Feeding Workers While They Are Working in Your House: A Thoughtful Consideration

When it comes to hiring workers for home renovations - whether it's plumbing repairs, drywall installation, hardwood flooring, or a new roof - providing meals or snacks for them can be a thoughtful and beneficial gesture. However, there are several factors to consider before making this decision.

Factors to Consider

Type of Work

If the job involves long and physically demanding tasks, offering meals or snacks can help maintain the workers' energy levels and morale. For instance, if you're having a new roof installed, which can take a full day and involve climbing ladders and working in difficult conditions, providing a hearty lunch or a quick, nutritious snack can make a significant difference.

Duration of Work

The duration of the work is another crucial factor. For longer projects or tasks that span multiple days, offering lunch or snacks can be appreciated. Shorter tasks, on the other hand, may not require such provisions. For example, if you're getting hardwood flooring installed, the workers might finish within a day or two, and it might not be necessary to provide meals daily.

Dietary Restrictions

Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or preferences the workers may have. It's considerate to ask them beforehand to ensure they feel respected and comfortable. In a scenario where you're having drywall put in, for instance, one worker might be vegan, another might be gluten intolerant, and another might prefer halal food. Checking with them in advance can help avoid any discomfort or inconvenience.

Cost and Convenience

Consider your budget and the logistics of providing food. It might be easier to provide snacks and drinks rather than a full meal, especially if it involves redistributing or heating up food. For example, if you're having a new roof installed in winter, a hot beverage and a few snacks can be more practical than preparing a full meal.

Company Policy

Some contractors or workers may have company policies regarding food and breaks, so it's important to check. For instance, if you're hiring a contractor from a professional company, they might have their own arrangements for breaks and meals. In such cases, it might be best to respect their policies and not interfere.

Professional Environment

Depending on the nature of the work, it might be more appropriate to keep the work environment professional. If you're working on a woodworking project, for example, it might be better to keep snack breaks to a minimum to maintain focus on the project.

Personal Experiences and Recommendations

I have had first-hand experience with all sorts of home renovations. For plumbing repairs, I usually provide coffee in the morning and pizza and wings for lunch on day one. On day two, if applicable, homemade chili in the crockpot with crackers, cheese, and sour cream is a common choice. Since I live in Georgia, winter work is often outdoors, so these meals can help keep the workers warm and energized. I always ensure the workers know where the bathrooms are located right at the start.

On the other hand, someone else I know would offer coffee and donuts in the morning to give the workers their sugar and caffeine hit. They would ask if they want to stay and have sandwiches, hamburgers, or hot dogs, or go out and pay someone else for food. Offering these options on the property would save both time and money for everyone involved. It ensures that the workers stay on schedule and on the property, making the project more efficient.

This approach not only keeps the workers on track but also allows them to focus on their work without the need to leave the property. As many as the donuts and sandwiches keep them on time and save your time and money, it’s a great idea to consider.

While I have found these approaches to be effective, unfortunately, circumstances may not always permit such ideal scenarios. Others, however, have had the opportunity to implement these ideas, and they were well-received.