Couple rallies community after learning most people don't allow builders to use their washrooms

When Jess Baker-Smith (@jessybakersmith on Instagram) confronted the builders about not using the toilet even once, she was shocked to know that they had been going in the car the whole time. Reason? Well, they said that people don't usually appreciate workers using their toilets — something that made Jess wonder if this was what humanity has come down to! The video shared on April 9, 2025, has now gone viral with 100k views at the time of writing. 

"We were horrified," Jess said as she explained how she and Harry, her partner, reacted when the workers confessed about peeing in a bottle in their car. The couple had had the builders working in their home for almost three weeks, and not once had they used their toilet, which made Jess a little suspicious. "He said to us, didn't he? People don't usually let us use their toilets," Jess shared. Further, when Harry asked the builders what they'd do to defecate, the workers said they headed to a nearby pub or McDonald's. "Are we no longer looking after our builders anymore? Is it not a thing in this country?" Jess continued, still reeling from the startling revelation. 

Jess, who had been making bacon sandwiches for the workers and serving them tea and biscuits every day, thought that was just the bare minimum until she heard about people who don't even let them use their bathrooms. "I am making sure that they are well looked after because in return, I expect them to look after my house and the building work that's going on here," she confessed. Unfortunately, what Jess and Harry narrated has become a sad reality of today's world. In fact, a survey by MyBuilder.com found that 34% of homeowners wouldn't allow a tradesperson to use their toilet. 

When Jess took to social media, sharing the eye-opening incident, the video received an overwhelming response on the platform. For instance, @tomgoody17 commented, "The more people have, the less they give. We do some really nice, rich people gardens, and you don’t even get water in the height of summer, but then some tiny little garden, someone on a much lower income, and we have teas, coffees, homemade cakes, toilets, etc. You name it, they’ll gladly get it." Similarly, @spoonielifelover said, "I can't believe that! I always offer workmen a tea or coffee at the least! My dad was a plumber, and he said it always made him feel nice when someone did that."

On the other hand, @slowphie_w revealed, "I couldn't agree more, and it's especially hard if you are in the trade as a woman. It's such tough, tough work, so a cup of tea can really pick me up. Not to mention, I will go the extra mile for clients who are kind to me and even discount the price as an appreciation." Echoing the sentiments, @abbybrennan__ shared, "When we hired movers last year, they kept asking to use the bathroom every time they needed it, like yes! Of course! I wanted to let them all know they didn’t even need to ask, but they were working so fast I never got the chance. Wild that anyone would think differently." Another user, @siobhangaffney7, said, "You need to look after people working in your house. Offer tea and sandwiches, and make sure they are welcome to use any facilities. That's horrendous!"

You can follow Jess Baker-Smith (@jessybakersmith) on Instagram for lifestyle content.