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?
M
Myrna_Loy5 Jan 2022 22:28Nordlys schrieb:
What a compulsively neurotic attitude about education! I say this as a non-smoker. The man smokes. That’s none of the homeowners’ business. He does his job and leaves, and nothing remains behind. Maybe he also eats a sausage sandwich and drinks a beer—something vegans and teetotalers definitely wouldn’t tolerate either. Um, sorry,... but when our bricklayer/site supervisor was here, it smelled of smoke for days. And there were cigarette butts everywhere. I was glad we had a different tradesperson for the finishing plaster.
M
MiCasaEsSuCasa5 Jan 2022 22:29Tolentino schrieb:
But a sandwich won’t soak into the walls.
He can smoke as much as he wants, but not inside a well-insulated house.
And you can certainly say that politely as a request – that’s what I think.
If he says he can’t work otherwise, then he should just smoke out the window.
Or you could provide him with a pack of nicotine patches and gum for the day. Haha, thanks! I’ll keep that in mind. 😀
B
Benutzer2005 Jan 2022 22:33The drywall installer is allowed to smoke inside the house. Two cigarettes – the first and the last. Personally, I would prohibit it. I find it one of the most unpleasant things there is. I have nothing more to add...
Nordlys schrieb:
What a compulsively neurotic attitude about education! I say this as a non-smoker. The man smokes. That’s none of the builder’s business. Basically, I also advocate for a relaxed attitude on this. However, as builders, it does affect you to some extent. Just as many industrial companies rightly have smoking bans in the workplace. He’s not the only one in the house.
In drywall construction, I think the fear of it settling in is exaggerated. As I said, I would have some concerns starting at the painting stage.
M
MiCasaEsSuCasa5 Jan 2022 22:39Benutzer200 schrieb:
The drywall installer is allowed to smoke inside the house. Two cigarettes – the first and the last. Personally, I would forbid him from doing so.
I find it one of the most unpleasant things there is.
I have nothing more to add... I feel the same. I will probably bring it up after the holiday!