Tipping in Construction

[Squirl]

When I had the stone dropped off this weekend the guy was standing around with a look.  A relative I had around to help pulled me aside and said he is looking for a tip.  I gave the guy $15 extra after he dumped the stone on the property.  I was a little frustrated because they charge hundreds of dollars for delivery of the stone as opposed to picking it up at the quarry.  I did not know what was customary in the construction world.  I could see if I wasn't getting charged so much extra for the delivery or they were doing something more than just dropping it off, like physical labor or how concrete guys help with the pour. 

So what is the norm?  Who do you tip?  How much?

[RIjake]

  never heard of that.  Makes me wonder if the guy who dropped all my material was waiting for one too! 

[rocking23nf]

i gave my delivery guy 40$, i had around 15k in material delivered, it was on probably 10+ pallets, and he put everything exactly where i asked.

[Alan Gage]

I gave the guy that did my excavating a tip when he came back a week later to dig out some fill the water people had put back in a hole that wasn't compacted good enough. The reason for the tip was because he charges hourly and it hardly took him any time at all but he still had to haul in the backhoe 15 miles to get there. I felt he did me a favor to come down and do the work knowing it wasn't really going to be a profitable job.

Alan

[rick91351]

That is a matter more local issue.  Around here it is 0%.  I do, however if a job I have hired done and is done well and above what I hire them for.  I will add usually a couple hundred on up if a large job.  Small jobs sort of hard to gage.  But not as an obligatory thing.  All the excavation and road building and grading I had done last year I rewarded him extra because the same job down here in the valley would have went for thousands more.  He went way - way above the call and what was agreed on.   But then concrete guy I hired did not understand the building inspector and did not take time to ask questions of building inspector.  Little dialogue would have went a long way.  Same with the kid that did the framing and siding.  They caused me grief personal and business wise.

We had one finisher from back east when I was driving ready mix truck 35 years ago you finished up he was grabbing for his wallet.  To tell you the truth it made me feel very strange.  He explained where he was from in NY you were expected to do so.  If it was a big job you bid the job so the money covered the tips.            

[Redoverfarm]

Not usually.  Just run of the mill services that he is getting paid to do not.   Now if there was something extra that was done it would depend.  I always tip the free help. 

[JRR]

I like to make sure creature comforts and safety concerns are met.  In the summer, I make sure anyone delivering materials, especially concrete, know they have access to a cooler filled with plenty of cold drinks.  I like to keep extra new work gloves, safety glasses, and ear plugs ... to hand out as needed...Mexicans are sometimes the labor force here, and often they have not yet had the opportunity to obtain these items.  Toilet and hand wash station, if available, are pointed out.  Hopefully this all carries a message that I am truly concerned for their welfare.  When the job is big and I add a few bucks, its always "for an after-hours beer or soda".

[diyfrank]

I've been given money or gift cards a few times over the years but not usually. More often I get coffee or maybe a lunch. A hand shake is the norm.

[glenn kangiser]

I do not expect tips.  Some will offer a meal or barbecue but that is the exception rather than the rule. 

Farmers in the valley generally consider contractors as servants.

I have been given tips most often by illegals working here when I did something for them.  They truly appreciate those who help them.  This was when I operated a public welding and repair shop. 

I left a tip for the maid today at the motel I stay at as she left me a laundry bag and extra coffee the other day.

Seems a lot of people in the world yearn for the life of a panhandler. 

What ever happened to a tip being a reward for exceptional service ?....

This includes the help yourself to gratuities restaurants too.