What do builders really think of clients with children?

[GeorgeP]

Hi, I have had trouble juggling the kids and possibly being a female knowing more than the average female bear about a few things because I have already done a lot of work on a house. I have done minor plastering jobs, tiled, sanded floors, painted and decorated and cut and put skirting boards on. I was single then but I find it very difficult to be heard by the workmen that have been at this other house I am project managing recently. I have picked them up on a few things and they have happily gone ahead but what I really would like to know is - come on guys, how do you really feel about having to deal with a mum who has no alternative but to turn up to the building site in question with two very energetic boys under 5. Come on, no holds barred comments please.....

 

[OwainDIYer]

Small boys are very useful for chipping mortar off bricks and running cables through crawl spaces.

The less energetic ones can hold things until the glue dries.

 

[noseall]

Dealing with a 'mum' is no different from dealing with any other adult.

However, when there is 'baggage' that is different. It throws open the whole safety aspect and brings up the question...is this a home or a building site.

Mum is boss of the home and the contractor is in charge of the building site.

There has to be a difference in the two so as to afford the builder jurisdiction over who is allowed to go where and when, whilst the building is in 'site' mode.

 

[1john]

Safety, safety, safety!! Apart from that I find it impossible to concentrate on anything ever remotely properly when I have my 3 y/o boy who is also energetic.