DEAR HARRIETTE: I live in a home that is over 100 years old. We are undergoing a renovation project to fix the heating in the house. The workers have been leaving the door to my home open because they claim it helps save them time walking in and out of the home. The heat barely works as it is, and having doors open makes the temperature way too chilly.
These are the only professionals in my area, but I need to be firm and draw the line with them to make this project go smoothly. How do I enforce a new set of rules even though they have been working on the house for several days? -- Already Asking Nicely, Silver Spring, Maryland
DEAR ALREADY ASKING NICELY: If you are able to be in the house during the renovation, post yourself at the door for a bit. Whenever they go out, open the door for them. Whenever they come in, open the door for them. Whenever you aren’t right there, frequently go check the door and close it whenever it is open.
Also, remind the workers that you need their support in closing the door every time they go through it. Acknowledge that you know it may be easier for them to have an open-door policy, but remind them that leaving the door open is burning money, and you really want to have enough money to pay them and to stay warm in your house. Ask for their partnership in ensuring that they get paid and you stay healthy.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)