HAND JOB

I've been builder's assistant again today.

Do you remember when I was last a builder's assistant?

Never mind if you've forgotten - here's a reminder: HERE

Dave our builder/handyman needed some help yesterday and must have read that blog post of 3 years ago because he asked for a hand.

Here it is:

The more observant readers reader might notice that my hand is blue. This is because when I was assisting and making measurements using my old extendable and retractable tape measure the bloody (literally afterwards) thing rapidly retracted and the metallic tape sliced through the pads of two of my fingers. Bastard! I had to use Dettol, antiseptic ointment and lots of sticking plasters on them. Today, after redressing I decided to wear a surgical glove to keep the plasters dry and clean. Note: typing while wearing the glove might lead to misspellinfs.

I had some duties early on (not measuring) and then was sent out on a mission to buy some urgently needed extra supplies for the tiling job in the bedroom.

You might remember that some time ago I wrote a post about the difficulties of shopping for things that women want ... hold on, here's a link ... just kidding. Well builders can be just as annoying. They don't really explain what they want properly, expecting apprentices to interpret their shorthand.

This happened today when I was sent to purchase some Durasheet 2400 x 450 x 4.5mm Fibre Cement Sheet. He said that they would cut it to size from the full size sheet (2400 x 1200 x 4.5mm). He was wrong. 

The first place I went to said that it was listed on their website but they didn't have any in stock. They also said that even if they did have it in stock they don't have a cutting option.

The second place I went to said that they did have it in stock  the full size only but when I asked the trade guy if he would cut it to size for me he just rudely said "no". I picked up my keys and wallet and stormed out. In case you are wondering, the full size sheet would not fit in my car.

The third place I went to, Bunnings, did stock the board but only in the 1200 and 600 size - not the 450 size. They also said that they have no cutting facility but were a hell of a lot more polite about it. The trades assistant helped me 'jam' a 2400 x 600 sheet into my small car with the board resting up against the windscreen and nudging my shoulder as I drove but hey! I made it. I was also able to buy the levelling compound and nails that my builder/handyman asked for. The service at Bunnings was great.

It had been stressful and I did consider doing some TM between store visits or employing one of Richard's gnomes but all's well that ends well. Dave the builder/handyman was happy and was able to cut the sheet to size and complete the job.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring. I'll be ready.