Blue collar gratuity?

[wfopete]

I have a contractor replacing the roofing to include trusses, on my house. I would say that quality for the work has been fair but the crew rarely puts in anything more than a 6 six-hour day. As far as the boss man goes, there is poor communication on a daily basis as to how the job is going and the crew does not appear to well equipped as they are using my saw horses, ladder, extension, cords etc. but are supplying their own tools (thankfully). Kind of makes me wonder. I'm not too familiar with the construction trade but I built a few things myself. I generally don't see the attention to detail given to the work that I would give.

Is there such a thing as a gratuity for a job well done and what would be some of the things I should look for that would or would not be deserving of a gratuity?

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

they are using your tools and you're not satisfied with the level of detail, yet you want to give them a tip?

 

[UncleJoe]

From your description I would say not gratuity is warranted. I am a big fan of rewarding good work. Last summer I needed some large trees taken out. I got several bids and one was $1200 and the others were all $3,000 and up. I was concerned about the low bid but the guy presented himself well when he made the bid. I called a few references and they were all great. I hired him to do the job. His crew did an excellent job. They did far more than I expected and they were careful to not drop the trees in the garden and they cleaned up everything. When they were done the job was much better than I anticipated. I gave the guy a $200 tip for him and his crew and he looked shocked.

We get some hurricanes around here and when we do there is a lot of tree damage. After he got the tip he told me that when the next hurricane comes if I call him I would go the the front of the list.

When a guy does good work I have no problem tipping him.

 

[wfopete]

they are using your tools and you're not satisfied with the level of detail, yet you want to give them a tip?

To clairify, they are not using my hand/power tools, just cords, ladder, saw horses. Personaly, I don't see a tip in thier future but I thought maybe I just don't understand the biz.

 

[JoeMopar]

To clairify, they are not using my hand/power tools, just cords, ladder, saw horses. Personaly, I don't see a tip in thier future but I thought maybe I just don't understand the biz.

If one of the contractors employee's were to get hurt using your ladder, saw horse, extension cords or whatever else you are letting them use, you would be involved in a law suit probably more so than just the fact that they are on your property.

 

[Wingnut65]

A tip is for a job well done or for good service. Like UncleJoe says, if the work is far more than you expected, its a way of saying thanks. A fair job that is just good enough to get by really doesn't deserve anything more than what they asked for.

 

[bdkruger1]

I've got a tip for them: Go buy some ladders, cords, and sawhorses. A*sholes.

 

[Orangestang]

I've got a tip for them: Go buy some ladders, cords, and sawhorses. A*sholes.

X2

 

[Kentuckian]

Every once in a while I would get a tip from a customer when I had my carpet installation business but I never looked for one on a regular basis. That did not stop me from doing good work and leaving a job looking nicer than when I got there.

After retiring from that trade I got into the expediting/delivery business. Delivering on time is part of the job and again I never look for a tip. On one occasion I had to use my open car trailer to deliver a racing go-cart in a crate. The driveway back to a rear shop/garage on a large estate was winding but I had adequate room to maneuver my trailer. After getting unloaded the owner gave me and my helper each a $50 tip for a job well done. He said I was the first delivery guy to ever get back to his shop without running off his driveway and with a trailer yet.

Sure blue collar tips are accepted but I do not put my hand out looking for one. I will only tip a blue collar guy if I feel he has gone way beyond what I would have normally expected.

 

[december45]

here is a tip... just buy them some beer when they finish up and you are COMPLETELY satisfied.... I like being in the "know" when you got guys working on a project, if a foreman/supervisor keeps me informed and gives me an idea what the plan is for the next day, it goes along way in keeping me happy. Im not a big fan of showing at 10 am and leaving at 2 or 3 pm, but these are things that i try to make understood and am in aggreement with before the job starts.
i figure you are the one paying... make sure its going the way YOU want.

 

[kmacht]

When I hire someone, the only time I tip is if I think they went above and beyond the job that I hired them for. For example, we had some concrete delivered for my garage build. I had myself and two other people helping me spread and screed it. The guy that did the actual delivery was a real professional. He suggested ways of getting the truck in without damaging the driveway or anything else. He was spot on running the chute and delivering the material just where we needed it when we needed it. All of this is what I expected when I hired him for the delivery. Although nice, it didn't warrant a tip. What did warrant a tip was when the guy got out of the truck after doing the delivery and picked up a rake and helped us spread it all out. He didn't have to do that. He could have just asked for the check and left. For that extra help I gave him a nice tip.

