I had a house full of tradesmen today.

[LuckyCharms]

I try to DIY as much as I can. However, I know my limitations. The people here today were making repairs that I am not skilled enough to do. Repairs that could not wait.

They were young, and they were exemplary human beings. I have so much respect for these people.

They were respectful, polite, and masked PROPERLY. They didn't take their masks off after being here for about 4 hours, doing physically demanding work. I didn't hover over them, but I checked often. They were careful about keeping their distance. My wife and I kept our masks on until a few hours after they left. We also made sure all of the windows in the house were open during that time. We couldn't really leave while they were here. I had to guide them occasionally to show them what I wanted, and my wife works from home so she needed to be here.

I'm finding that if you need an electrician, plumber, carpenter, mason etc., it is best to find a good one and stick with them. Establish a relationship. Most importantly, learn all that you reasonably can about the trades so you can discuss your situation intelligently. This helps to build trust, on both sides.

I do not assume that every tradesman that comes here is going to try to rip me off. I understand that people are not in business for the hell of it, they are in business to earn a living. This leads to another reason why it is best to learn as much as you can. Being knowledgeable helps prevent you from getting bullshitted. A few more pieces of unsolicited advice. If you do not try to nickel and dime them to death, they probably won't try to do the same to you either. If you treat them like human beings, they will treat you the same. Offer them water, coffee, whatever. And I learned this a long time ago...don't bust their balls over picky shit. They have plenty of business, so they don't need to be there.

I tend to avoid anyone who places multiple ads. You are paying for those ads. I use 3 different companies when I need some help, and they don't advertise a bit. They have plenty of business through word of mouth.

For today's adventure, I called the owner of the company yesterday, prior to his crew coming here. I expressed my Covid concerns, and my reasons for those concerns. We talked a long time. I think he sent people on his crew who he knew would be most empathetic to my uneasiness as it relates to Covid.

The End.

[luv2fly]

1. Excellent post

I agree with all your points. I just wish more contractors returned calls, gave timely estimates, etc. It's tiring trying to find people, especially for small stuff as most seem so busy and small stuff is, well, small.

[LuckyCharms]

2. I know what you mean.

The problem is, if they have enough business, they have no need to call you back.

That's why I think it is important to establish relationships with contractors.

Then, you can call them and say something like: Hey, we've done a ton of business together, and I know you are busy, but could you please help me out? I've got a problem here and I'm losing sleep over it...

If you say something like that, and you have a good relationship with them, they will either come fix your problem, or recommend someone else who will.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

3. Trusting tradesmen is important.

Hugely important. Too many people assume they can fix anything and everything, and they are usually totally wrong. Me, I have no problem hiring tradespeople to do the many, many things I cannot begin to do.

Oh, and when I have tradespeople here, I always offer bottled water and show them where the toilets are.

[LuckyCharms]

4. I'm happy you do that. That shows you are a good human.

Also, the key for people who like to DIY is for them to know their limitations.

There are certain things I will never try to do myself, under any circumstances. I'm fairly good with electrical. I CAN do some plumbing, but I WON'T do any beyond installing a toilet or faucet.

I also will not alter in any way a wall that is load bearing.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. I am totally incapable of any kind of repairs.

And, most importantly, I know that.

Perhaps more to the point, I understand that by hiring others to do such things, I am helping the economy.