How much to charge for a job: Handyman pricing guide

So you’ve decided to become a handyman, but quickly find out that starting this profession brings its own set of challenges–like how much you should charge for your services?

Use this pricing guide for handyman services to get more handyman work and stay profitable in business!

How to figure out your rates

Handyman business pricing can be tricky, especially when you’re a one-person operation and you’re only starting the business. As you figure out how to price your handyman jobs and make your price list, here are a few tips: 

1. Don’t price jobs based on your speed

Although it’s called an “hourly rate,” the time it takes for you to accomplish a project shouldn’t be the only basis for pricing your services. This can work against you if you finish a job sooner than you thought, which isn’t always a bad thing. Speed can reflect your expertise.

Set your hourly rate based on your skill level, the quality of work you deliver, and the profit margin you want to have. Try benchmarking your rates against trades at the same skill level as well.

2. Charge flat rates or hourly rates when appropriate

Handypersons may charge flat rates or hourly rates. Flat rates are fixed regardless of how long the job takes to complete, while hourly rates are charged for jobs that take more time to complete due to their complexity. This could include side-tasks, like removing mould or cleaning up the worksite beforehand.

In this line of work, not every job is the same. So for handyman pricing, don’t limit yourself to charging flat rates or hourly rates exclusively. Instead, use either of these pricing schemes when appropriate. 

3. Offer a price range

Apart from hourly and fixed rates, you can already lay out pre-determined base prices for common jobs that you’ve done before. Consider the usual factors like time, scope, and size. Here are some tips:

• Charge a minimum service fee - As part of your handyman startup pricing, decide on a minimum service fee that can at least cover your expenses for jobs. This can mitigate pricing problems for jobs that you finish sooner than expected. 

• Offer full-day and half-day rates - Give these special rates to customers when you’re certain the job has no unexpected issues, and you can do the work at a normal pace with the usual effort and the usual handyman tools.

• Offer an emergency call-out charge - Repair jobs like a leaky faucet could occur in the middle of the night, so prepare an emergency call-out charge. Note that some handymen who do emergency repairs (like licenced plumbers) can charge anywhere between £40 to £90 for working outside of normal working hours!

4. Make prices for small, medium, and large jobs

List the jobs you can handle or the services you offer. Classify them as small, medium or large jobs. Note that some of the larger jobs you may want to take on require the appropriate licence in your state.  While you have the option to simply not handle them, you’ll miss out on more profitable, in-demand jobs. 

Here’s a guide on how to classify your jobs: 

Computing your hourly rate

To know how much to charge per hour, consider these factors as you make your calculation:

Tip #1: Don’t neglect your skill and experience

If you have certification or a license to do specific tasks, you can command higher prices. In fact, clients expect higher prices from you if you’re licensed, certified, have mastered a few handyman skills, or have special training for certain jobs.

Tip #2: Consider your expenses

Business expenses can include the cost of materials, safety equipment, insurance, power tool maintenance, and fuel expenses for your service vehicle. Any advertising costs like putting up a website and handing out flyers and calling cards counts towards expenses too!

Tip #3: Account for your cost of living

Apart from your business expenses, your cost of living expenses should be accounted for too. How much do you need to pay for your mortgage (if you have one)? How much for groceries and utility bills? Factor these in along with all your other expenses. 

Once you’ve listed all your expenses, you can calculate how much you need to charge per hour. 

Here’s a simple formula you can apply:

Tip #4: Pay your taxes

Remember to register your business and pay your taxes! You can also hire someone to look at your books to evaluate your financials, like insurance, rental, or equipment leasing costs. They could also help you pinpoint a feasible profit margin and hourly rate. 

Set your handyman prices, get hired on Airtasker

After you do your number-crunching and come up with your list of services and your prices, don’t forget to sign up on Airtasker! Pricing your services is one thing, and finding ways to make more money as a handyman is another–so why not create a profile on the platform today to get matched with potential customers in your area? Become a Tasker today!