Quick contractor question
 

I'm at one of my rentals the last few days while the windows are replaced. The crew is doing an amazing job, probably the most professional workers I've ever hired. They will likely be done today which a day ahead of schedule. It's a crew of four, would it be out of line to tip them?

No not out of line. Go ahead and tip them, maybe hand it to them individually. When I worked construction we had a client tip us pretty generously. She gave the money to the boss.

When we were outside packing up we looked at him in anticipation of getting our new found wealth. He said to us "I know she paid extra but I'm going to have to keep it all because I underbid the job". Needless to say we all were looking for another contractor to work for after that.

Let your head follow your heart. If it feels appropriate, then it's probably appropriate.

Gift cards won't feel so Tony Soprana'ish and they will think of you when they use it.

DL

Thanks guys, I'm going to follow my heart.

If you can find a contractor that does good work, shows up every day, and gets done sooner rather than later, make it a point of thanking all of them in a monetary way. This is on par with finding a trustworthy mechanic who under charges, only fixes what you ask for, and has openings when needed.

Yup, if you ever need them again they'll be happy to work with you.

And their Boss should appreciate it as it helps moral on his crew.

Everyone wins.

great idea!!!

Do it (tip the workmen, not the boss so much even though the boss is the one that did all the planning and scheduling). Those workmen work too hard and its hard to find good honest people out there. I give my guys bonuses when they get done with a job early or smooth sailing without blowing up my head. But then again, they have been working for me for over 15-17 years.

I put $40 in four envelopes and passed them out just now, they were surprised and very appreciative.

Perfect!

The last crew I had in here to do cedar siding did an incredible job plus some extra that they threw in for nothing. There were two men who were here everyday, went out of their way to make sure I was happy, used 5/4 lumber when 2X would have sufficed (I did cover that expense but it was a change order they brought to me). They fixed other stuff that they uncovered. I mean to say these guys really hooked me up. They were all local guys. I did the usual bagels and coffee on the first day, comped their lunch on the third day. But I tipped the two pros a C note each. After that they showed once a week for a month just to check on their work.

I find that showing some care for the grunts, like coffee and lunch goes a long way during the job sorta like saying please and the tip says a huge thank you afterwards.

Wish I had thought about the coffee and bagel thing, that's a great idea.

We do only residential work so we are in people's homes and become part of the family for months sometimes (They usually move out). The guys really enjoy working for some clients, but there's always the one that ruins the day for all. The whinny client that you just can't make happy and they generally don't trust the workmen. Thankfully, they are far and few between for us. I found its not the tips, its the way the treat the workmen. Simple trust and tell the men they are appreciated is generally enough to keep the guys really happy. A cup of coffee goes a long way.

In 1987, I took 2 weeks off work to help a crew frame my Cabin.....I said I would take them out to lunch and drinks on their last day........That's all they talked about the whole time......Money well spent....

Great thread....and good on ya, Scott - and all others who take care of those...who take care of you.

Most projects involve a whole lot of minutia and it really does take someone who is conscientious to attend to all the details so the owner gets the best that is possible.....not just someone going through the motions.

I always keep a bunch of Gatorade in my mini-fridge in the garage and hand them out (when I happen to be here) and am visited by the folks doing their routine...reading water or gas meter...delivering mail or parcels...picking up the garbage/recyclables...or maybe someone just working next door...and of course on the very small occasions when someone is doing work here.

Usually it's when I'm at a nursery or tree farm and get help loading some of the bigger stuff up when I have an opportunity to flip the guys some dough. It really does mean a lot to me when I get help with stuff.....outta be recognized somehow....

i tip.

my backyard remodel..i also filled my icechest with ice and bottle water and drinks. i brought them lunch the final day. mexican food!! the foreman breaks out this rusted crusty coleman burner and a "comal"..a flat pan. (he was stoked i knew it was called a comal) and warmed all the tortillas.

i got all "mom" and made them wash their hands..they did refuse beer.