As someone who used to handle all the DIY tasks at home, I've recently started hiring professionals for various jobs. I'm curious about the etiquette around offering refreshments—what do craftspeople really enjoy when they come to work at my place? Should I just stick to water, or is it okay to offer coffee, sodas, or maybe even some snacks? How do you feel about things like beers or other drinks?
3 Answers
I’d say snacks can be a bit distracting, but I’ve had great luck with coffee. A lot of contractors I know enjoy a good cup, especially if they're working long hours. Setting out a carafe of coffee and some snacks like granola bars is a nice touch. Just keep it casual and let us know we can help ourselves to whatever you’ve put out!
From my experience, it's nice when clients offer something, but most pros will bring their own drinks. If you're feeling hospitable, providing a cooler with drinks can be a great gesture. Just make sure it doesn’t involve alcohol—that can be tricky since you never know if someone is in recovery. A cooler with water or sports drinks is always appreciated, and it shows you care about our comfort while we work!
Honestly, I think it’s all about balance! Water or juice is perfect, but when people try to offer too much, like a meal or excessive snacks, it can get cumbersome. I've worked in homes where water is provided right at the worksite, and that always makes me feel appreciated without being too overboard. Plus, I don’t want to be distracted when I’m focused on the job!