Do you tip tradesmen?

[dreamshark]

 Not even sure if that is the right generic term. Tradespeople? (although so far all of them have been men). I'm talking about the electricians, insulation installers, etc. who actually show up at your house to do the work after you've contracted with their employer to provide a service. 

I gave $20 to the young junk haulers for being exceptionally cheerful and friendly and not complaining about the disgusting state of the attic. And $20 to the insulators that were scheduled at the last minute to show up on a Saturday because of a scheduling problem. In both cases they seemed pleased but surprised. I didn't tip the electricians. They were competent enough, but didn't do anything beyond their expected job. Besides, I figure electricians are paid a lot better than the college kids that haul away junk. 

Those of you that are having work done on your houses - who do you tip and why? When is a tip expected?

Comments

[minnehaha]

I sometimes tip people who have done a great job, or if I am asking them for something extra. I am kind of random about it.

K.

[pameladean]

I have never figured any of this out. And seldom have cash on hand anyway.

P.

[quadong]

I'm pretty sure because this is the US, if you ask this sort of question, someone will inevitably say "yes, and you're a horrible person if you don't" and someone else will inevitably say "no, why would you do that for someone who's getting paid to do a job already?", and it's impossible to figure out what the standard is or if there is a standard.