Among Friends

[bikerbabe]

Yes, they can use the downstairs bath if needed. I wouldn’t expect someone to drive 15 min into town.

Does it happen often? No, but we’ve had many projects lately on the property, inside and out. I’m careful who I hire. Beyond that, the 2 gardeners we’ve known for years and they both go above and beyond to help.

[santorini]

Maybe it's different in small towns but I would certainly not want to be behind closed doors with a stranger in my house.

[LdyBugz]

Any contractor I have hired has been to my home to discuss the job and provide a quote first.  I like using local companies that have been in business for many years, have good reviews and are reputable.  I always ask how many people I can expect to do the work and how long they have been with the company.  Having a meeting, in person, before the work begins, hopefully gives you a sense of a person's character.

I just had a ton of landscaping done.  I offered use of the downstairs bathroom if needed.  The owner of the company asked if one of his workers could use the bathroom late in the day.  Of course I did not deny him.

I'm currently having a new deck installed.  The owner of the company is also on our fire department.  Of course I offered and would let him and his team use the bathroom if needed.  If he's good enough to rescue me or save my home, he is certainly welcome in my home.

I always have plenty of water, drinks, coffee cake, and snacks that I'll put in a cooler for workers.  They are always appreciative and thankful.

[LavernLuvsShoes]

Thankfully, this has only happened once, and I was glad DH was home at the time...

He showed the worker to our (first-floor) half bath, and I (inconspicuously) kept an eye on the door, until he came out. 

Unfortunately, you just can't trust people the way we did back in the day. 

[Melzie]

I have never had workers ask to use my bathroom.  They always would take a break and leave the job site for a little while.  I would be very uncomfortable letting a man I don't know into my house, especially in today's world.   Sorry. 

[Desert Lily]

I lived in a large suburb on the West coast. My next door neighbor was having a patio put in. He went out to see how it was going, and a worker was urinating on the side of his house. 

Would you want that guy in your house?

Another neighbor was having his outside house trim painted. He left his garage door open so the painters would have shade if needed. When he went out to check on the trim progress, one of the painters was stealing the tools the neighbor kept in his garage.

Would you want that guy in your house?

When I was having a house worked on, the general contractor did not allow any of the workers to use the homeowner's bathroom or even ask to use it. The supervisor pre-directed the workers to use a restroom at a nearby fast food place. Using a homeowner's bathroom is not done by workers anymore.

It is more than rude for any worker to ask to use a homeowner's bathroom; in today's real world, it is inappropriate for the worker to ask.

I would never allow any worker to use my bathroom. It could be a foolish decision to allow the bathroom use for many reasons. I would worry much more about having common sense than I would about appearing polite.

I do offer bottles of cold water to outside workers, but they almost always have coolers with drinks & food in their vehicles. They arrive prepared and they should know the rule about not using homeowners' bathrooms.

[walkingal]

@patticakes  You asked a very legitimate question, especially in this day and age.  I'm sure many people have the same question.  Safety always comes first.  In my situation, I only hire from established well known companies and businesses which are bonded.  If it's a big job taking all day or many days, I let their boss know they can use the toilet in the basement and there are stationary tubs there they can use to wash their hands.  Most jobs are quick and easy, and they're finished  in an hour or two, so the bathroom issue never comes up.      

[spumoni99]

We have our house painted by the same guy a few times, he is here all day.  He is welcomed to the restroom.  Him and I even cook for each other, he is Russian and brings me things to try and I make things for him to try. He has become somewhat of a friend.  He also paints many houses in the neighborhood so we all know him.

[katie1859]

If I don’t allow bathroom use then they go outside and use my tree

Please just flush lol

[Etoile308]

Your home is your sanctuary. Only you can determine how you care to proceed with anyone coming into it. We all come from different backstories and experiences.

For those that feels it's okay for humanitarian reasons, ne'er-do-wells use ploys, sometimes for future purposes. Too many cautionary Dateline episodes.