Is it OK to turn up at someone's house unannounced?

Question

In my opinion, a phone call beforehand would be nice.

10 minutes ago someone rang my doorbell, I ignored it because I thought it was a travelling salesman (sorry to travelling salesmen out there!), however someone has continued to ring the bell (4 times now) and I'm too embarrassed to go and see who it is. This has happened to me several times before.

Thank you to those who suggested getting a spy hole fitted. Excellent idea. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment block with a main entrance and then my front door. Whoever it was, rang the bell from the main entrance.

Answer 1

That really pi**es me off!! We have a friend who does that and it's very annoying,a lot of the time we ignore the door now because of it.
They don't seem to consider that you might be busy,or not dressed appropriately for company,might be eating etc... it's very,very rude.

Answer 2

It's rude to turn up at someone's house unannounced for a real visit, but I always answer the doorbell... many possibilities have already been named; it could be a delivery, someone could've noticed something about your car or your garden or whatever... If it turns out it's a salesman I'll just tell him 'no' and shut the door. Even if it's a visitor I can't handle at the time because I'm busy, I'll just say so. If someone comes to my place without calling beforehand, that's the risk *they* take and if they're hurt by it, too bad.

Answer 3

OK yes it is very rude to show up at someones house unannounced, but answer the door and if it is a salesman of some type just say sorry not interested. It will only take about 5 minutes to do this. If this one of your friends or family members just ask them from now on can you let me know when you will be coming over so I can be a little more prepared. Remember that's your home stand up and let people know what you think, don't allow someone else to dictate what you do in your own home..

Answer 4

I agree that one should ALWAYS call for a social visit. I think it really strange, though, for someone not to check and see who's at the door when the bell rings! Curiosity would cause me to check. If it's a salesman, tell them no, go away. You should have a sign posted anyway about solicitors. But, what if it is the police, the meter reader, a neighbor telling you the tire on your car is down, someone from your past that didn't have a cell phone or your number that you'd truly like to see? A thousand things. If I were afraid....then I'd pay the money and add one of those little cameras to my computer and have a look see. Even if they rang 10 times, I wouldn't be embarrassed about opening my own door, or at least checking through the peephole who was there.

Answer 5

If it is a friend or relative then no, it is polite to ring up first to check that you are going to be in and you are not busy. However it might be one of your neighbours who want to borrow a cup of sugar or get a ball back which has gone in your garden or it might be a delivery man with an important package for you.

I would get a spy hole put in your front door so you can have a look at people first. Failing that you could just have a peek through the window. Also net curtains are very good because you can see out but they can not see in.

Answer 6

I personally don't show up at others joints unannounced but that's just me.
I don't answer my door most of the time either. I look through the peephole and if I don' t recognize you then I don't answer.

I pay the rent so I dictate when I answer the phone and door.
If someone noticed I was at home and didn't answer the door I don't care what they feel about it either. I have other things going on most of the time anyhow.

If it was that important someone would call me beforehand and let me know they were on the way.

Point being don't trip if you don't feel like answering the door or answering the phone etc...

Answer 7

In the British countryside people turn up unannounced all the time, and usually expect a chat and cup of coffee. You don't even have to know them very well, but that is the country. Most of the time the 'intrusion' is welcomed, because it makes a break in the day and there's usually some village gossip.

In the cities I've lived in I've found it is considered extremely rude to turn up unannounced. I would never just call round at someone's house without arranging it first and I would be stunned if someone turned up. Actually there was someone who used to just turn up if it looked like we were in. We used to hide.

Answer 8

With friends, it's only really annoying when someone turns up out of the blue, expecting to be entertained for the evening. A friend who turns up just for a quick word is always welcome.

We have an intercom fitted now, so unwanted salesmen never get past the door. The guy from "Talk Talk" got nowhere the other night.

Answer 9

I think yes, when you're all still students at uni, or it's a summer evening in school hols and you know you'll all be heading out to do something anyway.

However, very much no once you've moved out into your own home with your own busy life to attend to - after all, noone wants to be interrupted if they've made other plans and arriving unannounced is a bit rude, especially if you're living on your own and might be vulnerable.

If it's that important to you personally, they'll have your number to call you if it's urgent. I'd ignore it if I were you, it's probably just someone who can see you're in and wants to sell you something or offer to save your soul! Turn the music up and hope they'll go away - if it's a mate, they'll tell you about it next time you see them and you can all have a laugh about it (and that'll encourage 'em to call next time too!).

Stay safe...

Answer 10

I think that it all depends on your knowledge of and relationship with the people that are being called upon.

Ocassionally doing it may serve as a nice surprise but you also have to consider the time of day and appreciate that one day you may catch them at a bad time, private time or simply a time when your call is inappropriate or just plain intrusive.

A call beforehand to establish convenience would generally be the best course of action, to save a wasted trip, unwanted visit or embarrassment.

Answer 11

It's OK between good friends, but I try to call first. I hate to "get caught" in my pjs with the house a mess! Sometimes you're busy and don't want to be interrupted. It's just more courteous to give a call first. The only exception I can think of is a delivery from UPS....something you've been waiting for or maybe a surprise from the florist. That works! Jehoveh's Witnesses are sincere in their efforts, but I've never had them visit when I wasn't busy! Be careful of opening your door to strangers, OK? People who just pop in are kinda like telemarketers who interrupt your dinner.