We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Is it normal practice to tip a builder?

downshifter
Posts: 1,122 Forumite



Mornin' all
2 builders have been working on my (rented) house all week, commissioned by the landlord. I have little experience of having building work done and wonder if it's normal to give them a tip once the work is completed? If so, how much?
They seem to have done a good job and have been pleasant and tidy to have around, however they've been working for the landlord and on his house, not me or mine, so not sure what they would expect really. If they had been working on my house I suppose I might have given them a few quid to have a drink on me, but not sure if that's what's expected or different or what really. Can anyone advise please? They'll probably finish tomorrow afternoon. Thanks
DS
2 builders have been working on my (rented) house all week, commissioned by the landlord. I have little experience of having building work done and wonder if it's normal to give them a tip once the work is completed? If so, how much?
They seem to have done a good job and have been pleasant and tidy to have around, however they've been working for the landlord and on his house, not me or mine, so not sure what they would expect really. If they had been working on my house I suppose I might have given them a few quid to have a drink on me, but not sure if that's what's expected or different or what really. Can anyone advise please? They'll probably finish tomorrow afternoon. Thanks
DS
0
Comments
-
I don't think so!
If I've been happy and they're friendly, I tend to pop out and buy a couple beers to offer them just as they're finishing. Lots
When we moved house they were particularly appreciative of it. I kept them in cans of cold drink through the day and treated them to a beer when they'd finished. It was a hot day and they thought I was great! Seems most people don't look after them like that.Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
0 -
I personally wouldn't tip a builder that I had employed. I paid a plumber 5 grand last year for 3 days work, do you think I tipped him? Ring up your Landlord and see if he wants to tip them.0
-
Good morning: The OH had a £250 tip from a client in West London just before Christmas 2008 on a Viessmann boiler installation:T.Previous tip...in 2002... 6 bottles of Becks.;)
HTH
CanuckleheadAsk to see CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering)0 -
I personally wouldn't tip a builder that I had employed. I paid a plumber 5 grand last year for 3 days work, do you think I tipped him? Ring up your Landlord and see if he wants to tip them.
Hi...£5000 for 3 days plumbing :eek:...where do you live and what did you have done?
CanuckleheadAsk to see CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering)0 -
Canucklehead wrote: »Hi...£5000 for 3 days plumbing :eek:...where do you live and what did you have done?
Canucklehead
Full wet central heating system installed from scratch.0 -
I agree with doozergirl, offers of tea/coffee and cold drinks work well with tradesman, But you would be suprised with the amount of folk that dont offer even if we have been in there property for two weeks!
Tips, you are not obliged and i could count on one hand out of hundreds of jobs the amount of tips i have recievedHi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure0 -
-
Canucklehead wrote: »Not your typical 'plumbing' job then;) Full system in 3 days:eek:
Canucklehead
2 corgi plumbers doing the clever stuff.;) 2 other plumbers hanging the rads etc etc. It was in the middle of winter, so Im glad it was only 3 days. Works great too, nice blokes who got plenty of tea, biscuits and doughnuts. No tips.0 -
Hi!
My OH is a Joiner so works in domestic properties quite a lot! He's never had a tip bigger than a tin of biscuits.. I don't think a tip is expected.0 -
2 corgi plumbers doing the clever stuff.;) 2 other plumbers hanging the rads etc etc. It was in the middle of winter, so Im glad it was only 3 days. Works great too, nice blokes who got plenty of tea, biscuits and doughnuts. No tips.
Hi...explains the cost then...lots of bodies on the job....12 days labour.
CanuckleheadAsk to see CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering)0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.3K Spending & Discounts
- 243.4K Work, Benefits & Business
- 597.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.6K Life & Family
- 256.4K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards