We are having our kitchen done. In a few weeks, we'll have some rooms painted and floors re-finished (by a different contractor). I'm wondering, is it customary or expected to tip your contractor(s)? I haven't in the past. If the answer is "yes," then how much do you tip??? TIA!
Never heard of this. Since most all remodel jobs come in over budget, I doubt people feel very generous at the end. I have heard of bonuses if they come in on time. But not tips.
No.
You need to live in that kitchen for a while to make sure there aren't problems that you don't see off the bat.
The best "tip" you can give him is a glowing report on Angie's List and to your neighbors. You can tell him to give your name as a reference. But AFTER you have lived with this kitchen for a while.
Dawn
No you don't have to.
But typically we feed them... cold beverage and Subway sandwiches.
They usually appreciate that.
I have never tipped a contractor but I do always provide lunch. (pizza or hoagies)
Never have heard of this...I think they build quite a mark-up in their price...don't worry about it. But there's certainly nothing wrong with offering them lemonade or cookies.
Optional, but lunch and cold drinks would be nice.
No, I don't think it's expected. That being said, we did our kitchen just before Christmas a couple of years ago. I was stressed out that it wasn't going to be done before Christmas. My contractor worked his butt off for us, getting it done just in time for me to clean up and have my entire family over for Christmas day! I know he worked extra to get it done quicker. We got him a nice gift from Omaha Steaks (around $100). In the grand scheme of things it wasn't much money (as compared to what we had just spent on the kitchen) but I really wanted him to know how much I appreciated him getting it done ahead of schedule!
No, and I'm a big tipper since I work in the restaurant industry. But contractors/plumbers/electricians/the guy who cleans the gutters, etc... don't get a tip. If they do a LOT of work for you, maybe a nice card and gift cert at Christmas or <insert your winter holiday>.
Tip a contractor? I never have.
No. They are already getting enough money to do the work, that's why they charge so much. The owner plans everything down to a "T" so he will have enough money for his workers, materials, and any unforseen extra expenses and still make a profit. It's a business just like when you hire a real estate agent, music teacher for your kids, or shop at a grocery store. The workmen usually get $15/hour or more. My contractor paid his men $55/hour. The grocery store clerk is only making minimum wage and no one tips them. Our contractor is very honest and has no problem giving us a detailed list of how much everything costs. With some work he did, he let us go get the supplies ourselves and just charged us for labor. What we did do was have plenty of water and soda available for them. The workers get very thirsty, especially when they are working in hot, cramped areas and they really appreciate it. I even bought them hoagies the one day to show how much I appreciated their work. They like lots of praise. You can even bake them cookies, and they will be happy. Watermelon is another greatly appreciated treat for the workers.
Depends on the work done. For the jobs you list, if you're happy with the work, I probably would. For the painting, $20-$40. For the floors, depending on how many square feet, $50-$60.
For a major kitchen remodel or bath remodel, no. Trust me for the big jobs they have 'extra funds' built in to the estimate.
No.
If he is doing a great job, not just an average job, ask him for some business cards and tell him you want to give them to those that ask about what kind of job he did. Tell him he can use you as a reference.
Those kinds of actions are his tip. Its worth so much more than a few dollars in his pocket immediately. In this economy (thank you Obama) plenty of work on his calendar helps him sleep well at night.
Good luck to you and yours.
We always have but our contractor is more of an acquaintance/friend of the family. He has done a multitude of jobs for us and has always done an outstanding job. Plus I have plenty more jobs I would like him to do as soon as we save up the funds to do them. So I want to keep him in my corner.
We always tip 10% or more.
That depends on the contractor. I don't think they expect it. We will usually give some extra cash to our regular contractor in PA because he has done so much work for us and helps with our rental properties. He also doesn't charge as much as he should and my husband and I want to be fair with him. The amounts vary.
Since you are using two contractors I would wouldn’t tip unless they go above and beyond your expatiations.
