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April 14, 2009
Tipping Contractors/Workers?
Does anyone have any advice about tipping workers/the foreman/contractor on a job? I am having some work done in my backyard and the two worker guys have done a great job -- I'd like to tip them but am unsure about the amount? Also, is it expected that I'd tip my contractor and/or the foreman guy? Thanks for any advice.
Comments
Always a tough one. I'd tip the two guys since there's a chance the foreman or the GC won't give them anything if they got it.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 13, 2009 1:04 PM
More than tips at the end of the job, we tend to keep lots of beverages, snacks, sometimes even more extensive food selections around for work crews. Depending on the nature and duration of work, if there are homestyle ethnic foods we can provide, we'll do that too. Mostly, we try to make the jobsite as comfortable as possible in terms of bathroom access, changing areas, places to store tools, etc.
As to tips, when applicable, better off handed directly to each person who might deserve one, than relying on one person to distribute.
Posted by: vinca at April 13, 2009 1:25 PM
They don't expect tips. If you thought some workers did an exceptional job than give the tip directly to them and be sure to mention to the foreman and owner who is doing the great work. The owner would prefer referrals for the next job.
Posted by: nyurb at April 13, 2009 2:01 PM
thank you, I appreciate your responses.
Posted by: tgust99 at April 13, 2009 3:13 PM
If your contractor did a great job, a gift is always a nice gesture, and feels different than a tip.
Posted by: vanburenproud at April 13, 2009 9:16 PM
No, they don't expect tips. I've done it twice, though. The last time was for a gut renovation in PA and I gave him a tip halfway through the job it was going so well.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 14, 2009 9:47 AM
Tips are always appreciated. It's also nice to keep bathroom access and supplies (tp and soap) for the crew. I've had pizza delivered to the job site (my gut renovation)as a small way to say thanks periodically during the job. Food and toilet paper go a long way on a construction site.
Posted by: VF at April 14, 2009 9:57 AM
One contractor we hired (and never again), I was convinced he was ripping off his Latino workers, he treated them like crap, so I gave all the guys some $ "for lunch" a couple of times to keep them a little more motivated, since they obviously hated el jefe as much as we did.
The other thing I do is insist anybody who works here gives their guys proper eye protection for power-tool use (polycarbonate with side pieces) and masks--not just disposable ones but real particle filter masks or even respirators if they're going to be near bird droppings, lead, asbestos, etc. (we've got it all). Boss and sometimes workers may think this is a pain in the ass, but workers are often surprisingly grateful that anybody gives a sh*t. Not losing an eye and not getting a lung disease is even better than a tip.
Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at April 14, 2009 12:07 PM
Nothing is expected except to be paid when the job is done.
It's definitely greatly appreciated when you order pizza and soda once in a while. I'm telling you from experience. Definitely buy lunch and drinks a couple of times and offer coffee once in a while.
Never offer beer. You don't want them drinking on the job no matter what the amount. Power tools and alcohol don't mix.
Posted by: GabeS at April 14, 2009 1:39 PM
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