Installing countertops is a great deal of work. It is time-consuming and requires skill to pull off perfectly. And you wouldn’t want your home remodeling to go to waste, would you?
This is why we have professionals to handle these tasks. They have the right skill-set and training. Plus, they use equipment and tools that most of us don’t even own.
And for doing a great job, you would be obliged to pay them a little extra. Or is it wrong to tip them?
The answer to this is a matter of opinion. If you feel the necessity, you can tip them. Otherwise, it is optional. We will look into this further. Keep reading below.
Do You Tip Granite Installers?
Tipping countertop installers is totally up to you. If you are satisfied with their job and feel they deserve something extra for their hard work, go ahead. Otherwise, there is no harm in not handing them a bonus.
One thing to note is that most workers don’t expect any tips from you. Some of them might even feel insulted if you do.
But on the other hand, others will receive it as a commission for their work.
There are several discussions regarding this topic on home renovation forums and blogs. And if you’re undecided, we can help you. Let’s explore further.
Why Should You Tip Countertop Installers
They Put in a Lot of Hard Work.
Working with countertops is not easy. They are heavy to move around and require the appropriate equipment to install.
And the people who work on these granite slabs are breaking a sweat, lifting and fitting them in place.
Heavy-duty work like this is not easy to pull off by yourself. This is why you have experts working hard to make your life easier.
And if you appreciate their skill and admire their work, go ahead and tip them. They earned it.
They Deserve It for a Job Well Done.
If you are satisfied with their work, it is only fitting to reward them with a bonus. Some people will tip workers because they have done a great job improving their homes.
And some will reward them if the work surpasses their expectations.
In any case, you can go ahead and tip them for doing a fine job. All their effort and hard work deserve compensation. What’s more, it motivates the laborers and keeps them going.
A Little Something Extra
Most professional countertop installers receive their paycheck from the company they work for. However, you have to think about gas money and extra bucks for miscellaneous expenses.
So, to show your appreciation, you can hand them a few extra bucks. They can pocket it and use it for something different.
They Feel Acknowledged
This one is a bit tricky. Some workers consider it insulting when they receive tips.
Others accept it humbly as a token of appreciation for their work.
So, if they are happy with your gesture, it makes them feel appreciated. It shows them that you acknowledge their work, and they feel grateful for that. Hence, everyone is on the same page.
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Why Should You NOT Tip Countertop Installers
It is Considered Impolite in Some Areas
In Europe, most people do not practice the custom of tipping. Here’s a list of 10 other places where tipping isn’t the norm.
They earn enough to make a living and consider it enough for their work. So handing them tips might hurt their pride.
However, this is not the case in the United States. Most of them are underpaid and receive below the minimum wage.
So, it is safe to tip if you’re living in America.
They Earn Enough from Their Employers.
Countertop installers earn enough to sustain themselves. They do not need tips like waiters or waitresses, who often receive little pay.
This is especially true for those workers who work for large companies. Plus, some independent contractors also pay enough salaries to their employees.
Hence, a tip is unnecessary and can be avoided.
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What Should You Tip Countertop Installers
A tip doesn’t necessarily mean only cash. Yes, you can tip the workers in other ways.
But this is only if you feel handing them extra money is impolite.
Installing countertops takes time and effort. You can offer them snacks or beverages during breaks. The workers won’t mind such gestures.
Plus, they won’t feel insulted by this as it is only necessary to stay hydrated and full.
Moreover, offering a cool drink will refresh them and provide the much-needed energy to continue working.
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How Much Cash Should You Tip Countertop Installers?
Some generous homeowners will reward the workers with 5-10% of the total fees as a reward. For instance, if your total costs come to $2000, $200 would be the 10%.
Hence, you’re paying a total of $2200.
But this is only if you’re wealthy or feeling generous. But there are no hard and fast rules on the amount.
However, if you decide that tipping them is the noble thing to do, here’s what you should know.
- Do not give too much. If we pay more than expected, they might assume that we think they are underpaid.
- Depending on the workload, most people offer a tip of $20 or $50.
- You can also ask the contractor the average percentage amount. This way, you can provide your tip accordingly.
Final Thoughts
So, to wrap this up, follow the option that appeals most to you. If you think you will feel indebted later, pay them right away. Otherwise, you can go with the other option.
Keep in mind that your offering is a token of appreciation for the work.
Please do not make it feel like you’re giving them a special treatment. Offer whatever you want but courteously and respectfully.