I'm just about to finish up a huge landscape project for my backyard that cost $230K. It involved a lot of hardscaping and retaining walls, and took about 3.5 months to complete. The project is on schedule, though I did go over budget due to some changes I made along the way. The crew of four has done an incredible job, and I'm considering giving each of them a cash bonus between $500 and $1,000. However, I'm not planning to give anything to the lead designer/GC, who is also the owner's daughter. I'm thinking of handing out the cash in envelopes along with some beers on the last day of the project. Am I crazy for wanting to do this? Should I mention it to my GC or just keep it a surprise?
3 Answers
That sounds like a fantastic idea! A bonus is a nice gesture, especially after a long project like this. If you have any photos of their work, sharing those can really reinforce your appreciation. Just keep in mind to show some acknowledgment to your lead designer too; they played a crucial role as well. You could always think about giving her a smaller bonus or at least inviting her to a casual gathering to meet the crew and see the finished work.
I get where you're coming from. It seems a bit tough not to include the lead designer since they helped manage the entire project. Maybe giving her a small bonus would be nice, but if your crew worked on hourly wages while she was the owner, it makes sense why you might want to focus on the crew. If you plan a block party or something to showcase their work, that could be a good way to include her in the appreciation!
Absolutely, giving your crew a cash bonus is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work on such a big project. They'll definitely feel valued and motivated to give you great service in the future. You might even consider throwing in some pizza to celebrate at the end!