Is tipping contractors standard?

if it was in the contract sure. that's why they are called contractors. next thing you know, we'll be tipping brokers, lawyers, and doctors as well. having said that, you definitely don't want to make them unhappy in case you need some follow up work in case of a problem.

This is tricky. I agree with Special_K to a point but if they did a great job with little hassle, I tend to tip with either cash or if that is not comfortable for you a nice bootle of whatever they drink, if they drink. I do this because when smething goes wrong in one of my apartments, I want them to make me a priority.
A good contractors is so hard to find that it is sometimes worth it even though it isn't exactly "fair" or required.

It perhaps goes without saying, but on-time payment of your contractor's bills goes a looooong way. I don't usually tip, but he knows that he will receive a check from me very quickly when I get the final invoice. Obviously if the work is not finished or not done right, then you shouldn't pay the full amount until it is resolved. But if a job is wrapped up, i always settle up ASAP so that there are no hard feelings when I call about the next project.

Thanks. What is an appropriate $ amount to tip? Gut reno of 1 br, which cost $80k. Thanks again.

I tipped my contractor's WORKERS individually (and not to the contractor) and the amount I gave each of them was $150. There were 4 of them and they were quite appreciative. My job took 3 months and cost about the same as yours.