Handyman prices: what your quote includes

How do the labour rates add up?

These labour amounts include VAT. The examples show the arithmetic for a stated amount of labour time. They are not quotes for particular repairs, promises about how long a task takes, or totals including materials.

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A photograph helps explain the work, but a damaged fixing, an incompatible part or restricted access can change what is involved. The published rates are a starting point for discussing your job. Confirm the expected work and how the appointment will be priced before accepting it.

How are materials calculated?

Materials are calculated from their net cost, meaning the cost excluding VAT. I add 10% to that amount, then apply 20% VAT to the result.

For example, a net materials cost of £20 plus a £2 markup gives £22 before VAT. Adding £4.40 VAT makes the materials charge £26.40, including VAT. The markup is applied to the net cost, so the supplier's VAT is not counted twice.

Tell me which products you already have and send their links or model numbers. Agree who is supplying replacement parts, fixings, filler or paint. A product's included fittings may not suit the wall, and an apparently similar hinge or handle may not fit the existing holes. Check compatibility before buying unfamiliar parts.

A worked labour-and-materials example.

If the agreed work takes 90 minutes and the materials have a net cost of £20, the calculation is:

• Labour: £50 for the first hour plus £25 for the additional 30 minutes = £75, including VAT.
• Materials: £20 net cost plus 10% = £22; add £4.40 VAT = £26.40.
• Total payable in this example: £101.40, including VAT.

There is no separate travel or parking charge. This is an arithmetic example, not a completed customer job or a promised completion time. Confirm the actual scope, materials and total before accepting the work.

Is there a travel or parking charge?

I do not charge separately for travel or parking. If your road has restrictions or parking is difficult, please arrange a suitable space or visitor permit where possible and let me know before the visit.

Send any access instructions with your postcode, including loading restrictions, entry details or the distance from parking to the job. This helps plan how tools and materials will reach your home.

Why can similar jobs need different quotes?

The visible result does not describe all the work behind it. Adjusting a sound cupboard hinge differs from repairing its damaged mounting point. Fitting one straight curtain pole differs from removing a failed fitting, repairing the wall and installing a new system.

Include quantities, dimensions and the current condition. Explain stairs, lifts, parking restrictions and where the work will happen. For furniture, say where the packages are and whether parts are missing or assembly has already started. Do not assume that an item can be finished in one visit while essential parts are unavailable.

Choose the matching home repair, furniture assembly or curtain fitting page for the details specific to that service.

Be clear about the finished result.

Replacing a fitting does not describe what should happen to the surrounding surface. Say whether you want old holes filled, damaged paint repaired, an item removed or the area redecorated. Mention furniture that needs moving and any packaging or old fittings you want dealt with.

Preparation and drying can affect the sequence. Filling a hole and immediately painting it may not suit the product instructions. For decorating, identify the surfaces and intended finish, and discuss whether a local touch-up or a wider repaint is appropriate. The decorating service explains the information needed.

What should you send for a useful quote?

• Your postcode and a numbered job list with quantities and priorities.
• A wider photo of each job and close-ups of the fault or fitting.
• Product links, model details and materials you already have.
• Access arrangements and anything that needs moving first.
• The result you want, including removal, repairs and finishing.

A combined list helps us discuss the appointment as a whole. It does not guarantee that every item can be completed in one visit. Before booking, confirm the included tasks, labour basis, materials, total payable including VAT and what happens if the scope changes. Raise any unclear term before the appointment.