I tip everybody from the demo crew to the finish carpenter.

No, sorry to say it didn't even occur to me. Did give them soft drinks, though.

I wish I had the money to tip everyone, but it just isn't possible. So far, I've tipped the cabinet delivery guys and the appliance/installers since we had a few issues.

Yes I did. It was a tiny tip really, $20 or $30. Enough to get lunch on the way home. I'm really low on money myself but they did such a great job and looked to be a bit down on their luck and it was just something I really wanted to do.

I gave $20 to each of the four or five guys, but not the owner, mainly because they hauled the slab into the house in a blizzard. They also did some finishing cuts outside in the middle of that raging snow storm.

No...for one, they did a barely acceptable job...and it was barely acceptable only after I insisted they fix several things (>1" gap b/w wall & counter, uneven slabs seamed together (twice!!!), mis-matched seam color). PLUS, they irreparably damaged a cabinet that held up the project another 4 weeks or so while we waited for the new cabinet!

(And don't get me started on the PR!)

Bottom line, they didn't earn a tip...plus they charged an arm & a leg anyway... (I was stuck with them)

Remember, a tip is something that's earned...it's not a "given". So many people just assume they have to tip regardless of the service they receive that it's become expected...even from those who give you bad service.

(Do you tip 18%-20% when you get bad service at a restaurant...I'm not talking about a kitchen mistake or something out of the server's control, I mean just plain bad service from the server him/herself?)

For what I paid for my granite - they got their tip. I had a tray of pastries with coffee and juice. Then I fixed them lunch. At the end of the day I also had some cheese and sauage. And I told them to help themselves to soda in the frig.

I am a very good tipper at restaurants and salons but I draw the line at builders.

I tip workers if they do an excellent job and not complain doing it. Plus they get lunch and drinks...

I tipped each of the regular guy 50 bucks each visit (they were here three times) so a total of 150 each (I had four rooms and they were all complicated installers for a very picky homeowner). They cut outside, and hauled very heavy stone, not to mention up several flights of stairs and down, not hitting a wall once. But the couple of times the owner was there I didn't tip him. He got his in the purchase price (and he agreed).

Oh, my, this is a topic that I never thought about and now must figure it into my budget! When you think about all the people that may be involved in a kitchen redo, where do you stop!!??

Plumber, electrician, appliance delivery, cabinet delivery, counter installer, cabinet installers, and GC to take out big Garden Window over sink area and close in wall to install smaller window?

What about those of us that work full time and won't be home during some of these tasks? Can't really provide lunch per se, maybe snacks and of course refrig for soft drinks. I'll be depending on the Kitchen company to oversee many of these things. HELP!

Maybe I am out of date, but I was always taught you don't tip an owner for any service.

The owner came with two guys to help, so I tipped both of them $20 each. Also offered snacks and soda. Thanks for all the help!!

I didn't tip. This is part of their service. However, having said that, if my job was overly complicated or they struggled with a blizzard or extreme heat, I probably would have.

Positano, now your granite has been installed, can we see pics?