How I Quote Jobs (Transparency in Pricing)

Pricing is awkward. Ask three handymen and you'll get three different prices. Here's how I actually work out what to charge.

The Basic Calculation

At the simplest level:

Labour time × Hourly rate + Materials + Travel = Quote

But it's never quite that simple.

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How I Think About Time

My Rates

Minimum charge: £60 (covers callout + first hour) Additional time: £50/hour Half hours: £25

Estimating Time

For familiar jobs: I know from experience

• Hang a TV: 45-90 mins depending on wall and cables
• Build a PAX wardrobe: 1.5-2 hours
• Replace a toilet seat: 15-30 mins

For unfamiliar jobs: I estimate based on similar work + a bit of buffer

The Buffer Factor

I add time for:

• Jobs in awkward spaces
• Old houses with surprises
• Complex customer requirements
• Jobs I haven't done before

The honesty: If I quote 2 hours and it takes 1.5, I charge for 1.5. If it takes 2.5 because something unexpected happened, we discuss it.

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How I Think About Materials

Customer Supplies

For most jobs, you buy the materials:

• TV bracket
• Furniture to assemble
• Paint
• Light fittings

My quote is just labour.

I Supply Standard Consumables

Things I include in labour rates:

• Standard fixings (screws, rawlplugs)
• Silicone for small sealing jobs
• Basic sundries

I Supply Bigger Items When Asked

If you want me to supply:

• I'll quote materials separately
• No markup on cost price (usually)
• Receipt available if you want it

Trade vs Retail

I can sometimes get materials cheaper than you'd pay at B&Q. Sometimes I pass this on; sometimes it balances against my time sourcing it.

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Fixed Price vs Hourly

When I Quote Fixed Price

Jobs I know well:

• TV mounting
• Flat pack assembly (standard items)
• Common repairs

Why: Predictable jobs with predictable times. Fair for both of us.

When I Quote Hourly

Jobs with unknowns:

• "Can you fix this thing?" (without seeing it)
• Investigation/diagnosis work
• Jobs that could go many ways

Why: I can't give a fair fixed price without knowing the scope.

Hybrid Approach

Often I'll say: "I expect this to take 2-3 hours, so roughly £110-£160. I'll let you know during the job if it's looking different."

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What Adds to Quotes

Complexity

Same task, different prices:

Hanging shelves:

• On plasterboard with visible studs: Quick
• On brick: Standard
• On old lath and plaster: Takes longer
• On granite or stone: Needs care

Access

Getting to the job:

• Standard room: Normal price
• Through a narrow hallway with furniture: A bit more
• Up three flights of stairs with a heavy wardrobe: More time = more cost

Requirements

Customer preferences that add time:

• Perfect positioning (moving things multiple times)
• Specific requirements beyond standard
• Additional related tasks

I'm happy to accommodate these - but they affect the quote.

Risk

Jobs with potential for things to go wrong:

• Working near plumbing
• Drilling near electrics
• Valuable items nearby

I factor in: Extra care time, potential for having to stop and reassess.

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What Doesn't Change the Quote

Day of the Week

I don't charge more for Saturdays (though I don't work Sundays).

Your Postcode (Within Reason)

Exeter, Exmouth, Topsham, Dawlish - same rates. I might add travel for further afield.

How Nice Your House Is

A job is a job. I'm not charging more because your kitchen is fancy.

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The Quote Process

For Simple Jobs

You describe it: "I need a TV mounted on a brick wall, cables hidden in surface trunking."

I know the ballpark: "That's typically £85-£110 depending on size and exact setup."

You decide: "Yes, book me in" or "Let me think about it."

For Complex Jobs

You describe it: "I've got some damp, some doors that stick, a bathroom that needs some work..."

I need to see it: "Let me visit and assess. No charge for that visit if you book the work."

Site visit: I look, make notes, work out what's needed.

Detailed quote: Broken down by task so you can pick and choose.

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Honesty About Pricing

Things I Tell You

• If something doesn't need fixing, I'll say so
• If you could easily do it yourself, I'll mention it
• If I think another trade would be better, I'll recommend someone
• If the job runs under time, I reduce the bill

Things I Don't Do

• Add hidden fees
• Charge for things not agreed
• Inflate quotes hoping you'll negotiate down
• Make up work that doesn't need doing

The Trust Factor

I'd rather have a customer who trusts me and calls again than squeeze extra from a one-off job. Long-term relationships beat short-term gains.

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Getting a Quote

What helps:

• Photos of the job
• Measurements if relevant
• Details about wall type, access, etc.
• List of everything you want done (multi-job visits are better value)

Quick quotes: For simple stuff, phone or message is fine Site visits: For complex stuff, I'll come and look first

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Want a quote? Tell me what you need - I'll give you a straight answer. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.