The Short Answer
It depends on the job. For most work, I quote a flat price for the whole job. For smaller, simple tasks, I charge by the hour, usually somewhere between $50 and $100.
That's a wide range, so here's what pushes a job toward one end or the other, and what you're paying for when you hire someone like me.
How Handymen Price Their Work
By the job
Most of my work is priced per job. You know the cost before I start, and there are no surprises when the work wraps up.
By the hour
Hourly makes more sense for small, simple jobs. You pay for the time the work takes, with no padding for a bigger project.
What Makes One Hour Cost More Than Another
The tools the job needs
Equipment is the biggest factor in my hourly rate. Some jobs need several tools, and I may have to buy new ones, service the ones I have, or rent specialty equipment. Those costs are part of the rate. A job I can handle with a basic kit sits at the lower end, and one that needs more gear sits higher.
How tedious the work is
Some jobs are simple. Others are slow, fiddly work that takes patience and close attention. The more tedious the job, the higher the hourly rate.
What Goes Into a House Visit
When you get a price, it's easy to think only about the time I spend in your home. A lot more goes into every visit than that:
- Liability insurance, which protects you and me if something goes wrong
- Gas for my vehicle to get to your place
- Buying, maintaining and replacing tools
- Travel time, especially when a job takes more than one trip
These costs add up. My time on a job doesn't start when I walk through your door. It includes the time it takes to get to you. I do my best to keep those costs down, so the price is sensible and still backed by quality work.
A Real Example: The Window Screen
A customer once called me to fix a window screen. Based on the description, I expected to replace the screen entirely.
When I got there and looked closely, it wasn't torn at all. The screen was in great shape. It had simply come loose, so I reattached it.
That turned a replacement into a quick fix. The job took less time, and the customer saved money. I'd always rather do the simplest repair that gets the job done right than sell someone more than they need. A good handyman should look at the problem honestly before deciding what it costs.
My Advice for Getting a Fair Price
Price isn't everything
The cheapest quote can look like the best deal, but it often isn't. If you go with the lowest price, you may not get the quality you were hoping for, and redoing a job costs more than doing it right the first time.
Pay attention to how they work, not just what they charge
Part of what you're paying for is how the person treats you and your home. A good handyman should:
- Leave the worksite clean and tidy when the job is done
- Be respectful of you and your space
- Be transparent about the work they're doing and why
If two quotes are close, these things can make the decision for you. You're letting someone into your home, so it should feel like a good experience, not just a finished repair.
Always get multiple quotes
Get quotes from a few handymen before you decide. You'll get a feel for what's reasonable for your job, and you can compare more than just the number at the bottom.
Look for value
A fair price balances cost with quality. Choose someone whose price makes sense and who you trust to do the job well.