A cherished British tradition of offering a hot drink to tradespeople is fading fast, with a new nationwide poll revealing that 42% of homeowners no longer offer a cup of tea or coffee to builders working on their property. The research, commissioned by the Federation of Master Builders, paints a picture of a nation divided by age and postcode when it comes to this small act of kindness.
The Generational Brew Gap
The survey of 2,000 UK adults uncovered a stark generational split. The time-honoured practice is most at risk among the young, with a significant 60% of Generation Z (aged 16-26) admitting they never make a brew for a builder. Over half of Millennials (aged 27-42), at 53%, also fail to put the kettle on, with many citing concerns about tradespeople taking too many breaks.
The trend continues with 40% of Generation X (43-58) neglecting the offer. In contrast, Britain's older generation remains the most hospitable, with only 32% of Baby Boomers (59 and over) saying they do not offer a drink. The poll also found little difference between the sexes, with 41% of men and 42% of women failing to extend the cup of kindness.
A Map of British Hospitality
The findings reveal a clear geographical pattern in hospitality across the UK. Homeowners in London, Scotland, and Wales emerged as the least likely to offer a warming cuppa. A striking 54% of Londoners and 53% of Scots do not ask, alongside 44% of Welsh residents.
At the other end of the spectrum, the East Midlands was crowned the kindest region, with just 31% failing to make an offer. The full regional breakdown shows:
- North East & West Midlands: 43% never offer
- South West: 42%
- Yorkshire and Humberside: 39%
- Northern Ireland: 37%
- South East: 35%
- East of England: 32%
- East Midlands: 31%
Why a Simple Cuppa Matters
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, emphasised the importance of these small gestures. "Small acts of kindness really do matter," he stated. "Offering a drink, taking a moment to chat, or simply treating builders with warmth can make a genuine difference to someone who may be feeling stressed or overwhelmed."
He added that most tradespeople take great pride in their work, and fostering a better understanding with homeowners can ease pressure during what are often demanding and disruptive projects. The research highlights a shift in social norms, where the simple, courteous ritual of offering a brew to someone working in your home, even outdoors for long periods, is being quietly abandoned by a significant portion of the population.
