Tipping builders question

[Wiifitmama]

We are finished with an extension and refurb project this week. We hired a company to do it who then brought in their own tradesmen (electricians, carpenters, etc). They have been fantastic. And while I know they are just "doing their jobs" and get paid by thehead builder we hired, we would really like to recognise some of them with a tip. Our decorators for instance came in today (Sunday) and worked 8am-7pm as we are on a tight deadline for tomorrow. How much would be a reasonable amount to tip? We are shorted cash and don't have it to throw around but on the other hand don't want it to be so small as to be insignificant to them. Any ideas? What are the likely to be paid on a daily rate by the head guy?

Bump!

I'd buy them a bottle of drink rather than paying extra cash.

THat would be a good idea but they are all Muslim so I don't know if they drink. Quite possibly not.

Maybe shout them a.meal.or something? I know traditionally there is a party when the roof goes on in the house.

I'm a plumber- husband a carpenter- tips are the most amazing wonderful gesture. It's rare- but does happen. I have one customer who I always underprice by a certain amount as she always tips - that isn't the same.

But having someone who is basically telling you that they value your work more than you have charged- your labour and effort is worth more than the market value agreed- it's brilliant, makes taking effort and pride in work worth it, especially when so many competitors take the money do the bare minimum and run . Even a small amount will be welcomed. The gesture itself and the meaning behind it will be worth more than whatever sum you give (unless you give loads of course!)

By the way- a £5 a person would thrill them. Honestly. I earn £200 - £300 a day and still feel that £5 is worth so much.

I think there will be a party (metaphorically) from all of them that they no longer have to come to my job anymore! We are nice (I bring biscuits each day!) but they job was tough - particularly on the electrician.

Anyhow, we have decided on £50 each for the three tradesmen who we feel went above and beyond. They all did excellent work and the finish is fantastic. But three of them went beyond in the hours they did and the effort they put in.

Thanks for your input - especially from someone (and husband) in the trade! Glad to know it will be appreciated.

Honestly- you will go down in trade history. Recognising effort is unfortunately rare. They will talk about you in the pub for years to come. £50? You will be the customer of lore

My husband is an excellent tradesman and has been for 20 years. He's meticulous, prompt and always goes above and beyond what is required. He works for absolutely eye-wateringly rich people (think owners of household-name companies) The praise is always gushing. He's only ever been given a tip once. A tenner off a lovely old woman who didn't have a lot of money.

As cooking'said, you're going to go down in history!

Personally I don't like tipping, I'd far rather buy some small present. At Christmas we got all ours a present costing a couple of pounds and found out how to write something intelligent in Polish for them. I assume they were happy enough but who knows, most of them couldn't speak English!