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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,141
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Awkward Situation Question

I have a half bath as soon as you come in from garage.  Anyone that has come here to do work is free to use that bathroom and do.  The only reason I wouldn't want them upstairs is tracking dirt and stuff from their work boots and clothes. My grandchildren do a lot of  "damage" in the half bath so I'm always cleaning it.

 

In my mind, they are already at your house. If they were intent on doing something nefarious, they don't need to use your bathroom to do it.

 

But as others have said, your house, your rules.  You do what you're comfortable with.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,086
Registered: ‎10-01-2013

Re: Awkward Situation Question

I would definitely let him use the bathroom. I find it to be a simple and reasonable request.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,761
Registered: ‎01-27-2014

Re: Awkward Situation Question

I would never allow a worker to come in my house to use the bathroom or for any other reason. This is NOT rude. It is safety. I always make it a point to establish the rules, so to speak, in the hiring process so that expectations are clearly stated. There is no way you should let someone you don't truly know inside your house, particularly in a locked room in your house. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,904
Registered: ‎06-29-2016

Re: Awkward Situation Question

[ Edited ]

"Outside Workers."

 

"Inside Workers."

 

My immediate reaction was to think of the book and film "The Help."

 

Lots of privilege and elitism on display.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,558
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Awkward Situation Question

Of course I would let a worker use my downstairs half bath. They are human beings working an honest job for an honest wage, not an animal. If the downstairs was busy, I'd ask him to wait until it was available.


'I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed man'.......Unknown
Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,938
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Awkward Situation Question

I would have told him the downstairs bathroom was in use as you have said  and as soon as it was free he could use it.

I would not allow anyone in my master bath.

When you need a bathroom you need an bathroom. I would never deny that to someone working on my house as I would not want to be treated that way.

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,270
Registered: ‎05-24-2010

Re: Awkward Situation Question

Listen to your gut @patticakes. If you didn’t feel safe, then you did the right thing. I have never had someone that worked on anything outside my home ask to use the bathroom. It puts everyone in an uncomfortable situation.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,947
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Awkward Situation Question


@They CallMe MRWILKES wrote:

"Outside Workers."

 

"Inside Workers."

 

My immediate reaction was to think of the book and film "The Help."


@They CallMe MRWILKES Just think "strangers" and "people I know."  Just think "criminals" and "people I know and trust."  

 

Had a guy in the house painting once (from some people working for a guy I knew), and went up to see if he needed anything.  We were chatting and he said he got out of prison in Mississippi a month ago.  Was that a shock!  

 

You can't be too careful with who you let in your house.  Especially if you are alone, well any time.  Guy with a knife killed four people he knew. . . 

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Valued Contributor
Posts: 606
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Awkward Situation Question

I can't imagine telling someone to go down the street to the gas station to use the restroom.  He can share this story with his friends and coworkers and get a good laught out of it.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,414
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Awkward Situation Question

When we have landscaping that will take several days, the company orders a porta potty. 

 

But, if that's not an option, we have three bathrooms, and I wouldn't have a problem with the workers using the powder room. 
Would you rather the workers relieve themselves in your yard?