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There’s a reason a builder’s brew (strong English breakfast tea with a dash of milk, served in a mug) has a name. It’s because you’re supposed to offer them a cup of tea when they arrive at your house to work. The same is true for all tradespeople, actually. It’s just manners.
They may fill your house with dust and leave little to the imagination when they crouch down with their backs to you, but builders have standards too, and a decent cuppa is at the top of that list.
We’ve just come out of an era in which a whole new set of rules dictated how we behave socially. Standing an arm’s width apart we have navigated hugging and air-kissing in the age of coronavirus. The pandemic turned strict social rules on their head and it’s understandable that some are still confused. When the tradies arrive for a build or a renovation at your place, do the new norms stick? Or is there a different rule book of etiquette for that? We have the lowdown on the new etiquette rules for working with tradies.
Hiring the right tradesperson for your home is important. We can lay down the law on shoes off at the door and no radio to them when they get there (it won’t get you far, though), but the professional etiquette swings both ways.
Sit down, make yourself a cuppa, and check the ultimate list of new ground rules.
7 etiquette tips for working with builders and tradies
1. Establish a professional rapport
Imagine going to work and your boss changed their mind about what they wanted you to do every day or so. And then when you did it, they said it was disappointing or not what they imagined, or if they broke down in tears. You see where we’re going with this. From the get-go make sure the lines of communication are well and truly open between tradie and you. But most importantly, while expressing your expectations and requirements clearly, you need a plan. And you need to stick to it. If there is something you are unsure about, honesty is the best policy, but trust in the plan because at least half of it came from you.
2. Make their job easier
Clear the area that is to be worked on from any obstacles or breakable items. Get the kids out of the way. Don’t expect them to clean up your mess. Offer to pick up items they need, if you have time and the know-how. Make sure your house is easily accessible, and give them space to park their own cars but also any machinery they need on site. As for pets, even though your little Fido is obviously harmless (the postie being his only vice), it’s a good idea to keep them away from the area.
3. Offer a lunch space
If your tradespeople will be spending the entire day working at your house, they will more than likely have brought their lunch. Let them know where they can set up. Is there a shady table in the yard? Or a bench on the balcony they can use for their well-deserved break? And remember the tea. You only need to make one, and then tell them to help themselves to more through the day if they like. Some long-term tradies will even BYO kettle.
4. Check-in
Depending on the size of the job, check in every couple of days and see how things are going. Depending on the job that doesn’t always mean poking your head in and hanging around to chat for three hours. It could be scheduling time to go through what is happening, how it’s going, any issues. And ask regularly if your tradesperson needs anything.
5. Don’t hover
In business they call this micro managing. In parenting they call it helicopter parenting. In building they call it nuisance clients. There’s a fine line between being friendly and getting in the way. Keep your conversations short and let them do their job.
6. Show your appreciation
Offering tea, coffee or a plate of biscuits is a simple gesture to show your appreciation. At the end of the job, if you are happy with the work, make sure you take the time to give them a positive review online.
7. Be reasonable
Things go wrong and sometimes it’s out of your tradesperson’s hands. Although frustrating, stay calm and stick to the above points.
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