How to price handyman jobs: a simple method
There's no single right rate: it depends on your area, your skills and your costs. But there is a right way to work it out, so every job pays for your time, your truck and your taxes.
Start with what an hour really costs you
Add up a year of business costs: truck, gas, insurance, tools, phone, software, licenses. Add what you want to pay yourself, plus taxes. Then divide by the hours you can actually bill, not the hours you work. Driving, quoting, buying materials and paperwork don't get billed.
Check it against your market
Look at what other handymen near you charge: their websites, their Google profiles, quotes your neighbors got. If your number is far above theirs, look for costs to cut or higher-value work. If it's far below, you're probably underpricing.
Hourly or flat rate?
- Hourly works when you can't see the whole job in advance: older houses, hidden damage.
- Flat rate works for jobs you do often: TV mounting, furniture assembly, faucet swaps. Customers like knowing the price, and you earn more as you get faster.
- Many handymen use both: a flat price for common jobs, hourly for the unknowns.
Set a minimum charge
A 20-minute fix still costs you the drive and the time between jobs. A minimum charge, such as one hour or a set trip fee, keeps small jobs worth doing.
Materials
Charge for materials separately or build them into a flat price, but don't give away the time you spend buying and hauling them. Many handymen add a markup or a shopping fee; pick one you can explain if a customer asks.
Quote from photos when you can
Photos let you price small jobs without a trip. When you can't see the whole problem, behind a wall or under a floor, offer a site visit instead of guessing low.
Know your limits
Many states require a contractor license once a job passes a certain dollar amount. Check your state's limit before you quote bigger jobs, and never call yourself licensed or insured unless you are.
Raise prices on purpose
Review your rate once a year, or whenever you're booked weeks out. Raise it for new customers first, and give your regulars notice.
Get your price in front of customers fast
With Hardyproof, customers send the job with photos and you text back a price in one tap. Free 30-day trial, no card.
Start a free 30-day trial