Tipping home construction workers

[jamesglewisf]

Question:
How about compensating construction workers who have worked under your contractor building your residense over a period of 10 months? They are paid by the contractor and have no benefits but all unemployment, fica, etc taken care of. This could be considered a bonus I suppose. Thank you.

[jamesglewisf]

Answer:
I have built two homes, and just finished one at the end of 2002 (www.jamesglewis.com/house). You don't need to tip any of the contractors. If you think the general contractor did an exceptional job and you really want to show your thanks (other than the fact that you paid him), then I would recommend a gift certificate at a nice steak restaurant. That would probably cost $100-200. That said, it is not necessary. If he is an independent home builder, what he'll really appreciate is lots of referrals. If he works for a home builder, then the gift certificate would be nice, but a thank you note sent to his boss is good too.