Electricians' Customer Headache

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Madame painter.

"Dad, please don’t disturb the electrician.”

Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, window adjusters, flooring and other trades people are in your home to fix things. You called them yourself or the landlord did, if you live in a rented apartment or house.

You will be at work but you live with your dad or an older relative. They must not disturb maintenance workers with a long introduction of how they are related to you, stories about what they did before they retired or in the old country, before they joined the son in Canada. They are in your home to fix things that are in the work order. Therefore, your dad should not tell them to also look at the oven, which has a funny noise. It’s not funny. We have ourselves to blame because we don’t read manuals, that come new appliances.

Your dad should not supervise the electrian or plumber, looking over his shoulder and making suggestions about wires and wrenches. He is a professional. What is frustrating is that the worker cannot call your dad to order. He might report him to the supervisor and accuse him of being rude or something. Also referrals. Every business wants word of mouth recommendations. That’s why most workers grin and bear at your dad’s monologue.

Plumbers, electricians etc. do not have time to pet your pets. That’s why it’s advisable to take them for a walk, the vet, the dog day school or somewhere. The point is: you don’t want any disturbance in your 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. job. By the same token, let tradesmen or maintenance guys work in your home in peace.

Nonqaba waka Msimang

Executive Blogger

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