What To Do With a Tiler?

Kintarō Hattori

Hey Folks,

This may be a really silly question but:

We have a tiler coming to do some work in the house next week. The missus will be off for two days but, I don't know what to do for the other 2/3. What do people usually do when a tradesman is going to be at the house for several days. Do you just give him a set of keys and let him look after himself.... he's come recommended. Do you try and work from home?

What do you do?!

Joey the lips

I knew all the tilers that worked in my house sdo it was never a problem. But i have often left a plumber on his own or a kitchen fitter or a plasterer so yes i do leave trades on there own

2 stroke

If you don't trust him don't let him into the house, and definitly don't leave him alone with your wife.

Joey the lips

Hold on one second....

Is this the tiler i pm'd you?

Dont worry if it is...

It would do more damage to his good name to do anything...

2 stroke

I probably should have put a smilie in my above post. I work unattended in peoples houses on a regular basis and never a problem, infact if I kept a record of all the alarm codes I've been given, I'd never have to do a days honest work again.
I spent last friday working for a couple that clearly did not trust me. They actually took turns to watch me, so that they could get a bite to eat, they didn't even offer me a cuppa. I just wish they had gone elsewhere.

gerarda

Its there house and nothing you can really do about it. I know the feeling though - I remember fixing a computer for a couple who literally stood over me sternly watching and questioning every move I made (had to replace about 5 parts inside it). 'Why does that screw go there?' Why is that part black?' I powered the machine back up and they expected me to sit with them explaining how different programs work! Whats this for? How do I do that? Show me that again! Why does windows do that? Can I do it another way? They rang my boss saying they were unhappy with the service and wanted there money back - he simply said to them "Read your contract". About 2 years later (warranty expired at this stage) she stopped me in the supermarket asking could I show her stuff on the computer that I allegedly made worse after the service. I said smiled and said yes no problem "50 euro an hour" and walked away. So then she followed me out to the car park and tells her husband, he comes running over demanding that he is still entitled to 'free' support. I just got in my car and left, some people are just plain retards.
I also had a case where I refused to enter a private home to fix a computer as there were no adults present, only a 12 year old girl on her own. Her mother ( a garda) called the office giving out yards asking why I left without fixing her machine!

paddy147

2 stroke wrote: »

I probably should have put a smilie in my above post. I work unattended in peoples houses on a regular basis and never a problem, infact if I kept a record of all the alarm codes I've been given, I'd never have to do a days honest work again.
I spent last friday working for a couple that clearly did not trust me. They actually took turns to watch me, so that they could get a bite to eat, they didn't even offer me a cuppa. I just wish they had gone elsewhere.

Did they pay you???

Who gives a fcuk about a cuppa tea,as long as you got paid,and they are hapy with the work,then surely thats all that matters?;):)

2 stroke

paddy147 wrote: »

Did they pay you???

Who gives a fcuk about a cuppa tea,as long as you got paid,and they are hapy with the work,then surely thats all that matters?;):)

When they were finished they asked me about doing more work for them, and then they would pay both jobs together. I insisted on getting paid before taking on more work. Just waiting for their check to clear then I'm putting in a damm good price for the next job. Maybe someone will undercut me but if not, I'll be able to work with a smile on my face.

Fracking Cylon

I would think you have to trust them. If you are worried, lock some internal doors.

JuliusCaesar

I'd always figure: I know their name and their trade. It isn't worth their while nicking the laptop or tv or whatever. Yes, I'd always offer a cup of tea as I would to anyone in my house. I've left them the keys and asked them to drop them in the letterbox when they leave. After all, they're trusting my cheque to clear! :-)

woodoo

I tend to give them a key and then get it back once finished. But i only hire tradesmen that have come recommended to me by people i know.