Builder etiquette

[crumbpet]

Right I know this sounds silly but I REALLY struggle with this sort of thing and it's the first time I'm having to deal with builders. They are coming tomorrow. What do I do? Talk me through please! How many drinks to I offer them? Is it rude to ask when they are leaving? Do I check in throughout the day or just leave them to it? Do I Tip??

Depends if I’m going to be at home or not, but I’d offer tea and coffee when they arrive then leave it out on the kitchen side and tell them to help themselves. Or offer when making a drink for myself.

I think it’s fine to ask when they’re leaving.

i leave out tea and coffee and say help yourself
no never tip (what are they doing?)

and “can you give me an idea when you think you’ll be finished up by?”

They’re not doing you a favour OP

were they a recommendation or someone random?

Hi OP I have builders in at the moment and have just asked them what they think.
Tea/coffee and biscuits go a long way with them, they said it’s your property and you are paying so fine to ask how it’s going during the day. Tips are up to you, they don’t expect tips.
the builders I had before were awful but these are just great so I’m happy to do the tea’s & coffee

I really struggle with this too. Some people seem to be able to naturally provide bacon sandwiches all day in a way that doesn't feel patronising or OTT but that is not me! However I've had lots of builders in recently and I have finally got comfortable with my way of doing things which is: Offer tea/coffee when they arrive and then show them the kettle etc as PP said. Offer one more during the day. Stock up on nice biscuits. If you're feeling generous or it's hot, get some canned drinks in and tell the builders to help themselves from the fridge.

I don't generally tip but you can give them a tenner at the end and say 'get the lads a drink' in a faux chummy voice if it doesn't feel too awkward? Although I guess a tenner is nowhere near a round these days.

not even close

We offer when we're making. I've noticed many bring a flask or cold bottled drink with them anyway.

We've got builders working outside right now and they need access for electricity, opening velux windows upstairs, one of us is here most of the time but yesterday couldn't be here in the afternoon, as we left them with a key - so if they seem ok do that, that way you can go out and about when you choose.

Never tipped.

We had works done recently. We left mugs out and told them to help themself to tea/coffee. Also left out the nice biccies.

We went out for the day which was a big help but returned home at 5.30 and had to plod alongside them for another hour. We just tried to stay out the way and understand they didn't want to be there any longer than they had to be!

I offer tea and coffee or soft drinks on arrival. Show them where they're working, ask if they need anything. If no, then say for them to shout if they do. Oh, and show them where the toilet is.

After about 45 mins, I offer another drink and usually give biscuits/cake/bacon sarnie, what have you. Then say everything is left out for them to help themselves.

I'll pop my head round to ask how they're getting on mid way, do they want anything. Make another drink if they've not helped themselves.

No, don't tip.

Normally, it works okay for me to get them to get the job done!

For those of you who go out in the day is that OK? Like do you give them a key to your house and then go off?

Our kitchen builders brought their own kettle, mugs, tea bags and milk but they said they know that normally people have stuff packed away and they don't want to be in the way.

As DH can't survive without tea our kettle was always available so we told them they can use our stuff.

We normally offer a cup in the morning and then in the afternoon or when DH made himself one, he asked.

But recently we had one person doing work in an outbuilding and while I was at home it was a week with teams meetings, workshops etc while I dropped in around lunchtime I couldn't really do a lot but DH had warned him.

We normally ask when they finish as sometimes we need the car during the day and they often park across the driveway. Or we have to make sure they wait until we are back to close up.

We gave a tip to one bathroom fitter as they were very accomodating, clean, on time, did actually more without charging when we discovered an issue.

They're working on the toilet :D that's the other thing I'm going to nip round the neighbours for a wee but do I have to offer them somewhere to wee??

As for how long they'll be there, I ask this when they come round initially to quote. Not on the day of works.

Ah that's clever of them

I tip all sorts of people but never builders, they earn a bloody fortune. I do buy biscuits, make coffee/ tea and offer every hour or so. I don’t ask when they’re leaving because they will go by 5 anyway.

Tbh I aim to be out as much as possible.

I offer a drink when they arrive and show them where the stuff is. Tell them my movements for the day, ie "I'm going out at 10am, I'll be back by 3pm, will you still be here, if not just shut the door behind you"

I don't have biscuits in so I don't do that.

It wouldn't occur to me to tip.

Tip???

how long will you they be if just one toilet?

and it’s multiple people?

They said 2 days. They need to sort the floor out too.

Thanks everyone for not laughing at me. Most appreciated.

When I’ve had builders or any tradies in
I point to the the kettle tea - coffee biscuits and tell them to help themselves

And I leave a few bottles of water in the wine cooler and tell them to help themselves if they want a cold drink

I also tell them feel free to use the downstairs toilet

when I had some doing a big garden project I bought them Cornish pasty’s and cakes each day after seeing them heat up a bloody pot noodle for lunch 😂

they did a brilliant job and when I’ve needed other work doing they have always been happy to fit me in even small little jobs

And yes I tip them - probably a sucker but I’ve never have a problem getting builders or tradies out . Most of the guys who have done work for me and my family I’ve got there numbers from other tradies who have done work for us over the years .

I reckon they must say to each other go to cornflake lovers house she gives you tea and biscuits and a tip 😂

I had a extractor fan and some bathroom lights put in my sons house recently and the electrician said I always like doing work for you and your family as your easy to work for

I give you a price
you agree
I turn up do the work and you always pay on the day no having to chase you for payment

it’s never a big tip 10 -20 quid max but they always appreciate it and are always happy to come out and do work for us when needed