Tradie Tales

SCAFFOLDERS IN NAPIER ADD 'ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT' TO BILL

*Local scaffolders revel in a new pricing model that has tradesmen shaking their heads.*

By Barry Hoskins, Eastern Suburbs Bureau Chief · Taradale · 1 week ago

In a development that has the Napier tradies in stitches, local scaffolders have introduced an 'attitude adjustment' fee, turning a simple job into a right bloody laugh. It seems the art of scaffolding now includes a hefty surcharge for those who might ‘ruffle feathers’, which is bloody handy if you ask me, especially when dealing with a client who thinks they’re a bloody building expert.

Dave the Tradie, a seasoned local, reckons the concept is a piss-take. 'Mate, so now we’re paying to not listen to some muppet who's got more opinions than tools! Just stick to the plans, would ya?' This cheeky charge seems to have arisen from a string of irate clients who, apparently, thought they could outsmart the scaffolders about physics and balance.

But don't worry, the local tips and tricks still work — just don’t expect a friendly smile while you're at it. 'Look, if you want me to build your deck and put up with your shit, it’s gonna cost ya! I’m not holding your hand while you nag me about colour choices,' said one scaffolder who preferred to remain nameless — probably for good reason.

It’s a bloody good day for anyone wanting to fix up their house in Taradale, especially if they've got a bottle of Hawke’s Bay wine on standby. Just be prepared to cough up a couple of extra bucks for the pros to do what they do best — with or without the attitude adjustment.

Barry Hoskins, reminiscing about the good old days when scaffolders had to just worry about wind speeds and the odd wayward pigeon, sums it up wonderfully: 'In 1974, we didn’t have this nonsense, just blokes working hard and swearing discovered the best paths through scaffolds!' So here’s to that...

Reader Letters

Linda Chen

Honestly, the attitude adjustment fee could be handy elsewhere too! I reckon every café should start charging the same for those who complain about the flat whites. Maybe we'd finally get some peace and quiet!

Janice Walsh

I'm just chuffed that scaffolders have found a way to have a laugh while getting the job done. It's a win-win for them: make some extra cash and avoid meddling clients who think they know everything! Bravo!

Barry

Linda, if we start slapping fees on flat white whiners, we'd all be shelling out on a bloody farm. And Janice, of course you're 'chuffed' — you're not the one paying! This 'attitude fee' nonsense is just another way for prices to creep up like the bloody cheese. Back in my day, the only fee was a threat to shove off if you didn't like the builder's tunes!