Contractor issues

Nov 01, 2006 11 Replies

We're having a room addition put on, and are having some issues with the contractor's workers.



We have already spoken with the contractor, and he assured us, he would address them with a high priority. We have since spoken with him again, because the issues were not resolved.



Basically, I'm looking how someone else would handle this situation. We've tried the diplomacy route, which didn't work out.



The biggest issue is, frankly his workers stink. I don't mean they do bad work, I mean literally smell. I actually gag when the one worker is within



10 ft of me. He smells like he pooped his pants, and wears them day after day. I thought it might just be me, but my neighbor commented on the guy might wear diapers, or have a serious problem.

Three other workers have that plumbers crack thing going on, even when they're not bent over. They either need to buy proper size pants, or lose about 50 lbs, in order to fit into their pants. It's disgusting to see these guy on ladders, when you pull into your driveway.



Because of the size of the project, the contractor has said they will be around for about 5 more weeks.



If we could, we would go away until they were done, but, as of now, it's not an option.


As a contractor, I always required my employees to look and act presentable. If they couldn't or wouldn't, they were fired. I would make it clear to the contractor that it's not acceptable, and if the slobs return you won't let them in. I also think, if a person looks like a bum, his work probably isn't any higher class.

Tell the stinky guy himself; not to return to your property.

The plumbers crack is a "tradition" and not one easily broken .

Let us know what happens.

-- Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."

Sounds like to me you're just a yuppified, rich, )(*&&^%#$%&^!!! that can't stand to be around any form of real work. Just my opinion of course. Perhaps you should take your escalade, go to starbucks on the way to spend 5 weeks at the ritz carlton.

Do the real workers you know look seedy and smell bad?

Okay, we'd all like it if the workers looked like they do in the TV commercials, but is this a big deal? I read "contractor issues", and I'm thinking you're getting overcharged, or they're not following code, or not showing up for work. Your issue is that you don't approve of their personal hygiene?

Not sure where you live, but where I am, I couldn't care less what the workers look like as long as they show up and have some work ethic. You may want to focus on their work, and if the job is turning out well, leave these guys alone.

Frankly, if their co-workers can tolerate their hygiene, it's probably not that big a deal. It sounds to me like you're embarassed that they're polluting your driveway. If you want better looking workers, why not stop by the local college and hire some young buff studs to parade shirtless around your front yard? They probably can't hang drywall worth a S#&*, but who cares, right?

MF

I'm sure your husband realized what your reaction would be when he asked the contractor if he could hand pick the crew. Cheaper than a divorce lawyer. ;)

R

MOST no, but I have met people who just seem to stink no matter how hard they try not to. It's chemistry I guess.

Along these same lines, the printing company where I am employed hosted a Chamber of Commerce night where all the towns employers could come and see our fine facilities. A couple days before the event, T-shirts emblazoned with the company logo were handed out and those that work the night shift were to wear their new shirts. Were the visitors ever impressed!!!! One was so impressed that he/she wrote a letter to our company and said how impressed with our company they were and how neat the workers all looked in "their" uniforms. Now, the company is handing out a weeks supply of T-shirts emblazoned with the company logo for all of us to wear while we enjoy doing our job. We, the workers, are now not a name, but just another drone with no individuality. But don't we look cute!

RicodJour posted for all of us...

Maybe they wouldn't boff her and now she's pissed. she should post pix.

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