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tips for contractor crew, how much????

14 years ago

We are 2 weeks into a 6 week complete remodel of our kitchen. The crew chief and about a total of 6 workers, some only for short periods (plumber), have been cooperative and mostly responsive to my requests. I expect the job to be completed well and competently, although I can't say they are doing anything particularly special for me or noteworthy of attention. From what I recall reading here, tips for a completed job are best distributed by giving the full amount to the crew chief to allow him the decision of who gets what. May I ask for suggestions?

total remodel cost is 90K, how much to give as tip pool?

should I give a separate sum to the crew chief, should he get anything being management? Or assume he will pull his own slice out of the tip pool?

should I give a separate tip to the kitchen planner who has spent many hours involved in all aspects of the remodel?

I would be interested in hearing from contractors themselves in particular. Thanks!

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Comments (8)

manhattan42
14 years ago
At 2 weeks into your remodel, it is far too early to tell if tips of any kind are warranted.

You may find after the crew has left that the job is shoddy, there are problems with the cabinets, no one will honor their warranties and you could be left in the lurch.

If you feel you must do something, treat the workers to sandwiches and drinks (soft) you provide maybe each Friday.

No need otherwise for tips and no professional will expect them or readily accept them.

The best 'tip' you can offer any professional builder is to pay him as obligated then tell all your friends and acquaintances about him by word of mouth.
paul21
14 years ago
I've been involved in reno's etc since I was a kid and I've never heard of tips for contractors or tradesmen. The people I continue to hire as work comes up would be insulted by the offer. They appreciate being paid the full amount as agreed, when agreed and appreciate being referred to my friends and associates on the basis of their performance. They are professionals and want to be treated as such. Do you tip your doctor ?
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I don't see giving a workman one beer as "serving alcohol" but maybe that's just semantics. I see nothing wrong with it. bossyvossy, I missed your comment. I know some people who are abstaining alcoholics (they never really "recover"). I also have a number of friends who are Mormons and don't drink. We sometimes have them over for dinner, we sometimes go out to eat or do things in groups at restaurants or bars, there's never an issue. Lots of people have personal preferences, beliefs, health requirements or things they abstain from that may differ from what others do. I most respect those who make NO ISSUE of these differences and quietly accommodate themselves. I have family members who are vegetarians. I wouldn't plan a family dinner at a steakhouse, but Italian or Asian or Mexican or a multitude of other kinds of restaurants can easily accommodate their preferences and, as I said, I most respect people who go with the flow and follow their own wishes for themself.
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sombreuil_mongrel
14 years ago
The smart/strategic tip comes at the middle of the job; it really encourages the help and motivates a speedy completion if you imply that more awaits. Whether you follow through with the "more" is on your conscience.
Casey
jaansu
Original Author
14 years ago
I'm surprised to see two indicate that tips are foreign to them, but it has been a long time since I hired a crew rather than individuals who are paid directly. I was perceiving this more like a restaurant where you tip waiters who serve you well, not the owner or management.

Am I so offbase here on home renov tips? As I haven't heard from others supporting tipping, I may need to reevaluation this and perhaps bring something to eat instead.
bobb_2010
14 years ago
If u provide them lunch, they may not have to go out to eat, and hopefully finish the job faster. But don't be put off if they don't take the offer. Some people like to "get away" for an hour or so at lunch.
jaansu
Original Author
14 years ago
No one at all has responded that actually tipped. Anyone have any other good ideas instead of money?
macv
14 years ago
The restaurant waiter comparison is entirely inappropriate. When you contract for construction work there is an arms length relationship and it should be respected.

Being kind and helpful to workers in your home is appropriate but compensation should be left to their employer. Handing out cash to laborers can lead to all kinds of trouble for him and for you.

I have never heard of tipping a general contractor so I have no frame of reference for the amount. I would be careful to not call it a tip but to suggest it is for additional services you don't think was included by the contract amount. I doubt any of it would get to the workers.
azwildcats70
14 years ago
TIP? Really. I have never tipped? I hope I am not rude. I just figure 90% of the time I am being over charged anyway... so why tip.

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