This weekend I lost 3 hours of work time due to people in the area driving by site and stopping to find out what is going on.
Two of them were hungry, out of work electricians looking for work.
Two other people that lived down the way and just stopped by to be friendly and wanting to talk.
I also had a plumbing truck drive by real slow about 10 times.
I'm sure he will stop by next weekend and try to give me a quote.
One guy wanted me to pay him to help me hold boards while I nailed them.
How do I continue to work and not be rude?
Or is this just something I need to factor in for my construction time?
I don't want to be known as that butt-head building the new house!
Make up some fake signs stating who is doing the work. Electric by Joe's Electricical. Plumbing by Bob's Pipe Repair. etc. Either that or put a nice big pit bull with a long run right out at the entrance ;D
I was going to suggest putting a sign out that says "If you wanna work for free, feel free to drop in." :)
How about "I'll gab with you as long as yer swingin a hammer."
How about some of that plastic orange construction fencing on stakes across the front and a sign stating- Insurance Policy doesn't allow visitors beyond this point. You would probably still have to yell over to the fence once in a while but keeping a good rapport with neighbors is also an asset.
You may find that you want help, to know where something of interest is, etc. Slows you down in the short run but usually pays off in the long run. Just find ways to ease into work without ticking them off if possible.
Tell them you have to get back to work but get their name and phone so you can invite them over for a barbecue some day after you're done. Sometimes you can even get a little free help if you feed them and insurance problems aren't a concern. This used to be commmon - not so much anymore, but we do it around here quite a bit.
I don't mind the neighbors so much because I know I will see them all the time..
The contractors coming out of the woods kinda irritates me a little.. But I understand..
Everyone needs to eat!
What about this sign?
(http://www.csgdemining.com.au/images/thumb/Mine_Sign.jpg)