Do you Tip Your Contractors?

By Cass Jacoby.  

Tipping etiquette isn’t as clear in the field of construction as it is with other professions, so how do you properly show your appreciation? 

Homeowners rarely interact with the world of contracting, so it makes sense that we often don’t know the etiquette surrounding something like tipping a contractor after a job. Should a home or building owner tip their roofer after a job well done? Are tips expected? What's the etiquette there? 

Luckily, the AskARoofer Podcast is here to ask experts what is common place when it comes to tipping. Join Megan Ellsworth and Lauren White for a conversation with Charles Antis of Antis Roofing and Waterproofing and Wendy Marvin, CEO of Matrix Roof and Home, about tipping. 

The short answer is that most contractors will certainly appreciate a tip, but do not expect one. If you feel as though a tip is the best way to show your gratitude for the hard work, go for it. However, the general consensus is that a tip is a bonus, not a requirement. 

“I know my people get tips most of the time. Generally, what we hear from the homeowners is they just had no idea how hard it is, the work that we do,” says Wendy. “It's just a way to be able to show above and beyond that you're appreciative of what they do. Our workers do not expect that. They really don't, but it really impacts them and makes them feel cared for and loved when that does happen.” 

Roofing contractors consistently work hard to ensure a homeowner gets the home they want when they want. It is always nice when a customer recognizes the hard labor that goes into roofing and wants to show their appreciation. Charles adds that this show of appreciation doesn’t need to necessarily be monetary, it could be paying the crew a compliment or by making sure the crew has access to water to stay hydrated. 

"We don’t expect tipping...We are taking care of them, so I don't think people should feel obligated to tip, but here's where you could really help: pause give them a good review,” says Charles. “Because the company, we need those. That's a better win for him than the money because he wouldn't be at this company if he wasn't getting money.” 

Listen to the rest of the podcast to learn more about how to show your appreciation to roofing crews and for more information on why you can trust a contractor who gives back to the community. 

Have a question? AskARoofer.   

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is writing about movies for her master's degree and dancing with her plants.