We are in the third week of basement renovations with a team of contractors who are doing an outstanding job and are great guys as well. So while I’m at work my wife is managing this job, which could be painful and unpleasant for her if they were a-holes or whatever.
I’ve met them a few times when I get home from work and they’re busting their asses, the work they do is excellent, and they’re great guys.
So we’re wondering how, above and beyond the expense of the job, do we thank them? What’s the convention, if there is one, for tipping/thanking people like this? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I’m very demanding as a homeowner; part of that comes from being an Engineer, but really I just want to be able to pay for value.
When I find a great contractor, I “tip” them in the following ways:
I give them lunch at least once a week, a decent lunch. Sometimes more than that.
If they are working outside on cold days, I make hot cocoa for them (premium stuff too).
I always have cold/hot drinks for them.
For exceptional work, I tip something like $50/$100 in cash to the individuals on the project. I also follow up by writing a good old-fashioned letter telling their boss, or else a “to whom it may concern,” how good they were.
I’m an architect. I think that while everyone loves money and almost nobody would turn it down, it’s kind of a put down to tip. Provide cool/hot drinks, an occasional lunch and if the project was successful - a party at the end, and references. I don’t know anyone who has tipped their contractors in money. But like I said, people like money so while I wouldn’t do it for the ‘boss’ (they make good money), maybe the lower earning guys could get a few bucks.
Contractor here. Speaking personally, while a cash tip is great, the best thing you can do for me is recommend me to your family and friends. Contractors get a bad rap (there are a lot of bad ones out there giving the rest of us a bad name), so whatever positive press we get is gold. Referrals from former clients are more likely to turn into a signed contract than a cold call generated from a yellow pages ad or because someone saw our name on our truck on the road.
One guy we worked for even got us listed in the Home Owner’s Association newsletter as a “preferred contractor”. His development has about 120+ homes, all about 25 years old, which means they are all about due for new roofs, windows, and decks, not to mention kitchen and bath upgrades. I’d happily take whatever extra effort he took to make that happen over almost any amount of a gratuity or bonus.
This. Plus, good contractors are professionals (maybe not by definition but I’d say so) , and we don’t tip professionals. A good referral, (action taken, not just a promised) is appreciated. If you still want to throw in a bonus, offer them something like tickets to a pro sports game/theater tickets or any sought after event - if you’ll be there or are hosting that’s even better.
I only addressed the ‘boss’ issue’. Generally, construction workers are well paid unless they’re illegal. Generally, in the U.S. we tip the very lowest wage earners like waiters and cab drivers although there are exceptions. If a construction worker did something special (I once had a guy haul out a water heater from my basement) I’d tip him for sure - but not for showing up and doing the job. I do believe in showing appreciation (hot/cold drinks, an occasional lunch and a party at the end if the project turns out well).
Did a kitchen/bath remodel with a local contractor ( one man outfit). I was his gofer, helper etc (we had worked this out up front)
Anyway he did some extra stuff for free/ reduced rates (very reduced) because we were buddies.
While working on the job he was having some issues with his Skill saw. It was worn and in need of service.
As a tip I went and bought him a brand new Model 77 Skill saw, and wrote a strong letter of recommendation.
When I gave the two to him, I though he was going to cry. He was touched.
Made my day.
What turtlescanfly said. As a trades person tips make me uncomfortable, but a little cash for an extra favour (if I truly have the time and resources) is fair. The offer of a hot or cold beverage is always appreciated. Lunch is above and beyond and a very nice thing to do, but understand that I am here to get a job done. I am a human and I need to use a washroom regularly so I would appreciate if you let me use yours. If the only hand towel there is your Genoan artisanal show piece I can wipe my hands on my pants, but a functional towel would be better.
The most important thing is referrals and positive reviews. If you truly appreciate my work, the best thing you can do is let others know. And please if there is an issue tell me rather than pretending to be happy with everything .
I don’t tip tradesmen. These are usually trained craftsmen, not someone who serves burgers for a living. I don’t buy lunch for them, either, but will offer water or iced tea on warm days. I worked in the biz myself and a tip would have shocked me into incoherence.
I like Rick’s idea. provide them with plenty of drinks, tell them they did a great job, have a nice party and check if they happen to need a new tool or something like that. Also, tell people that they are good. This always helps.
We’ve had work done (new roof, new windows, new siding, roof extension) each of the past 3 summers. When I get home from work the crews would typically be packing it in for the day and I’d offer/share some beers with them. The contractor has gotten a few more jobs off of our recommendations and he has called a few times to thank us.
As an old house owner I frequently need good workmen on a moments notice. So I sometimes give members of my “team” (plumber, carpenter etc) an extra $50-$100 randomly for a job well done. Hope it isnt offensive but they seem to appreciate it. Eta: and good references always.
As a professional contractor, I never accept tips. People do offer them all the time, some slip it into my hand or into the pocket of my jacket, I’ve even had them stuffed in my pants. I always politely refuse, and leave the money behind.
If you appreciate my work just say so, provide a reference for future clients, and pay me on time. I f you would like to buy the crew coffee, sandwiches, lemonade, etc. that’s one thing but cash is a no-no as far as I’m concerned.
Even when clients ask for extras or little favours, there’s no cash involved. It’s unprofessional and sets a bad example for employees and a precedence for bad business practices.
ETA I don’t find it offensive, I know people want to show their appreciation, but it is unnecessary.
A good review on Angie’s List and/or any other review sites you might know about is better than any money tip - mostly for the contractor, but it also helps the workers in keeping them employed.
A “wrap party” at the end, like they do on This Old House, might be fun but it may not actually appeal to all of the workers.
So frequent treats like lunch or cookies or brownies would probably do the most to show your appreciation to the actual workers. If you’re doing a project with a lot of different kinds of workers (carpenters, electricians, plumbers, a tile guy, a floor guy, etc.) it’s probably going to be hard to get them all together at the same time for any general appreciation.
This is from experience, having had two major renovation projects in two years.
Roddy
