Do you provide food/drinks to a work crew?

[The Metric System]

This week I had a crew of ~6 guys tearing out my old asphalt driveway and installing a new one.

This is hot hard work under any circumstances, especially on a sunny day in the middle of Summer.

While they were working my wife and I supplied them with ice chests full of water/Gatorade and small snacks like granola bars and beef jerky. We also passed around ice pops during their breaks.

Everything we made available got used, and the guys were super appreciative about it. At one point I said something like "It's not a big deal, I'm sure most people do something similar" and the crew lead's response was "No, never. Most homeowners don't even say hello to us."

This really surprised me, as I figured that if you have a crew working that hard at your house it's just common courtesy to be friendly and show them a bit of hospitality. We do this whenever we have people doing work around here; in the winter we have hot coffee available etc.

Do you provide drinks/snacks/etc to contractors, and if so what do people like? We've found the small bags of M&Ms trail mix are a year-round hit.

 

[ng8264723]

That is very nice of you. I offer drinks but usually not food

 

[larry4406]

I do for big projects

 

[mike93lx]

Always drinks. If guys are working at my house for the full day, I'll often offer to grab them lunch if they want.

 

[jrsavoie]

This week I had a crew of ~6 guys tearing out my old asphalt driveway and installing a new one.

This is hot hard work under any circumstances, especially on a sunny day in the middle of Summer.

While they were working my wife and I supplied them with ice chests full of water/Gatorade and small snacks like granola bars and beef jerky. We also passed around ice pops during their breaks.

Everything we made available got used, and the guys were super appreciative about it. At one point I said something like "It's not a big deal, I'm sure most people do something similar" and the crew lead's response was "No, never. Most homeowners don't even say hello to us."

This really surprised me, as I figured that if you have a crew working that hard at your house it's just common courtesy to be friendly and show them a bit of hospitality. We do this whenever we have people doing work around here; in the winter we have hot coffee available etc.

Do you provide drinks/snacks/etc to contractors, and if so what do people like? We've found the small bags of M&Ms trail mix are a year-round hit.

What you did is old school.
My wife's family wasn't like that. She never learned how to treat people

 

[Shiftless]

Last year there was a crew of between 2 and 6 guys working here for a whole week demoing concrete, leveling the area and building about 50 feet of low retaining wall using 60 pound blocks. Then installing about 300 sq. ft. of concrete pavers. Mornings were cold and we provided thermoses of hot coffee. Afternoons were warm and we changed to ice water. One day, a big plate of home made cookies.

 

[kaehlin]

I always offer drinks or maybe donuts for a bigger job. If it's just a couple of hours or a half day, probably not. Crews have typically been surprised when I offer, and appreciative. I see it as not just kindness, but also a good practice to get the best possible work.

 

[The Metric System]

I see it as not just kindness, but also a good practice to get the best possible work.

Yes, this is absolutely the case.

IME, being on a friendly basis with the guys doing the work make them more likely to stop and talk to you when there is a small problem or decision point that would benefit from the owner's involvement.

It definitely helps to get the job done faster, several times they've said something like "We could be at your place or another place today and we can here because we knew you'd have coffee and food."

At my job I'm certainly more motivated to do my best work when the client is friendly and hospitable.

 

[Steve W.]

If someone is home, always provide water or other drinks. Offers of getting lunch for them have been made on occasion, but not always.

.

 

[manwithtools]

Always! This was the lunch served to our shop build crew on a chilly fall day.

 

[larry_g]

Absolutely do provide for workers. We have had Hispanic workers at times and find them most appreciative to provide them with drinks from their culture. My wife on occasion provided homemade cookies or cinnamon rolls. Provide them with a shady area to take a break depending on the job. Just a little bit of nice goes a long way to having good work done.

Some years back I had a boss that would grab me, or another on the team, and say lets go get an ice cream at the cafeteria where we worked. . We would talk about the job and he would point out a few accomplishments I'd made and what I wanted to do in the future. That $.25 ice cream cone bought more loyalty than any raise I received. I've always tried to pay that forward.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[strength_and_power]

I’m in the field and this time of year, most customers offer bottles of water. I am usually a solo operation so there is an occasional cash tip. When working with a coworker, drinks are still offered but usually no tip.

When I have workers at the house, I always offer drinks. I’ve been known to fire up the grill and cook lunch.

 

[Jgaz]

I always offer drinks at the minimum.
This time of year, here in Phoenix, I will always offer something to the various delivery drivers as well, if I see them.

 

[LWB]

Cold drinks, coffee and a good tip if they do good work. Their boom box crapped out once and we bought them a new one. They were worth every penny and will be back.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Drinks/coffee/tea as well as snacks always. Full meal depends, but we’ve had contractors/workers share the table with us and/or include them (free of charge obviously) with an order for delivery.

Have offered to crews working for the utilities in our street as well, but they are generally very reluctant to take something - even if it’s just something to drink.

Haven’t known it any other way.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[WisJim]

Haven't had much hired work done, but when our standing seam metal roof was underway, wife baked cookies, offered beverages, and I tipped all the crew individually because they were hard working, pleasant, polite and did a great job. Our house is tall, awkward to access, and 12 different sections.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Always! This was the lunch served to our shop build crew on a chilly fall day.

