Since you have decided to complete the sit, I agree it’s a good idea to try and make the most of it and write about it in your review.
IMHO, this impacts hospitality, communication and accuracy of listing but what’s more important is to be factual in the wording:
this was sprung onto you last minute, that’s a fact and everyone knows workers don’t come out of the blue.
It’s an indoor staircase that took so long in a 7day sit and cause X, Z Y disturbances.
The HO did ask if you have a problem but you felt you had already committed to the sit and it was too late to back off.
You can, of course, mention all the positive aspects including the lovely dog.
Hello all, thank you for your continued support and insight.
So I ended up telling the host I was uncomfortable the day after Christmas as the contractor arrived at the pet’s feeding time of 8am and it caused chaos. I’m sure you can also understand I wasn’t up for having this discussion on Christmas day itself - regardless of missteps, it’s not the day to be having a logistical chat about anything!
This is our paraphrased exchange (The forum moderators won’t allow it verbatim, even if redacted of all personal info):
Me: Hi good morning! The workmen are back to continue the work and explained their plan for the coming days. You said I should let you know if it was becoming a problem and I think multiple further days of disruption would be unfair. Would it be possible to rearrange with them so that any further work is completed when you are back in town? I’m OK with them working today as they are already here and have gotten started
HO: Ok I understand, I will contact them and get back to you
A few minutes later:
HO: Ok today will be the last day. I would like to offer you something money wise to apologize
Me: I’ll leave that to your discretion! But it’s appreciated if today is the last work day, thank you
HO: Yes, today will be
After this our chat has reverted back to pictures I send of their pet and more light-hearted conversation.
The contractor confirmed to me that the work had been scheduled for a long time!
I feel confused as ever to be honest! The pet is wonderful and I’ve been enjoying his company very much. There may also be some disagreement between the two HO if this was appropriate as one partner has sounded especially apologetic
That’s great to read @ThrowMeABoneHere you have reached an agreement with the owners. You were polite and I’m pleased the owners acted accordingly. Enjoy the rest of the time there in privacy!
Glad it was resolved but agree with everyone who said they tried to pull a fast one on you. I’d say something in my review. This is NOT OK to do and they need to get that and future sitters need warning.
I have had HOs warn me even about construction going on at other nearby houses and apologize for it, and they also asked if I’d have a problem with it. I thought that was very good.
Bu I once had an HO say “And I’ll expect you to drive me to the airport” (which was a long and difficult drive) on the phone call offering me the sit, and I said nothing because I was surprised. The next day I messaged to say I couldn’t. She said that “No” was an answer and that was all I had to say. But she hadn’t framed it as a question. Otherwise she and the sit were both lovely.
Even with good HO’s, we have to stick up for ourselves – with things that are asked, things that are assumed and things that are thrust upon us!
@ThrowMeABoneHere Good for you! You’ve handled this so well and thank you for updating us on the outcome. It’s refreshing to read when a conflict arises that there is a sensible resolution. I cant begin to fathom inviting a guest into my home then making them endure strangers working construction around them. It’s mind boggling how un-self-aware some folks are. Onwards and upwards!
That’s great to get an update feom you how the situation went. Thank you very much, it is much appreciated! Many people just post to let steam off and went forever. So this is really nice!
