Tips for builders

[gettinblurry]

I've currently got a guy in replacing the flat roof at the front of my flat.
It's not a huge contract, but he turned up on time & seems to be making a good job of it (as far as I can tell anyway - I guess I'll find out next time it rains), should be done in a day.
According to the quote it should cost around £600 all in.
While I'm normally comfortable with tipping (restaurants, delivery men etc), this is a bit outside my experience.
Any thoughts on an acceptable tip?

[whiskeysheri]

He's already told you what he wants paying, gettinblurry- 600 quid! What are you going to tip for? :S

[annie0000]

a couple of cans of beer.

[wolf63]

I've just noticed the user-names --->> gettinblurry and whiskeysheri - sounds like a good night out

[Frank97]

I might tip the lads but not the main builder, but tea and cakes is usually tip enough imo.

[annie0000]

Actually, asking for a couple of business cards and passing them on is probably the best tip.

[TonyV]

agree with Annie - passing on potential leads to friends / colleagues is best idea, and as you won't probably know till next spring if it is a good (watertight) job, I would wait till then before recommending. How did you find him?

[Postdog]

Ooh, don't tip builders - it'll set a precedent.

[gettinblurry]

Thanks for all your answers!

Since it's a roofing company that has the contract, but there's just one guy doing the job, I think I'll give him a tenner to buy a beer or two for himself.

Assuming the roof stops leaking, I will of course recommend them to my neighbours.

[gettinblurry]

Sorry Postdog - looks like I'm setting a precedent ;)

[gettinblurry]

@ TonyV

Tried word of mouth, but not a lot luck so basically, got 3 quotes and went with the one I had the best feeling about.

[joko]

i dont see why you would need to tip merely for him managing to turn up ontime and do his job...isn't that a given?
if he'd gone out of his way for you, done a few little extra jobs or something then yes...but to reward someone for doing exactly what you have paid them to do is frankly wrong - you are indeed helping to set a precedent and before long builders all over will be expecting tips even if theyve done sod all to deserve it...same as now happens with pizza delivery and taxis etc - with some actually getting shirty with you if you dont tip - or even dont give enough of a tip...

a tip is a reward...not a right, nor is it a 'norm'...

[Maydup]

If you feel like rewarding him then do so. He'll be really chuffed especially as he's working on a Saturday.

Equally, if you can't afford it just give him tea and cake.

[AlBags]

I don't think I have ever had a tip : )
I have had a few other things taunted over the years .. super smalls laid out and the like.
He won't want your money tho if he's a decent guy.

[The Builder]

Common sense really. If he's a miserable git .......... surly. and indifferent, then do nothing. If he's helpful and friendly, but most of all, looks as though he enjoys his job (and wants to do a good one) then tea and cake is well appreciated.
That's all you need to do.

[The Builder]

LOL , Al

[craft1948]

I don't tip my builder.............he's got more money then me.