What do you do when a repairman is over?

[bekkiz]

I've got a repairman coming to fix our oven (which, um, has been broken since APRIL! What can I say, I've been out of town a lot?)

I have no idea how long it will take, but it's always so awkward when someone is in your house doing work for you. What do you do to occupy the time? Watch TV, read, clean?

I'll probably be looking through cookbooks to decide what to bake first

 

[CheshireVal]

Oh, I HATE that. That's why I always try to get my husband to take off and be there if he can, so I'm not there alone.

I usually sit there awkwardly and read or watch TV, but it's not the most relaxing thing ever!

 

[Scornelius]

As someone who owns a pool and spa repair business, I beg you, don't just sit there in the same room! There is nothing more offensive than someone 'babysitting' you. They're professionals, and unless you have a reason not to trust their ability (in which case I'd ask you why you're hiring them!) just let them do their business!
It's completely different if you're interested in the process and are asking intelligent questions, but some people just sit in the same room and watch. This will not facilitate a better repair job, I guarantee it! (How much do you like it when your boss hovers over your shoulder, especially when he's asked you to complete a task he can't?)
Here's what I do:
When they get there, I offer them a glass of juice or water. 99% of the time they politely decline, but I feel better making the offer. I then show them to the item in need of fixing and ask them if there's anything they need to know. I answer their questions, then tell them I'll be in the other room if they need me. Then just go about your business. Do laundry, read, watch TV, whatever. I think the idea of going through the cookbooks is great. You have to celebrate the return of your oven with something delicious!!

 

[java]

As someone who owns a pool and spa repair business, I beg you, don't just sit there in the same room! There is nothing more offensive than someone 'babysitting' you. They're professionals, and unless you have a reason not to trust their ability (in which case I'd ask you why you're hiring them!) just let them do their business!

sorry I am a room watcher. I don't "KNOW" you so while you may be a great repair guy- perhaps it's your first day and you are a clepto or you like woman's underwear or whatever point is I don't know you and you are in my private space. So sorry but I am watching. Expecially if you are in my bedroom.
I was a truster. And then we got a credit card number stolen. (off a bill he had found) I am there to keep everyone on the up and up. I am not questioning your ability to do your job. I guess I am just questioning your integrity Really no insult meant. I just feel better that way in my house.
Oh but I will offer you something to drink(soda or water or juice whatever) and I would let you use the bathroom.

 

[Robinrs]

sorry I am a room watcher. I don't "KNOW" you so while you may be a great repair guy- perhaps it's your first day and you are a clepto or you like woman's underwear or whatever point is I don't know you and you are in my private space. So sorry but I am watching. Expecially if you are in my bedroom.
I was a truster. And then we got a credit card number stolen. (off a bill he had found) I am there to keep everyone on the up and up. I am not questioning your ability to do your job. I guess I am just questioning your integrity Really no insult meant. I just feel better that way in my house.

I stay in the same room but don't hover over them. I ask questions and make them feel like experts... I've had dinner invites and lots of requests for dates from that!

 

[java]

Oh yeah no hovering. And thankfully I have an OPEN floor plan. So I can be in the other room and still feel like I can see what's up.

 

[ilovejack02]

Bowchicka wahwah





Dh is our repairman

 

[CathrynRose]

I've got a repairman coming to fix our oven (which, um, has been broken since APRIL! What can I say, I've been out of town a lot?)

I have no idea how long it will take, but it's always so awkward when someone is in your house doing work for you. What do you do to occupy the time? Watch TV, read, clean?

I'll probably be looking through cookbooks to decide what to bake first

My husband does appliance repair....

Says he hates when they 'stand guard' - he doesnt care when they even sit and watch him, but he hates the looking over him, standing, not moving thing....

So, I say - read your cook books at the kitchen table.

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

OMG, I hate that. I hide in another part of the house or at work & let dh handle it. I won't even answer the door for the delivery person-- I always run and hide.

 

[Pam]

Bowchicka wahwah





Dh is our repairman

I usually go to another room and pretend to do something productive.

 

[mkycrzy1971]

Even though I hate it...I usually leave them alone and let them work saying something like "if you need something, just let me know." I then go into the living room and watch TV, fold laundry, read, etc. Still...not really very comfortable with a strange man in my house while I am not watching his every move...I always have these fears of a "weirdo" hiding a camera....and I am one of those that will run through the house to the laundry room really quick to find my clothes after I step out of the shower I guess if they do it once, they will never come back again after watching the footage

 

[reeeoga]

I put on a little red maids outfit with white hose and 4 inch red pumps and then clean the house while they repair....Oh Wait ...did I just type that

I mean I sit at my computer and read the Dis! yeah that's the ticket!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I stay in the same room but don't hover over them. I ask questions and make them feel like experts... I've had dinner invites and lots of requests for dates from that!

Have you looked at some oven repair manuals? Here is a link to one:
http://www.repairclinic.com/0047_13.asp
First, is it gas or electric?
Second, what is wrong with it? The repair clinic manual may help you. Why read it? Maybe you could be like Robinrs, and ask questions and make the repair man feel like an expert.
Or, maybe it would just help for you to know more about what the problem is.
I have fixed ovens and usually the problem is quite simple.
How old is the oven? Is it under warranty? Sometimes, you can get information directly from the manufacturer at their repair hotline.
In your case, you are going to have the repair person do the work, but, the more knowledge you have in advance the better. Why? It will give you a clue about what the parts may cost so you won't be "ripped off".

If none of this makes sense, just go watch TV after taking the suggestions of the other posters.

 

[CathrynRose]

I put on a little red maids outfit with white hose and 4 inch red pumps and then clean the house while they repair....Oh Wait ...did I just type that

***makes mental note to go on calls with husband if he goes to Reeeoga's house***

 

[MushyMushy]

I always feel awkward about it too! DH just seems to handle it naturally -- he mostly stands around learning from the repairman, especially now that we have our own house.

We have a guy we hire for little things, so I feel a little more comfortable doing whatever around him. I'll stand and chat with him if it's a small job, or I go sit in the living room if it's a bigger job.

 

[bekkiz]

Well, he has come and gone, and I've just pulled an upside down peach cake out of my poor, neglected oven

I sat in the living room (open-ish floor plan, so I could see into the kitchen) but he was pretty quick (I guess it was an easy fix) and no problems what so ever.

I do have to say, I'm pretty entertained by some of your responses. I'm the same way! Yesterday, someone was walking around the neighborhood knocking on doors and I litterally crawled around on the floor so they couldn't see me! I'm such a baby

 

[ndelaware]

I put on a little red maids outfit with white hose and 4 inch red pumps and then clean the house while they repair....Oh Wait ...did I just type that

I will come and fix anything in your house for free and I insist you hover over me and make sure I do everything right!

 

[reeeoga]

I will come and fix anything in your house for free and I insist you hover over me and make sure I do everything right!

Do you know I'm a man?

 

[aprilgail2]

I usually let them in, show them what has to be fixed and then go to my bedroom and go on the computer until they call out that they need something or they are done.

 

[MosMom]

Stare at his crack but try to pretend I'm not staring at his crack.