Do you tip housepainters?

[RoadRunner]

This one was originally asked by MichaelG. I thought I would give it its own thread:

Hi there.

Here's my tipping etiquette question: we're having some rooms in our house painted. The "main" contractor showed up one night and we discussed what we wanted. He came back the next week to finalize things, and the morning after that, he arrived with two workers (let's call them Ivan and Igor). Ivan and Igor have done all of the work, and will be finished in a few days.

So, do I tip only Ivan and Igor, or do I tip their boss too? If so, is the tip based on a percentage of the total project? I hope not, because we're talking a nearly $5000 project, which would make a 15 percent tip $750.

I was thinking of giving Ivan and Igor $30-$50 each. What do you think? And if I tip them that, what about their boss?

Thanks.

[RoadRunner]

And here was the answer from Jim:There is no need to tip house painters. This comes straight from the horse's mouth. Two different individuals who own painting companies have said so.

If you want to show appreciation, consider offering them something to drink. If you really feal they have gone above and beyond, you can buy them pizza or something for lunch, but it is not expected.

You can also make a restroom available - tell them which one up front so that they don't have to ask.

[RoadRunner]

Starting a new thread will just help people if they are ever looking for the answer to this question.

[Alec]

I wouldn't tip a house painter. I can see offering them a drink or restroom, but not a tip.