Think of it this way, a contractor is someone you hire to do a specific job for a specific price. If all that they do is that job then you owe them nothing but the price you agreed on. If they went above and beyond then you should consider a tip to show your appreciation.

Keith

 

[NUTTSGT]

We bought some carpet from HD a few years back. I liked the contractor hired to do it and asked for one of his business cards.

I had him come back later to lay some carpet in my daughter's bedroom. Then a month later, he was back to do the upstairs hallway and stairs. I had measured wrong, atleast to the good side. The way he cut and used the carpet, there was enough to do the dining room. He came back about 3 days later and did it in the evening. All the jobs he did for me on his time, between jobs regularly scheduled, I paid him cash and threw in an extra 20-40 bucks.

After the last job, I asked him about the bathroom, as it had multiple cuts and corners. He asked me just to leave the carpet in one piec as I took it out, so he could use it as a pattern. The day before our daughter's grad party, (I was busting *** trying to get house projects done) he was there to lay the carpet like I asked. He went out of his way to be and get it done. I gave him an extra tip that day. The following Friday, I showed up at his shop with a styrofoam cooler full of Icehouse (his brand)on ice. It was there when he was done for the week. I talked to him at a later date and he thanked me for the beer.

Since then I have recommended him to family and friends.

 

[Az Scooter]

Tips are always nice, but not expected. I would think that a roofing crew would have their own equipment, expecially since they are likely charging you a professional price. I do not mind loaning the occasional piece, but really, they should bring their own stuff, at least by the second day, because they know what the job is going to take. As for the work 6 hours thing, I would be interested in the "reasons" that they give. My guess is the boss does not want to pay over time, and it is an hour trip with prep and cleanup time.

 

[spongerich]

I almost always tip the guys when we have work done or get something large delivered.
If they're complete fuckups, then that's a different story.

If they really go above and beyond, then I'm inclined to over tip a little, especially if it's someone who I expect to use again...

 

[Weedwaka]

I wish I had that problem. The trades that we had deserved nothing. Some didn't get paid with anything but the boot. I say , if you get a good crew that does a real nice job, beer em up. I HATE bringing trades in.

 

[Jononon]

Tip them?! I can't understand why you let them in the house. Quite aside from liability issues from their using your kit, what kind of roofer doesn't own a ladder?

Couldn't be that it's harder to steal a ladder from a jobsite than a bag full of tools?

 

[blue dog]

To answer your original question, No, gratuity is not customary for the blue collar worker. Now with that being said, if the guys were doing a bang up job and you were pleased with there work daily, get them pizza and some cold waters and soda for lunch. Never give them beer. If they have a few and have an accident on the way home, well , you see where i am going with this.
You need to have a talk with the boss man about the workers bringing there own tools and working full days.

 

[mikevango]

We bought some carpet from HD a few years back. I liked the contractor hired to do it and asked for one of his business cards.

I had him come back later to lay some carpet in my daughter's bedroom. Then a month later, he was back to do the upstairs hallway and stairs. I had measured wrong, atleast to the good side. The way he cut and used the carpet, there was enough to do the dining room. He came back about 3 days later and did it in the evening. All the jobs he did for me on his time, between jobs regularly scheduled, I paid him cash and threw in an extra 20-40 bucks.

After the last job, I asked him about the bathroom, as it had multiple cuts and corners. He asked me just to leave the carpet in one piec as I took it out, so he could use it as a pattern. The day before our daughter's grad party, (I was busting *** trying to get house projects done) he was there to lay the carpet like I asked. He went out of his way to be and get it done. I gave him an extra tip that day. The following Friday, I showed up at his shop with a styrofoam cooler full of Icehouse (his brand)on ice. It was there when he was done for the week. I talked to him at a later date and he thanked me for the beer.

Since then I have recommended him to family and friends.

this is what i like to hear (except the home depot part) as i am a flooring contractor.

 

[Ign]

I'm flat out embarrassed to ask for a customer's tools of any sort. Once in a great while I'll sheepishly ask for something small if I forgot it, but I'll use it as quickly as possible and return it.

There's no way I'd ever ask for ladders, sawhorses and cords. Maybe ONE of those things, and that would only be for ONE day. The next day I'd show up w my own stuff.

 

[larry_g]

My way is to have something extra for the workers while they are on the job.. A cooler stocked with drinks, no beer till the end of the day, a snack tray or donuts and coffee at break time. If they are lucky Mrs G will have some homade rolls or something. Please them up front and the job may go a bit better.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[dcovey]

I agree..No tip for these guy's..

When the crew was here building my shop I kept a cooler full of Gatoraid iced down for them.. When they were finished I gave the foreman 120.00 and told him it was enough to get the crew nice dinner.

