Every time someone asks this type of question, I question myself! Is tipping the norm? This answer is something I think I do, so obviously, I agree with it!

link to it

Etiquette and tipping experts agree that tipping a contractor and his employees isn't expected because contractors offer to do a job for you at a specific price. Any extra money they would want would be built into their bid. Also, it's a business relationship rather than one where they are performing a personal service for you like a waiter or a maid. But if the employees do extra jobs around the house, then experts say it is appropriate to tip a cash amount equivalent to the task; "tip gifts" such as cookies and drinks can count. "The key to tipping is whether or not it was outside the scope of what was normally expected," says Mark Brenner, author of "Tipping for Success!"

My opinion is that a little bit of courtesy (snacks, drinks, expression of appreciation etc.) goes a long way and upon completion of their work you feel compelled by a job well done to offer a little extra in the form of a tip - go for it, but do not feel obligated.

Oh, I don't feel obligated at all. They are working hard over there and it's hot even with the window ac on. I brought them over some decent beers (not too many, ha ha) but I just thought a little extra in their pockets would be nice. They are not contractors, but hired help from the flooring store. They told me it took them an hour to get here.

Personally...I agree with Mark Brenner quoted above. Add to that the fact that I know what these installers charge...I wouldn't be worrying about a tip. Certainly NOT $50 per installer. Consider this as well. You don't know these installers or where they come from. It's far, far from an elitist craft and often the lead installer picks up his assistants for the job from halfway houses or unemployment lines. Being kindly and generous with your funds could easily be misunderstood to the point that you might have an uninvited guest at some future date looking for more. Give more thought to your generosity.

working in hot conditions is certainly over and above, making it tip worthy. Your beers maybe enough, and they may not. That depends on you. Nice to serve them in a way they can enjoy!

Oh my. I would never ever offer someone I didn't know a beer. Especially someone doing physical labor for me. (Maybe I'm a fuddy duddy. But I just wouldn't. I guess I know too many alcoholics.)

Bottles of ice cold water or a cooler with cans of Coke would be welcome. Box of doughnuts first thing in the morning and a coffeepot full of fresh coffee if I was feeling especially generous. But never alcohol.

Almost forgot the original question! No, I don't tip such workers. Would never have occurred to me to do so.

Of course, it is not expected, but we always do. We have a young man who does all our carpentry and painting for our various properties.

It is at the point where he does the work and then bills us! No ahead of time negotiating required. DH always gives him a tip on top of what he asks.

For your workers who you don't have a relationship with and don't know then you also probably don't know how much are they being paid for their work. And, for this reason, I would certainly tip if you can afford to.

ETA: Maybe we have this attitude because DH knows first hand what actually goes into hard physical labor. He knows when something is done correctly and well.

Totally OT but I remember inviting a male neighbor for supper. My buddy, his wife, was visiting relatives in another state and I knew from her that he was worthless in the kitchen. We had a nice evening with dinner and wine. When she returned I told her about the nice evening and I learned he was a recovering alcoholic (well, maybe not THAT recovered, ha). She was too embarrassed to tell me up to this point. He never said boo. He was pleasant the entire evening and didn’t seem to be overdoing it. I was mortified. So, no, no offer of liquor from me after that incident.

We once had some people working on a wall. Out in the hot AZ sun! We provided water several times across a 10 hour period. There where three guys, and I thought it would be a little nice to tip them a little. We tipped each man $10.

I have offered workers coffee, cold beverages and sometimes had pizzas delivered for everyone. I have never tipped a worker that I contracted. I would never serve anyone alcohol.

Max $20 each if you are wanting to give an extra thank you and if they did a good job including cleaning up. Sweep up every bit of debris, etc.

You didn't ask, but I'll side with those against offering alcohol to workers. More than likely, there will be no harm, but there could be harm using tools, driving to pick up something or go home. You have to protect yourself.

We once had a coupe of guys deliver firewood on a hot August day. When they were done unloading it, I offered them ice cold lemonade. They said that would be great. Before I could pour it in the glasses, hubby offered them ice cold beer. They chose the beer!

I think cold/hot drinks and the occasional snack such as doughnuts, pizza or even sandwiches is enough, but I also see no harm in giving them a tip if they have worked especially hard, done an excellent job or performed tasks above and beyond the original contract. But, only to the workers, not the contractor.

The leader of the last crew that came to house for cutting a tree told me they were conservative in their drinking during the day as it made them want to pee more often, or uncomfortable if they held it. I always notice workers with their own coolers, so I feel pretty sure they’re prepared in hellacious Texas and drink at whatever pace they deem adequate. I have been known to give food gift cards on the last day.

No tip. Just make sure that they clean up after they are done.

I offer water or soda and if a crew will be there all day maybe donuts or muffins. No tipping unless they go over and beyond the job they are there for.

For example I will not tip appliance delivery but one time a guy came alone and he not only had no helper, but instead of doing a curbside drop off which was all he was required to do, he helped us get the item into the garage. Him we tipped generously. It was truly a thanks for service over and beyond.

Where I live we have a higher than average minimum wage and I am even beginning to slightly resent tipping at restaurants because in our state they make full minimum and don't share with with the cooks. So I tip on the service now, I will not subsidize wages. I'm already doing that with higher prices.

I think that's a nice tip! I don't think it's necessary, but I always tip as well. Especially those doing hard labor that I can't physically do. I appreciate them so much!

My tipping exception is if it's an owner doing all the work themselves. Then I don't normally tip unless they go above and beyond. We had our pantry re-tiled and the guy doing it was making over $200 an hour and I thought that was enough. :)

We do normally tip people like that - but $50 would be high in my opinion. We'd give each one $20 and say 'have a lunch out on us' and call it a day.

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.

So far, I am so pleased with the job. Looks like they should be done tomorrow. You've all talked me into not giving as much of a tip, but you didn't talk me out of it! These guys doing the job are not the owner, who I dealt with when setting up the job. They look pretty young, early twenties or so. I know if my husband was around, no way would he tip. He just doesn't think of those things, whereas I waitressed my way through high school and college.

If it's in your budget, it's nice to do. You've worked hard for low pay, so you understand how it is. They probably don't make a lot, but they do work hard.

If you can afford it, I say why not?

I agree with Ava! I mean, I couldn’t afford $50 per person but I’d at least give them a little, between $10 and, if they do a great job, $20.

I also agree with Socks and Ava

My daughter gave her movers all nice tips and lunch last week. It depends if you felt their work was exceptional and their's was.

I would never offer workers in my house alcohol. Soft drinks and water, yes. And if you can afford $50, that's a nice generous amount. I can't abide stinginess!