Workmen drinks and snacks

[Coffedoodah]

We are having 2 workmen come to do about 4 days work at our house. My husband says they don't need anything but I'm thinking about ordering cans of drinks and snacks like biscuits and crisps. Should I be providing these things? Will the do a better job for us if I keep them well fed and watered?

So is it unreasonable to just give basic drinks or should I be getting a few things in for them? And will we get a better job done by going the extra mile for them?

We always offer cold can drinks and tea/coffee

Don't tend to offer snacks but sometimes dh will offer bacon cobs

Definitely tea, coffee, squash and maybe some cans of drink, and biscuits/cake if I like them.

It depends on how hospitable you are naturally I guess.

DH and I both are so we always provide cold drinks and snacks.

I wouldn't bother with cans though, cold water seems to be welcomed more IME.

There was at least one massive thread a few weeks ago which would be worth looking for to see the range of
opinions

Some posters make their workman roast dinners

It was almost Olympic level stepford wifing

If they're indoors show them where the kettle is and tea/coffee and pack of biscuits and squash. Wouldn't bother with cans.

Swings and roundabouts - they'll only bugger off to the nearest cafe at 10am!

Just supply cold drinks in this weather

Mine don’t seem to want any thing I’ve offered them!

In this weather id get some cheap cans of something fizzy in and a pack of cheap ice lollies. I got some Asda tropical fizz drink cans in for some electricians we had last year and they were raving about them all bloody day 😂

@Bloodypunkrockers

There was at least one massive thread a few weeks ago which would be worth looking for to see the range of opinions

Some posters make their workman roast dinners

It was almost Olympic level stepford wifing

I don't make my own family roast dinners so it's safe to say that's not happening. My kids are currently chomping down on a KFC that was dropped of by a very lovely man on a bike

I have a trade and work in private dwellings (rather than new build sites). In this heat, especially if working outside with little to no shade, reasonably regular offerings of cold water or squash, or just free access to it would be hugely appreciated.
When I was younger (and less prone to weight gain), biscuits were always appreciated but never expected. These days I'm pretty grateful when there isn't the temptation! Bacon sarnies etc are very rarely offered but very happily accepted - on one occasion it was even insisted upon I sit down and eat a homemade lasagne for lunch! But that was once in nearly 20yrs, definitely not the norm. Ice lollies in the heat are a fantastic offering.
In terms of if I'd go the extra mile having being looked after so well, yes I would but those that do these sort of things are generally the all-round great customers that you'd want to do that for anyway IYKWIM. The two tend to go hand in hand. A shitty PITA customer that provides a steady stream of drinks, less so.

Never done snacks, but always have some water bottles in a fridge and offer different teas/coffee.

They always seem.happy with it. I never have biscuits in a house, and I don't know ehat else could I give so they are on their own there😂

I always offer drinks, occasionally biscuits or cake if we have them.
I was told recently by someone working in our house, they never expect anything, but are always grateful if it offered.

They love copious amounts of builders tea and a bacon butty married to a tradesman

It was almost Olympic level stepford wifing

It does seem to be men wanting it but women doing it. Although I have very happy memories of working on a building site as a teenager and the lovely elderly lady who brought me snacks and tea because I was the only 'girl'. Poor me

I have had tradesmen in for the last 2 months.

I make tea / coffee in the morning and if I’m doing a bacon butty they get one too.

They all get lunch (easy lunch that I’d make for myself - ham and cheese toast or beans on toast type).

And tea/coffee and biscuits in the afternoon.

Squash and water anytime they like they know where it is and can help themselves.

I’d offer hot drinks, squash or water. Snacks would just be a couple of packets of biscuits

@Coffedoodah

We are having 2 workmen come to do about 4 days work at our house. My husband says they don't need anything but I'm thinking about ordering cans of drinks and snacks like biscuits and crisps. Should I be providing these things? Will the do a better job for us if I keep them well fed and watered?

So is it unreasonable to just give basic drinks or should I be getting a few things in for them? And will we get a better job done by going the extra mile for them?

Offer them a cup of tea but that's it you are paying them to do a job and the standard should be good whether there's snacks or not

With covid ours stopped accepting drinks, so I've taken to giving them the kettle, tea, coffee, squash and biscuits etc and a thermos of milk, in a separate spot for them to make their own. The only extras I buy are biscuits.

Mine have always brought pack ups or get really excited because I live a short walk from a good local pie shop!

I just offer to make tea or coffee or cold drinks as requested everytime I stop for a drink myself. Which is every couple of hours.

Ime the nicer you are the worse job they do.

I offer tea, coffee or tap water. Can even run to ice cubes!

Most appreciated are knowing what you want and is achievable. Also not changing your mind and having the right stuff ie paint etc (unless they’re bringing it with them) and making sure the area is prepped and ready to go, so they don’t have to move furniture etc.

Tea on tap and bacon sandwiches always seem to go down well ime.

I do a cooked lunch for my guy when he spends the day plus coffee, water, and snacks

If it is hot weather then offering water, tea or coffee is just human kindness.

However, the rest of the stuff is ridiculous. If you are having a biscuit, then offer one. Absolutely no need to ‘get in snacks’. Really, these people are professionals and can plan their own food.

@stackemhigh

Ime the nicer you are the worse job they do.

Really? God I need a good job it's a roof!