Tipping the Builders

[stuartmmcfc]

We're coming to the end of our building work after 4 or so months,
The builders have been great. They've been polite, friendly and worked very hard. Above all they've helped out in several areas which weren't strictly part of the build like helping to move furniture, unblocking drains and clearing guttering etc with out a moments hesitation or complaint. They've even made me cups of tea
Having been in the building trade for more than 25 years, until ill health forced early retirement, I know how lucky we've been with them.
I'd like to give them a little "thank you" but I'm not sure what's appropriate.
Suggestions?

[505diff]

A few beers will go a long way, or invite them over for a barbecue when everything is finished so they can see it with carpets curtains etc

[ikarl]

Money talks and they are builders after all........good cash tip and you'll prob be in good stead if any probs in the future or other work

[longshot]

We had fascias, gutters etc replaced today.

The 2 lads got 3 cups of tea, 3 glasses of Coke & ice, a bacon and sausage cob and £10 each when they finished.

I figure you owe them dinner at the Ritz and £1200 each.

[stuartmmcfc]

Money was the obvious idea to me, but what's "the right amount"?
There's 4 of them and we're moderately well off but far from loaded!
£50 each??
I'm a bit out of touch nowadays and this doesn't seem much but there again it's not like they're expecting anything

[groucho]

I'd say they would be very happy with £50. We don't get tipped much.

[stuartmmcfc]

longshot said:

I figure you owe them dinner at the Ritz and £1200 each.

If they were getting 10% like you're meant to in a restaurant they'd be doing very well and I'd be skint

[longshot]

stuartmmcfc said:

longshot said:

I figure you owe them dinner at the Ritz and £1200 each.

If they were getting 10% like you're meant to in a restaurant they'd be doing very well and I'd be skint

Seriously, if they've been with you 4 months and have gone that extra mile, I think I'd go to £100 each.
That extra digit makes all the difference.

What has it taken them 4 months to build? Your own football stadium?

[Neil - YVM]

stuartmmcfc said:

Money was the obvious idea to me, but what's "the right amount"?
There's 4 of them and we're moderately well off but far from loaded!
£50 each??
I'm a bit out of touch nowadays and this doesn't seem much but there again it's not like they're expecting anything

To be honest, it's not about the actual amount, but more showing your appreciation. A bottle of spirit, or case of beer always go's down well. If going with money, then after several months £50 is prob a minimum.

[Spudler]

Enough for a meal out for them and thier partners.
Or take them out for a meal at a class restaurant.
£100 is a generous figure which should be appreciated.

[ikarl]

If you can, £100 would prob be great to receive from their perspective.....if not, I'm sure they would be chuffed with £50

[Renovation]

My scaffolders gave me a hand placing some steel beams (circa 300kg each)

It only took them 15 mins but the alternative was to hire a crane.

I was going to give them some money but didn't want to offend with £10ea so I gave them a case of lager each - they were over the moon !

I think yours would be happy with £50 - but personally I'd get a load of lager / bitter / whiskey and offer them the equivalent in that.

[Dave350]

£50 each is quite generous and a nice gesture, I'd go with that at most tbh. They won't be expected it and it will be a free night out for them so will go down well!

[mikees]

I had builders ( same firm) on and off for 12 months. I asked the main gang independentally what the others drank and on the last day had a BBQ with beers and sent them off with a envelope with £50 each plus £50 of their favourite tipple. Their after job efforts have been outstanding. Money plus the personal touch goes a long way.

[WinstonWolf]

A crate of lager each will be appreciated and doesn't risk offence

[paulw123]

£50 each would be a lovely gesture

[CoolHands]

I bought my builders (who were similarly good) each a torch. Sounds a bit crap but they were approx 35 quid ish from memory - nice aluminium led ones a decent make (like fenix if you don't know nothing about torches). Its the sort of thing they probably wouldnt buy themselves, but would come in useful in their game. They seemed appreciative.

[Neil - YVM]

Nice to read a post about people's good experiences with builders /. Tradesman.

Adds a bit of balance to the usually 'My ************ is Useless / Lazy' posts.

[Little Lofty]

I used to get tips when I worked for companies, but as the boss I rarely got anything other than the odd bottle of plonk which was still always appreciated (even though I rarely drink ) . My lads were always happy if they got a pack of Fosters or £20 quid. A bottle of something or pack of beer and £20 would be greatly appreciated by most trades, it's the thought that counts as some customers don't tip so anything is welcome.

[226bhp]

£50 ea is fine, don't buy them anything unless you know 100% it's what they want, don't fall into the trap of assuming they like beer or a particular type of food.

Or torches.