Dang! I wanna come work for you!

 

[manwithtools]

Dang! I wanna come work for you!

You are welcome anytime. The trip might be a little longer than when we lived in Ramona...

 

[kbuhagiar]

We ALWAYS provide refreshments (water and Coca-Cola) for any workers or crews. My wife and I always make a point to introduce ourselves, and we also show them where the bathroom is for their convenience. For outdoor crews we open up the garage bathroom, which has a man door to the outside.

I did bring donuts once a week for the crew that built my garage because, you know, it's the garage.

This minimum (to us) level of hospitality certainly seems to bring out the best in all of the workers we have had on our property. I know for a fact that they all appreciate it, and I couldn't think of doing things any differently.

 

[liliysdad]

Snacks, lunch, water, and beer if they want it.

 

[Skyman]

It's routine for us to offer food and drinks. Coffee, tea or sodas when they arrive, more during the day, food as well. Ice cold beer, or other beverages when the day's work is done.

I always give a generous cash bonus also after good work has been completed. It's never the reason, but as noted by others already, a benefit to us is that they'll be happy to return for more work if we need them to do so, and will take extra care and do their best when they do come back.

Everybody likes to know they are appreciated and to be rewarded for doing good work. Kindness and generosity are what nourishes a healthy society. We could use a lot more of it these days.

 

[mepstein]

This week I had a crew of ~6 guys tearing out my old asphalt driveway and installing a new one.

This is hot hard work under any circumstances, especially on a sunny day in the middle of Summer.

While they were working my wife and I supplied them with ice chests full of water/Gatorade and small snacks like granola bars and beef jerky. We also passed around ice pops during their breaks.

Everything we made available got used, and the guys were super appreciative about it. At one point I said something like "It's not a big deal, I'm sure most people do something similar" and the crew lead's response was "No, never. Most homeowners don't even say hello to us."

This really surprised me, as I figured that if you have a crew working that hard at your house it's just common courtesy to be friendly and show them a bit of hospitality. We do this whenever we have people doing work around here; in the winter we have hot coffee available etc.

Do you provide drinks/snacks/etc to contractors, and if so what do people like? We've found the small bags of M&Ms trail mix are a year-round hit.

99% don't. Most people don't even talk to the people working on their house or property. Even a bit of chit chat and a compliment on their work can go a long way.
A while ago, I had a crew working on my house. We have a little country store that makes sandwiches and snacks very close to the house but it's pricy compared to what people might be used to paying for a sandwich and drink. I gave each guy $20 with the explanation that the store was overpriced but tasty. Those guys worked hard and left the job site looking perfect. It was a cheap investment.

 

[jblnut]

I provide all people that work on my property or on my projects food and beverages. I’ll make sure it’s good home cooked stuff if it’s a larger crew or ask for lunch orders if it’s just a few guys and go pick food up. I always have a few dozen bottles of Gateraid or similar in the shop ready to be chilled when I know people are coming.

I like making crockpot meals for crews and they always appreciate it. When we do company things I make sure to have food/drinks available on the company dime. When people are fed and not thirsty they’re way more producing and always in a better mood.

Most of my contractors have my shop door code and most will let themselves in if there is work to do inside. You gotta pair with the right people for that. Last winter I needed a couple circuits ran in the shop and told me electrician to park inside and that there were leftovers in the fridge. When I got home he was gonna and he washed his dishes and cleaned up the office sink a bit. People are more grateful than one thinks.

 

[Diesel Dan]

When they poured my shop floor in July I had a cooler onsite full of drinks and snacks if they wanted any.

 

[LOW1]

Donuts to start the day. Ice cream treats in the afternoon if it’s hot

 

[PCustoms]

The couple times I've hired out work I typically put a cooler full of water and Gatorade out.

$50-$100 in the grand scheme of whatever project you have them doing is nothing, and it's such a simple gesture.

 

[kbuhagiar]

The couple times I've hired out work I typically put a cooler full of water and Gatorade out.

$50-$100 in the grand scheme of whatever project you have them doing is nothing, and it's such a simple gesture.

^^^This right here^^^

 

[HoosierMark]

When I built my house 10 years ago I provided donuts every morning at least two dozen for a crew of 6-12. They appreciated it and knew I appreciated their attention to issues. I live outside of a small town and knew it was $20 a day well spent. I still take workers to lunch if the timing works out. Of course drinks are always offered. If possible i check with the owner or boss first as I think it shows respect.

 

[strutaeng]

I have for larger projects also.

 

[BurtEggley]

I usually make a run for something if they want it. Some guys like to take a break, sit in the yard and enjoy the day with a meal provided to them, others prefer to get away from the worksite for awhile and go somewhere to take a break. It is all up to them. If it is exceptionally hot I provide fans, sometimes music, sometimes not depending on the work. I managed people for almost 60 years of my life, and while it is a challenge, most but not all people appreciate a little attention. I stay close enough to help with the job if it is something I can do but far enough away so they don't think I am spying on them. I also tip when the job is done if the owner or foreman allows it. Some do not because they feel it spoils their guys and takes their attention and loyalty away. Usually the tip is given in a way like this, "Here is something so you can pick up dinner on the way home, its been a long day," or "have lunch on me tomorrow. I appreciate the hard work." I also expect the work done correctly, and am willing to pay to avoid cutting corners that will cost me more later.

