Tipping a builder

fergiesfav

What would be the usual protocol when work is finishing up on a build. Would you tip the builders. I don't mean everyone that worked on the project but say the guys that were they most of the time and that you would have gotten to know a bit?

sweetie

no. any decent builder would price the job well enough to be happy with his fee.

fergiesfav

I mainly mean the lads working for the builder

sydthebeat

fergiesfav wrote: »

What would be the usual protocol when work is finishing up on a build. Would you tip the builders. I don't mean everyone that worked on the project but say the guys that were they most of the time and that you would have gotten to know a bit?

Completely up to you and that would be a lovely gesture.

sweetie

it's your money but it's hardly necessary, we're not in the states.

Metric Tensor

I have never heard of this happening but maybe it does. Definitely not "expected."

As syd says - it would be a very nice gesture - but I think I would reserve it for someone who has gone above and beyond!

ec_pc

Used to give the odd crate of beer to some of the builders here and there on a Friday evening and it was well received. Helped with a good relationship and we did benefit in the long run during the build especially if looking for the odd favour at later stages.

antimatterx

The dad works in construction and has sometimes got tipped. It's more money, it's appreciated and the client is fondly though of.

mad m

Bottle of wine, scratch cards, thank you card! Think Tesco have 6 for price of 5 at mo...

howsshenow

Unless you have been scrutinising the quality of their work closely and are familiar with Building regulations and know that they have complied or exceeded... Not a cent.
Typically loads of soft talk and rushing to their next job... Just my experience.

John_Rambo

howsshenow wrote: »

Unless you have been scrutinising the quality of their work closely and are familiar with Building regulations and know that they have complied or exceeded... Not a cent.
Typically loads of soft talk and rushing to their next job... Just my experience.

Fair point for the one of job. I wouldn't be familiar with regs at all. However, we've a builder that's done a few jobs for us over the years on a few properties, one over the last few weeks. The builder (a friend) gets paid and the tradesmen get a box of good beer and a bottle of wine each. The price is comparatively minuscule, they know the score and it works for us.

I'm sure they'd do just as good a job without the gratuity, but the clean up and little extra's are excellent in comparison to what I've seen in neighbours and friends jobs.

As pointed though, these are return jobs. The same crew coming back each time so there's a professional & friendly relationship built from day one.

scwazrh

If it’s a company ,best to keep the relationship professional but if it’s a one man band doing a few jobs for you then it’s a nice gesture and you’ll be thought fondly of .

Dr Turk Turkelton

My parents built their house in 1978. At the end of the job my Dad brought the main guys from it out in the beer for the night and something to eat.
Whenever I'm in New York(used to live there) I still run into one lad who was a young bricklayer on the job back then and he still talks about being brought out like that for the night and buys me beer for the night and won't let me get him any back!

Tony H

my missus tips anyone who does work for us , it does my head in , but if she (we) needs something done in a hurry they nearly always turn up fairly quickly .