The concrete guy's on the other hand didn't do as nice as I would have liked. The boss was hung over from the night before and took off early leaving me to supervise. Unfortunately I don't do concrete..I kept the Gatoraid for them, but no tip..

Dave

 

[Stuart in MN]

Since then I have recommended him to family and friends.

Most contractors I've talked to have said this is the best tip of all. A few extra bucks or a case of beer is nice, but if they can get more work based on your recommendations that's a lot better.

 

[kywildcat]

Most contractors I've talked to have said this is the best tip of all. A few extra bucks or a case of beer is nice, but if they can get more work based on your recommendations that's a lot better.

My contractor called me today at lunch and ask if he could use me as a reference on my garage. He has a customer who wants to look at his work, and I said no problem, as long as its on a weekend and I am home. I am going to use the same contractor next month to build a large roof over my pack porch, and he told me he would knock a couple hundred off the price for letting the guy come look. Looks like I got a tip, as well as him getting more work!!!

 

[bazzateer]

I always keep workmen fed and watered when they're working on my property. When I say fed I mean bicuits (cookies) with the drinks.

I have a great builder and a carpet fitter, both of whom I've used several times and will use again. I've also recommended them to others.

 

[little d]

Everyone has to start out but, my god, ladders, saw horses and cords are minimal. As someone said, i wouldn't even think of borrowing someones tools, let alone the customers! This is a HUGE red flag for me and I'd have to be looking over their shoulder on every move.

As far as the g.c. is concerned, I go out of my way to make sure that the customer is up to date on the job; what has been done, what needs to be done, when i expect to have it done, ect... I'm afraid I'd be having an unpleasant talk with him!

If i take on a job, as a g.c. or sub, i take on the responsibility of taking care of myself and/or crew. There have been times when the customer has offered refreshments and i will usually graciously accept although, like i said, i take care of myself and/or crew.
On occasion i have been offered a tip, which i always politely decline, thanking them and asking them instead to refer me to their friends. I have never been lacking for work, even in this economy.

To me, as a minimum, i expect: Be there, on time. Have what you need to do the job or go get it. Do quality work. Communication. Clean up the job site. If the contractor goes above and beyond this then by all means, offer a tip but don't be upset if they decline it, pass the word on to your friends.

 

[mjozefow]

I have been paid more than a bid amount for a job well done. It is a really great feeling, and I have a great rapport with that customer. I do not ever expect it though.

If someone does a really great job for you, round the check upward. Or get them a gift card to a place non-work related. (restaurant so they can take the family out or something)

 

[Zeke]

Lots of good comments here. I have been in the home improvement business for 40 years with brief forays into commercial work and some new construction thrown in for good measure. I do believe I have done excellent work 98% of the time. No one is perfect and sometimes things just don't jive. Still, I've had many compliments on the workmanship and overall job demeanor.

However, I have received tips on less than say 5% of my work. That's OK with me if I can get referrals out of the job. That's being tipped enough.

I do agree that it's really cool if the customer wants to provide water or refreshments during or after. I will say that the gesture will be repaid in extra effort to please.

By most.

 

[CreekRat]

The guy I hired to pour my concrete garage floor made a total mess of it so he and his son came back the following week to grind it down. Even though it was a mess they caused I was still impressed with the dedication they showed in trying to make the problem right.

I offered them a couple hundred cover their expenses for the day but to their credit they didn't accept. I think we both would have been much happier had it of been a tip for the original job well done and not as thanks for NOT leaving me hanging with a bad floor. I did have them back out to do some basic carpentry which they showed much more skill at.

 

[toolmiser]

We had a second story added to our ranch house about 10 years ago. Our former neighbor was the GC, and we knew he (they) would do a nice job. They tore off the old roof on Monday, and had the new roof tar papered before they left Friday. We made sure the laborers each got $20.00 that week. We think it let them know we appreciated their work, and also made the rest of the project go better in terms of time and quality. I also always make it known that people working for me are treated like guests not like hired labor.

 

[M-technik-3]

they are using your tools and you're not satisfied with the level of detail, yet you want to give them a tip?

No doubt. I had issues with my contractor and they bid the job ok but would I tip them on a completed job? NO They bid the Job if they got it done early and right great if they were slow and problematic I would want some funds back.

Mine is coming back come spring as they failed to do a through cleaning and they killed some of my newly planted Abrovities.

Do you tip your mechanic when he changes the oil?

 

[never enuf time]

When I was starting out in Carpentry, I would get tipped all the time (probably didn't charge enough). As I gained experience the tips slowed as the bids were more competitive.

