[HollyOllyOxenfre...]

We need to get a plumber out this afternoon to sort a blocked drain (and hopefully not inform us the pipes are full of tree roots ). Anyway, DH has called up and booked it and is heading home a bit early from work so he can be here when the plumber gets here. Why you ask? Because I am a big stupid sooky la la when it comes to tradies.

I honestly don't know what it is, but I struggle like crazy with the idea of a tradie in my house. I'm a confident, outgoing woman, and I like to learn things about my crappy little house for future reference. But I hate hate HATE being here on my own with a tradie. I don't fear them, I just don't seem to know what to do. Do I hang around and ask questions, or will that annoy them? Do I pretend like they're not there? That just seems rude. It drives me absolutely bonkers. It's the same reason I won't have a cleaner, even though DH is all for it - I just wouldn't know what to do.

Surely I'm not alone in my weirdness? Has anyone else had this and managed to get past it, or am I forever cursed to need a tradie chaperone?

[elmo_mum]

i have a rotti dog

and a yapping jack russell


btw - they would like you to death, and the rotti would only hurt you when he sits on you or steps on your toes
they dont know that...

[CallMeProtart]

Actually I'm a bit like this. I kind of ignore them, but I do feel guilty about it. Was worst when we had builders over for several weeks, but at least they were outside.

We have a cleaner, and I feel awkward if I'm not working while she's cleaning. Fortunately my house is a pigsty so I normally tidy as she cleans, which frankly is the only time I can get motivated to do so, so it ends up a good thing unless I'm having a tired day!

[~*Twilight~Zone*...]

I'm with you - I don't know what to do when they are there.

When they are outside it's okay because I can kind of ignore them but then they have to come in and out the house getting stuff from their ute etc. What do I do then? Play on the computer? Do housework? Is it rude to just sit and watch TV?

Inside I feel compelled to hang around in case they need something (I think this stems from having to hang around when DH did anythine as I was always his go-for)

No OP you are not alone in your weirdness.

[Tesseract]

I have had similar feelings. Nowadays I have a 'script' that I go through with tradies.

First, answer the door! Take them to the problem, discuss the problem. When they get to work leave them to it, just potter about the house. After a while offer them a drink (water usually, a cuppa if I'm feeling generous and they seem nice). At the end of their work ask my questions.

[Mamabug]

If you were at work, would you like your client peering over your shoulder the whole time asking questions???

I understand it is your home, but it is also the tradie's workplace for the duration of the job. Supervise from a distance and ask your questions when they are finished.

If it is a really long job, it is okay to offer a cold drink. Try not to engage them in too much conversation as this is added to the hourly rate!!

[kickoponomusinsi...]

Tradies wife here.

It's annoying if you hover constantly. Popping in every now and then to offer a drink though, is appreciated. Keep a polite distance, but of course, it is your house, and you are entitled to ask questions.

And to those out there getting tiling done, please, please, don't sneak up behind the tiler when he is bent under a bench, or cupboard and startle him so he hits his head hard enough to knock himself out and leave a bloody mess all over your floor, which is what we had to deal with last month :/

[SophieBeagle]

I have had similar feelings. Nowadays I have a 'script' that I go through with tradies.

First, answer the door! Take them to the problem, discuss the problem. When they get to work leave them to it, just potter about the house. After a while offer them a drink (water usually, a cuppa if I'm feeling generous and they seem nice). At the end of their work ask my questions.

This. IKWYM about feeling awkward but generally, if DH isn't there, I'll leave them to it. I'll also make sure I explain the situation like I understand because I hate the idea I'll be fleeced!!

[sāta kōrsa]

I really don't get it. Tradies are people, there to do a job. I'm not sure why you're treating them like they're from another planet? Basic courtesy, as you would extend to any other human, will be just fine. Don't unecessarily bother them while they're trying to get on with the job and don't ignore them like they're dirt beneath your feet. Is it really that hard?

FWIW, I don't think 'the trouble' is with the poor tradies.

[kpingitquiet]

I generally offer them a drink (water, tea) 15 or so mins in and then occupy myself with dogs, kiddo, something else. I'll go back in after 30 more mins or an hour or so if it's a long visit and say something like "How's it going?" But no, it's not the most comfy experience in the world. I'm pretty territorial