While tipping roofers is uncommon in the United States, there is no universal consensus one way or the other. Still, learning the best practices and etiquette for this matter can help you avoid some awkward situations.

There are multiple scenarios where homeowners might want to know the best practices regarding tips for roofers.
- As a homeowner, you don’t want to come across as rude and not offer a tip.
- As a homeowner, you don’t want to come across as rude by offering a tip – which may imply that their employer doesn’t provide them with a livable wage.
Here at Roofer’s Guild, we have worked with countless roofing contractors and consumers, giving us a unique insight into this conundrum.
So, in the following post, we will be helping you understand the context of tips for roofing contractors.
Key Takeaway
While it is not typical in the United States, it is perfectly legitimate to tip roofers for a job well done. If you choose to provide a tip, it’s best practice to tip each crew member individually.
Is it Ever Appropriate to Tip Roofers?
The short answer to this question is yes. If you feel that your roofers have done an excellent job and deserve a tip, by all means, make their day.
While tipping is not traditionally expected in the United States, we have rarely come across any roofer who hasn’t or wouldn’t appreciate a tip.
Roofers in the United States typically make good salaries, so tips aren’t usually expected.
How Much Money Should You Tip a Roofing Contractor?
Tip each roofer between $10 and $25 for most jobs. Consider boosting it up to $50 per contractor for major-scale endeavors or remarkable performances. However, remember, you reserve the option not to tip.
Do Roofing Contractors Need Tips?
You can tip a roofer if you want to but do not feel obligated. Most contractors in this industry don’t need your tips to make a solid living. However, don’t let that stop you from showing your appreciation if you are so inclined.
When you have someone working on your home, it’s natural to show your appreciation for the work. However, besides appreciation, there are other things to consider if you want to tip your roofers.
Things to Consider when Tipping your Roofer
In our experience, we have yet to hear a roofer turn down a cash tip. And while many would argue that cash is king, it’s not the only way to show your appreciation.
Depending on the job’s scope and whether or not you will be home, food is a welcome form of tip for almost all roofers.
In addition, picking up lunch for the crew is a great way to show your appreciation for their work. If you will be gone for most of the workday and only see the staff as they start the day, consider preparing coffee or buying them breakfast.
If you are home during a hot day, greet the crew on their lunch break with some cold beverages (we’re not talking about alcoholic beverages, although that may be appropriate once the workday concludes). Instead, consider water, Gatorade, vitamin water, and other hydrating refreshments.
Time Considerations
Another vital thing to consider is the timing of your tip. You never want to interrupt a crew at work, even when offering food or a cash tip. It’s simply bad etiquette and can even be dangerous.
The best times to show your appreciation are before their day starts, during their lunch break, and after they finish.
Personal Considerations
If you have an extensive roofing project being taken care of, you may have many roofers on your property. In this case, it may not be feasible to offer everyone a cash tip.
Cash tips may be more reasonable when it’s just a crew of 2 or 3 roofers, depending on what you can afford.
If you have a larger crew you want to thank, consider baked goods or ordering pizza. Maybe you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden. Gifting fresh produce is also a great way to say thanks for your hard work.
Many people worry about who to give their tips to, whether food, gifts, or cash. The general rule of thumb is to give your tips to each crew member individually.
You can also give it to the boss or foreman and tell them how to disperse your tip among the team.
Final Thoughts
We understand the conundrum homeowners face when it comes to tipping roofers. You don’t want to insult the roofer by tipping or not tipping them for a job well done.
You can rest easy knowing that the vast majority of roofing contractors are content with either choice, as they earn enough money to not need tips, but will not be insulted by the gesture either.