't think you are wrong to ask the question, OP, but I think the suggestion in some of the replies that builders are not properly toilet-trained is a little offensive!

I had an extension built 2 years ago and the builders removed boots outside and stepped inside in just socks, used the toilet very neatly and washed their hands! They even asked if they could wash their hands before eating their lunch.

Maybe I just had very clean builders but the reason I chose them was because they were recommended as being picky and attention to detail kind of people, and I saw their work when they were half way though a build. The site was very neat, even the skip was neatly filled.

Would they really wash their hands if they had a portaloo?