Tipping Builders

[Headtime]

We're having quite a lot of work done on our house at the moment, and the Builder and his sidekick have done a very good if lengthy job - Is it customary to tip builders? And if so what kind amount is appropriate?

[Lennon]

I wouldn't say it was customary, as they are doing a job that you are paying them for, they wouldn't be there otherwise. But if you think they've done a good job, then why not get them a bottle of drink or something just to show your appreciation.

[BadBob]

I agree I think its always easier and more likely to be accepted if you get a bottle of something rather than cash.

[Cetti]

It's certainly a sign of the times when we're thrilled with a job that we've paid a fortune for - however, good builders are worth their weight in gold so I would certainly agree to a good bottle of red wine to show your appreciation - never money.

[Headtime]

Cetti, I do partially agree with you. I can tell you for a fact that our over-bloated plumbers will receive nothing more than payment for the work they've done.

I was thinking more of the builders assistant, who is only a young bloke, but has done some extremely sh*tty jobs for not much money. I got a call from 'Cash Converters' in Peckham (how's that for a depressing image) trying to verify his identity, as he was trying to cash his pay cheque. It seemed quite sad that he was having to pay a huge commision just to get his pay before the weekend.

I am usually againts the American excesses of the 'tipping culture'. Especially overpriced bars that give you your change on a silver tray, or having to give a quid to someone for handing you a paper towel in the toilets.

[Miss Zippy]

If you want to tip the assistant because you feel his hard work deserves that little extra on top of his earnings and you want to show your appreciation for his efforts, then go for it. I think it's a nice thing to do, especially if he is young and he will no doubt find this act of appreciation very encouraging. If, on the other hand, you are doing it because you feel sorry for him etc., then that's probably not the right reason, although I can understand why you would want to. As for amounts, �20 sounds a reasonable sum (it's a couple of rounds down the pub), unless it was a particularly long and arduous project and you might feel a bit more is appropriate.

[andy hughes]

I'm inclined to agree that a tip is a nice gesture in this insatnce - it will ensure the builders have a fond memory of you - always useful if you need them in the future, and I think a bottle is appropriate. If you want to ensure that the young employee gets a share, catch him on his own, and give him �20 in an envelope with a nice message - something like 'Thanks for all your hard work, best wishes ----' and he will be suitably impressed.

[Janetex]

I agree with Andy, a nice gesture. Renovating for years, when tradesmen are exceptional, I serve them drinks and snacks in the dining room (I delighted in serving a huge kitchener bun to a handle-bar moustached electrician).

[abfandango]

Sorry, links to an answer: ie bars that give you back your change on a dish. You handed the cash to them expecting the change back and they offered themselves the option of keeping it. Suggest you do likewise and offer yourself the option of keeping the dish along with the change.