Good Job I'm No Cowboy

22 July 2011

I have started a new job this week. I finally got away from the warring divorcing couple and now I have a nice old lady who wants a few things done to her home to make it a bit more user friendly for someone of her advancing years.

So I am building a ramp up to her door, hand rails on either side of the door and in the bathroom and some little changes to the kitchen cupboards so she doesn't have to stand on stepladders to get at anything. Basically I am moving everything within arms reach.

One of the best things about working for older people is that they seem really happy to have you there. They are polite and interested and want to chat quite a bit. I don't really mind, but it does make me realise how easily they could be taken advantage of by cowboy builders.

The woman would have paid me anything I suggested. She had no idea how much a couple of days work costs and she doesn't know how to get onto the internet to check. Anyone else would have had three quotes, checked me on Check-a-Trade, Googled my business name to see if I was bankrupt and then asked to see work I had done.

She just chatted to me for five minutes and asked when I could come round. Thankfully I am not a rogue trader, but I might have been....

Claire has pointed out to me this week that the school holidays start next week. She wants to know what I am doing about looking after the kids while she is doing her work. Hmmm. I am not too sure what she means by that. I figured that was her job and I have booked myself up for the next few weeks.

Claire is not impressed and pointed out that I need to check with her what she is doing as she is getting more and more work herself lately. As it happens she just wanted to make a point and has actually already arranged for the kids to have a few days at a playgroup, come adventure camp. She had anticipated that I wouldn't have given it a second thought.

Did I feel bad? Not really...However, I have been told to have the last week of the holidays off as we are going away. First I have heard about it – but she's the boss!

Anyway, after the old lady and her ramp, I am off to a mate of mine to sort out his kitchen. He just wants new kitchen doors and a new worktop. He is one of these office types and has no clues about how to do even a basic job like replace cabinet doors. Doesn't worry me though as it is a quick job and he will pay me well – in beers at least!

Finally, on Monday I will be at a new place doing their kitchen. A full refit this time, from top to bottom. Just a basic B&Q job, but still a good couple of weeks work. Then I suppose I have to think about this holiday. I guess she will do the planning and I will just pay for it!