The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?
If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them
Lizzie Post
August 10, 2016
Houzz Contributor. Lizzie Post is co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast http://www.infiniteguest.org/awesome-etiquette/, and an author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute. She is a co-author of Emily Post’s Etiquette 18th edition, Emily Post’s Great Get-Togethers, The Etiquette Advantage in Business, and Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette 6th edition http://emilypost.com/books/.
Houzz Contributor. Lizzie Post is co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast ,... More
Dear Lizzie,
“We’re having our house remodeled, and the construction crew that’s on-site every day blasts their music while working, and smokes cigarettes while splayed out in my front yard during their lunch break. I’ve seen them spitting and have heard them shouting curse words. Is it OK to tell them to tone it down a bit?”
The Short Answer
Yes. It’s absolutely within reason to ask your contractor to speak to the crew about these issues. Most workers will be professional and considerate on the job site, but here are some suggestions for approaching those who may not be.
The Long Answer
Music. Crews may play music louder than what we think is necessary because the equipment they’re using is so loud that the natural inclination is to turn up the volume. But if it has hit a point where you or your neighbors are really bothered by it (more than just the construction noise), then it’s time to ask that it be kept at a more reasonable level or that the workers use earbuds if permitted.
“We’re having our house remodeled, and the construction crew that’s on-site every day blasts their music while working, and smokes cigarettes while splayed out in my front yard during their lunch break. I’ve seen them spitting and have heard them shouting curse words. Is it OK to tell them to tone it down a bit?”
The Short Answer
Yes. It’s absolutely within reason to ask your contractor to speak to the crew about these issues. Most workers will be professional and considerate on the job site, but here are some suggestions for approaching those who may not be.
The Long Answer
Music. Crews may play music louder than what we think is necessary because the equipment they’re using is so loud that the natural inclination is to turn up the volume. But if it has hit a point where you or your neighbors are really bothered by it (more than just the construction noise), then it’s time to ask that it be kept at a more reasonable level or that the workers use earbuds if permitted.
Smoking and lounging. Is there another area where the crew can take a lunch break, such as a back yard, porch or patio? Certainly provide a container for cigarette butts — a bucket of sand is a safe option. Asking that the workers not eat lunch or smoke on your front lawn is perfectly acceptable as long as other options are available for them.
If there is nowhere for them to sit, you might consider providing a few folding chairs out back; otherwise, understand that lounging on a lunch break is going to happen when there’s a lack of seating. Again, providing another location and requesting that they use it is the way to go.
Spitting. While gross, spitting has some etiquette to it. When, where and how you choose to spit says a lot about your awareness of others. Discreetly spitting into the grass in a spot no one will likely step in — not a problem.
I’m unclear as to whether it’s where and how they’re spitting that bothers you or just the act of spitting itself. Either way, asking the contractor that his crew be more mindful of the act and, if possible, refrain from doing it would be reasonable.
If there is nowhere for them to sit, you might consider providing a few folding chairs out back; otherwise, understand that lounging on a lunch break is going to happen when there’s a lack of seating. Again, providing another location and requesting that they use it is the way to go.
Spitting. While gross, spitting has some etiquette to it. When, where and how you choose to spit says a lot about your awareness of others. Discreetly spitting into the grass in a spot no one will likely step in — not a problem.
I’m unclear as to whether it’s where and how they’re spitting that bothers you or just the act of spitting itself. Either way, asking the contractor that his crew be more mindful of the act and, if possible, refrain from doing it would be reasonable.
Cursing. Foul language is simply offensive to some people and out of line when kids are present. And since it’s more of a habit than a necessity, this is an issue you really can speak up about.
So what do you say? Given the number of issues you have with this crew, I’d say it’s time to put in a call to or speak with your contractor. “Tim, I’m really loving the work the guys are doing, but there are some things that I’d like to ask you to address with them. Do you have a moment for me to run through them with you?” (Making sure it’s a good time to talk about these things is always considerate.)
“I’m uncomfortable with the language being used by the crew and by the spitting. I understand the guys may need to spit, but if they could keep it to the grass and to a minimum, it would be nicer for me when I’m around. My neighbors can also hear the swearing [if that’s indeed true, and the neighbors have complained]. I’d also like to ask that the crew take their lunch breaks out back.
“Having everyone lounging on the front lawn and smoking cigarettes isn’t something I’m comfortable with. I’m happy to have them use the patio furniture during their breaks, and I’ve set out an ashtray bucket for the cigarettes. The last thing I wanted to talk about is the music. I have no problem with the crew playing music, but if the volume could be kept a bit lower, that would be great.”
These are reasonable requests. When said with an appreciation for all the good work the crew is doing, they’re likely to be well-received and handled.
To submit a question on etiquette around the house for Lizzie Post, send an email with the subject line “The Polite House” to edit@houzz.com.
Read more home etiquette: ‘No shoes’ policy and breaking up with contractors | Dogs at house parties and working with relatives | Noisy neighbors | Adult children living at home | Welcome gifts for new neighbors
So what do you say? Given the number of issues you have with this crew, I’d say it’s time to put in a call to or speak with your contractor. “Tim, I’m really loving the work the guys are doing, but there are some things that I’d like to ask you to address with them. Do you have a moment for me to run through them with you?” (Making sure it’s a good time to talk about these things is always considerate.)
“I’m uncomfortable with the language being used by the crew and by the spitting. I understand the guys may need to spit, but if they could keep it to the grass and to a minimum, it would be nicer for me when I’m around. My neighbors can also hear the swearing [if that’s indeed true, and the neighbors have complained]. I’d also like to ask that the crew take their lunch breaks out back.
“Having everyone lounging on the front lawn and smoking cigarettes isn’t something I’m comfortable with. I’m happy to have them use the patio furniture during their breaks, and I’ve set out an ashtray bucket for the cigarettes. The last thing I wanted to talk about is the music. I have no problem with the crew playing music, but if the volume could be kept a bit lower, that would be great.”
These are reasonable requests. When said with an appreciation for all the good work the crew is doing, they’re likely to be well-received and handled.
To submit a question on etiquette around the house for Lizzie Post, send an email with the subject line “The Polite House” to edit@houzz.com.
Read more home etiquette: ‘No shoes’ policy and breaking up with contractors | Dogs at house parties and working with relatives | Noisy neighbors | Adult children living at home | Welcome gifts for new neighbors
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Calvin, just make sure any damage to your floors or anything else is repaired by your contractor before final payment. Good lick!