 

[PCustoms]

I managed people for almost 60 years of my life, and while it is a challenge, most but not all people appreciate a little attention.

Early in my career worked for a company that called around in the morning to get a bunch of drinks put in the freezer at the grocery store, then we'd grab them and ice them down at lunch and the managers would hand them out that afternoon. Sometimes the owner would strap a cooler on and give out popsicles.

Suggested similar when I was in management later in life and got looked at like I had 2 heads. So I'd go out and get stuff for my crew. Showing up at 10pm to eat an ice cream sandwich with the night shift was simple, cooler of sodas/Gatorade in the office after lunch etc.

 

[signcrafter]

I hire very little out, think I can count on one finger the jobs I've hired out in the last decade. A couple years ago we had hail damage and I hired the roof out because insurance didn't want to pay for new metal roof because they said it was cosmetic damage. Told a friend of a friend that is in the roofing industry that if he got insurance to pay the job was his no questions. I supplied drinks and lunch and beer at the end of the day.

I can tell you since I'm working on other people's houses every week that it is very much appreciated to get drinks or food. I have many customers that do this for me all the time and really appreciate it. I can't say I do a better job because I try to do my best job no matter what. But it does keep you in a good mood making the job go better and I will often do extra little things for free in return.

 

[mrb1]

Coffee and water always. Beer when finished if they like. Hell, I'm drinking it in front of them all day. Seems rude not to. If the vibe is cool, I sometimes ask if they shoot pool. Have had a few stick around and play some. Couple carpet guys years ago were here. Old feller and a younger helper doing the back of the house. Apprentice shot more than he did lay carpet. Old man didn't mind

 

[niget2002]

I had a concrete crew a few years ago doing work during the summer. I put a dorm fridge under the carport and kept it filled with bottled water for them. They were appreciative.

 

[gahrajmahal]

My mom did it for her employees and that is where I learned it. I have had many show appreciation with drinks, food and tips when I was working, and it was always appreciated. I learned to not refuse these gifts as was sometimes told to do, the giver gets as much as the receiver most times. Recently, I purchased a pack of four 10$ Starbucks gift cards and give them to the poor overworked pharmacist who gives the flue shots etc. The last one almost cried when I gave it to her.

 

[Kurt4440]

I think providing food and drinks is the right thing to do. Of course, I am too young to hire work crews because I am only in my early 60's. When my friends or family work together, there is always food, drinks and snacks. When people who I know hire a crew, I suggest that they treat them the same way I treat my family.

 

[i84x]

We always offer drinks and sometimes some biscuits etc and if it’s dinner time sometimes we make sandwiches for everyone. Though from what some of the workmen say its rare.
One builder we had said a customer offered them drinks, biscuits, food, bottled water etc and was super friendly then at the end of the job had tallied it all up and wanted it knocking off the price of the job.
And I’ve heard plenty of stories of customers being rude or acting as if because they’re paying they can boss you around.

 

[firebirdparts]

Yes.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

This week I had a crew of ~6 guys tearing out my old asphalt driveway and installing a new one.

This is hot hard work under any circumstances, especially on a sunny day in the middle of Summer.

While they were working my wife and I supplied them with ice chests full of water/Gatorade and small snacks like granola bars and beef jerky. We also passed around ice pops during their breaks.

Everything we made available got used, and the guys were super appreciative about it. At one point I said something like "It's not a big deal, I'm sure most people do something similar" and the crew lead's response was "No, never. Most homeowners don't even say hello to us."

This really surprised me, as I figured that if you have a crew working that hard at your house it's just common courtesy to be friendly and show them a bit of hospitality. We do this whenever we have people doing work around here; in the winter we have hot coffee available etc.

Do you provide drinks/snacks/etc to contractors, and if so what do people like? We've found the small bags of M&Ms trail mix are a year-round hit.

Mrs. Lumber makes sure that scheduled tradespeoples get offered food and/or drinks and/or snacks.
In fact, a few times I was warned to stay away from the goodies because they weren’t for me.
We had a new roof installed a few years back. Owner of the company had two crews. One crew was a few old-timers; other crew was younger guys from Guatemala. The Guatemala crew was run by one of their own. Those guys know plenty about hard work.
Mrs. Lumber speaks Spanish and it makes a big difference when she offers food/drinks as well as when she has special instructions, questions for Spanish speaking crew.

 

[Viper98912]

I think it depends. If it's a hot nasty day and the crew is busting their butts and is professional in their work (e.g., they introduced themselves, they are careful with your property, they listen and respect your questions and desires), then yes I provide some drinks and even a box fan to help them cool down during breaks.

One of my elder family members likes to give out cash tips to everyone who as much as gives a smile. I personally disagree with the gesture but it's not my choice nor money.