Good evening everyone!
Our drywall installer started work this week. Today was the first time we met him. From a layperson’s perspective, he has done his work well and quickly so far. However, one thing bothered me a lot: he smokes while working. And not just one or two cigarettes, but constantly. In the 10 minutes I was there, he smoked two cigarettes. Just as he finished one, he was lighting the next. This probably went on all day and also on previous days.
When I entered the house, luckily I didn’t notice any strong cigarette smell. He had one or two windows open. But now that our house is sealed, we as non-smokers do not want smoking inside. Especially not this frequently.
Currently, he is only working on the attic, but gradually the walls will be done, and the smoke will seep into them. So, from a health perspective, this is unacceptable to us.
I understand that as homeowners we can of course prohibit this. On the other hand, I worry that if we ban smoking for a chain smoker, the work quality could suffer and/or the project might take longer. Or, in the worst case, he might do a poor job out of frustration.
We have an inspector, so any problems would likely be noticed, but we also want to move in eventually and not have to redo everything.
He will still be working in the house for a few more days. Should we talk to him about it or better not?
Our drywall installer started work this week. Today was the first time we met him. From a layperson’s perspective, he has done his work well and quickly so far. However, one thing bothered me a lot: he smokes while working. And not just one or two cigarettes, but constantly. In the 10 minutes I was there, he smoked two cigarettes. Just as he finished one, he was lighting the next. This probably went on all day and also on previous days.
When I entered the house, luckily I didn’t notice any strong cigarette smell. He had one or two windows open. But now that our house is sealed, we as non-smokers do not want smoking inside. Especially not this frequently.
Currently, he is only working on the attic, but gradually the walls will be done, and the smoke will seep into them. So, from a health perspective, this is unacceptable to us.
I understand that as homeowners we can of course prohibit this. On the other hand, I worry that if we ban smoking for a chain smoker, the work quality could suffer and/or the project might take longer. Or, in the worst case, he might do a poor job out of frustration.
We have an inspector, so any problems would likely be noticed, but we also want to move in eventually and not have to redo everything.
He will still be working in the house for a few more days. Should we talk to him about it or better not?
Does he speak German? Or can he only say 'hello' and 'bye'?
For me, the problem with smoking inside the house ended after the interior plaster was applied.
Address the issue and find a compromise (for example, smoking by the window).
Or just don’t think about it for two weeks and switch off your mind. The smoke probably won’t leave much, if any, residue on the drywall.
Still, it shouldn’t happen in the first place.
For me, the problem with smoking inside the house ended after the interior plaster was applied.
Address the issue and find a compromise (for example, smoking by the window).
Or just don’t think about it for two weeks and switch off your mind. The smoke probably won’t leave much, if any, residue on the drywall.
Still, it shouldn’t happen in the first place.
First, it needs to be clarified whether you purchased the house from a general contractor. In that case, they are the client and hold the building rights.
I wouldn’t make a big deal about drywall work just yet. It’s better to maintain good quality. After all, there is plenty of ventilation since doors and windows are constantly open.
When it comes to interior finishing and painting, that should be the final stage.
I wouldn’t make a big deal about drywall work just yet. It’s better to maintain good quality. After all, there is plenty of ventilation since doors and windows are constantly open.
When it comes to interior finishing and painting, that should be the final stage.
Our painter smokes, and I believe the tiler does too. We politely asked both of them to take their smoke breaks on the terrace or in front of the house (including an ashtray and a temporary shelter in the garden ;-)).
That wasn’t a problem at all; they immediately understood. Both know we are moving in with a child.
In the entrance area, we also have a note with various information (phone numbers, details about the coffee machine, etc.), which includes this request again. You can phrase it nicely.
That wasn’t a problem at all; they immediately understood. Both know we are moving in with a child.
In the entrance area, we also have a note with various information (phone numbers, details about the coffee machine, etc.), which includes this request again. You can phrase it nicely.
You yourself wrote, "My house is your house," so let him smoke. Some people need nicotine to work well, just like others need alcohol. He’s not going to spend months on the construction site. Nothing will really “stick” there. Of course, the windows should be open. We don’t want him to lose sight of his work because of the smoke. 😀
Similar topics