Too Much This Old House

[msmemory_archive]

I think I watch too many DIY shows. It's very hard to sit here while the plumber and his assistant are working, and NOT help, and NOT ask "whatcha doing?" the whole time.

Comments

[the-nita.livejournal.com]

So what's wrong with asking? Worst that can happen is they say, "Umm...ma'am, could you leave us alone?"

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

Yeah, with what plumber's charge, they *ought* to give lessons!

[keshwyn]

I do a lot of "What're you doing?" and "Why are you doing it?" In general, my plumbers have looked at me indulgently and explained, and I have learned stuff.

(If I can ever figure out pipe cement, I will be fixing my sink myself, next time. :)

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

Let's see...I've ended up running errands, holding stuff, and getting an explanation of soldering (which I already knew from Tretheway, but whadeva) from the plumber, checking circuits for the electrician, and headed off a few problems with the contractor who was putting up new flashing outside the house. Oh, and goaded the exterminators into looking where they hadn't, and revealing major structural issues with the house, which the landlord wasn't too happy to hear about but which explained our sagging doors...

So, I'd say hovering might annoy the tradesmen, but there are some good payoffs sometimes. They're probably more indulgent the more interest and knowledge you have. And of course unless their quote is fixed, they're there on your dime... ;-)