not to offer biscuits

[chelseamorning]

Our builders have just started on a new extension and garden landscaping. They're going to be here 3-4 months at least.

I've set up an area in the garage with everything they need to make their own drinks and, if I'm around, I'll offer them one too.

I mentioned to a friend that I'm not offering biscuits which she says is really mean. Am I?

Even Value biscuits will cost me a small fortune with 3-6 guys eating them on a daily basis for 3-4 months!!!

no , no, no
we have the carpet men in and they are getting just tea(dh is in the building trade and never gets biscuits)

you could offer biscuits once a week? would be a nice 'treat' on a friday for example?

No biscuits, just tea and coffee is fine.

Depends on whether you want them to do a good job or not

Biscuits are bad for them. You are being very considerate.

For really good builing work I would offer a Friday bacon sandwich (crisp fried streaky bacon on white bread - don't get poncy about it)

We have just finished a 3 months extension build. I didn't supply all the builders biscuits but I did buy a few packs once/twice a week and I offered them icecream a few times when it was really hot. Not necessary probably but it all helped to keep the wheels of industry rolling!

Yes - biscuits are a perk of the job

Doesn´t it cost enough without having to feed them as well?

My DP is a builder. He would never in a month of Sundays expect biscuits, and thinks he has found heaven if someone ever offers him tea.

So forget it, they can take their own biscuits.

Yes, and knock them off what you owe them!!

colditz - ask Pavlov about offering bacon sarnies. Her DH made their builder bacon sarnies every Friday and they still got shite work!

We will be having a big renovation/extension done next year but thankfully I won't actually be there to have to ponder these matters!

I think setting up an area where they can make their own drinks is a great idea though. And biscuits or cake on a Friday might be a nice touch.

I thought this would be a thread about posting s to all the trolls on MN at the moment.

LOL MrsMadW. No point. We would spend all our time doing that!

How cheap - buy them a tin of bisuits, put with the tea making stuff. (do you want them to do a good job or not?)

I would give biscuits...but its not a prerequisite so its up to you..I have made lunch for my builders/workpersons in the past, its how I was brought up.

I'm not sure I'd do tea on a regular basis. Am I missing something, or are they adults you have working for you?

If you really felt you wanted to you could supply a big tin of biscuits when they start......I wouldn't replenish it though! In no way should you feel obliged to though.

I think its up to you tbh.

It won't be expected but would be gratefully recieved.

Bacon sarnies on a friday are compulsary though.

I can understand providing tea for day-long jobs but if they're capable of building an extension and landscape gardening, they're capable of buying and bringing their own biscuits!

I only make them a cuppa when they first arrive! The rest of the time they make their own. There's plenty of tea, coffee, juice, squash, water and oh, yes, sugar!!! I might supply some choccie biscuits on a Friday though so that's a good idea.

Incidentally, does anyone really think builders would intentionally do a crap job because they don't get biscuits?! I live in Buckinghamshire ? I'm paying enough for this build without adding the cost of supplying biscuits for the duration. [tight wad smiley]

As for bacon sarnies, we're veggie so no way!

I think if the quality of their work hinges on a hob nob then you've picked the wrong builders!

Anyhoo I definately would offer round the clock tea and coffee and am always astounded by those who don't. We don't have biscuits in the house anyway so I wouldn't offer up something that we don't have ourselves with tea.

I think establishing a good rapport with your builders makes an awful difference. Ours was a total new build so obviously couldnt be making them tea every day but if I was able I would ve brought them fish&chips on the odd friday and in the summer a bottle of cold beer at clocking of time went down a treat. If the cimmunication between you& them is good it makes sorting out any niggles easier. It makes it easier for you to say things like 'lads please try and keep the place tidy' when they like you!

I would just offer tea and coffee.

Got biscuits last time and none of them wanted them. One a week might be a good idea. Last time, DS and I had to eat them. He thought Christmas had come early.

When I had builders/decorators in I did tea/coffee and bought biscuits and sometimes donuts. But I knew them all, so sort of had to.

My friend used to do cooked breakfast for her builders! I told her to bloody well stop it, she was putting the rest of us in an awkward position!

I think a tin of biscuits, drinks to help themself to is fine and will be appreciated. I know that some dont even offer tea/coffee, that is rude imo.