I have one customer that always give me more than the bill, so I give him free labor on extras.

Lunch, donut's, coffee, drinks, etc are very appreciated, & rewarded with extra work or clean up.

A tip is not required, just timely pay the bill & your on my good list. The very best tip is a referral to future work.

 

[Kevin54]

A tip goes to a waitress who is only making a few dollars an hour, works her *** off, and does a great job. A tip to a contractor who is probably charging too much anyways is out of the question, let alone if he is using some of your equipment. Maybe he should knock some off of the price for tool rental from you.

 

[Graymills - Craig]

Most contractors I've talked to have said this is the best tip of all. A few extra bucks or a case of beer is nice, but if they can get more work based on your recommendations that's a lot better.

Don't forget Angie's List or Yelp. Good reviews there can make a contractor.

 

[bazzateer]

Do you tip your mechanic when he changes the oil?

I draw the line at tipping myself!

 

[Roots]

I always keep workmen fed and watered when they're working on my property. When I say fed I mean bicuits (cookies) with the drinks.

+1 and one of the best things that can be done, by a customer, to motivate a decent work force to go the extra mile.

Everyone has to start out but, my god, ladders, saw horses and cords are minimal. As someone said, i wouldn't even think of borrowing someones tools, let alone the customers! This is a HUGE red flag for me and I'd have to be looking over their shoulder on every move.

I'm in absolute agreement. It's not the workers fault that they don't have the equipment. However, if a contractor can not afford even that stuff, he likely can't obtain the best help, or... likely afford follow up work if needed. In addition, to bringing some serious liability onto the home owner for lending out tools for professional use.

The guy I hired to pour my concrete garage floor made a total mess of it so he and his son came back the following week to grind it down. Even though it was a mess they caused I was still impressed with the dedication they showed in trying to make the problem right.

I offered them a couple hundred cover their expenses for the day but to their credit they didn't accept. I think we both would have been much happier had it of been a tip for the original job well done and not as thanks for NOT leaving me hanging with a bad floor. I did have them back out to do some basic carpentry which they showed much more skill at.

Everyone makes mistakes and has better skills at different aspects of the work they do. How they handled that incident, speaks volumes about their character and business sense.

 

[2chipped]

I have been installing fence for 6 yrs and have dealt with a variety of customers including some jerks and many super nice home owners,and a 98 percent satisfaction rate.
I 'm paid to come in and make improvements on your land.
You are my real advertisement.
You don't have to tip.(full disclosure tips are received about one in 50 jobs).
My tip is by doing a good job....I have work the next day.

 

[PassnThru]

When I had my garage built I hired a local young man that worked days for a company that wired commercial buildings/schools and did odd jobs on the weekend. I could have eventually done it by myself but hired someone to speed the process along and to make sure it was done to code. I was going to help him - it took me about 10 minutes to figure out I just needed to get out of the way. I fed him lunch since it was an all day job. It took two separate weekend days to get the job done. In the end, not being a total noob about wiring, I could see that it was done very well. And he charged an absurdly low price for what he did. He actually got 100+ for a tip. Deserved every penny of it. He was starting out and apparently didn't know what he could charge for his work. And he was very willing to work. I hope I gave him a better indication of what someone like him with his work ethic was worth.
No, I don't always tip for work around the house. But I also will not come here and 'brag' about how cheap I got a great job at an absurdly cheap price. I will sweeten the pot if things swing too far my way. Good job at an honest price - we'll go from there

 

[PassnThru]

I'll also add that drinks (water, Gatorade, etc.) are available for anyone that spends more than a few hours working around my house by default. I'll also go so far as to say I have a bathroom - you are welcome to use it if needed. I've learned that this is apparently unusual?
Granted, having anyone work at my house for more than an hour or so is unusual. I guess I treat them more as guests than people that have everything hired out since it doesn't happen very often.

 

[2chipped]

I'll also add that drinks (water, Gatorade, etc.) are available for anyone that spends more than a few hours working around my house by default. I'll also go so far as to say I have a bathroom - you are welcome to use it if needed. I've learned that this is apparently unusual?
Granted, having anyone work at my house for more than an hour or so is unusual. I guess I treat them more as guests than people that have everything hired out since it doesn't happen very often.

Yes having restroom privileges,and drinks are a tip
You pay a guy to work ,anything else is a tip.
I can bring my own drinks and go to a convenience store ,if I have to.

 

[santagary]

Ditto with what PassnThru said...plus I tip. My contractors have become my friends. If I'm ever in a pinch, they are there...I've found, the more you share and give away the more great things come back to you.