How to Determine Handyman Prices

Handyman prices are set through two general ways: Fixed rate and per hour. Both pricing options are utilized optionally among different handyman businesses. The most utilized method of pricing, though, is by the hour.

Going by the Hour

Charging by the hour is the most utilized method as handyman businesses are more correctly compensated for their services. This is reinforced in the following example: A handyman service provider is tasked to do a project involving the replacement of bathroom fixtures. The provider sets a fixed rate at $200 for the specified job. However, in the course of the job, the handyman provider encounters some difficulty and ends up doing minor tasks involving the repair of plumbing and drainage systems. The service provider cannot charge for the additional work as his only assigned task is to replace bathroom fixtures. As a result, the handyman performed unpaid duties.

A remedy to the above scenario is to implement a standard per hour charging scheme. In doing so, any type of task can be delegated to the handyman where he would be compensated fairly.

There are other handyman businesses that have a modified practice of the by the hour charging method. They would impose an additional 20 to 50 percent of their regular rate for the first hour of their services; the succeeding hours would then be charged at the regular rate.

Factors Affecting Per Hour Charges

The hourly labor rate of a handyman varies per service provider. An hourly rate is affected by existing factors, among which:

Business Franchiser. There are handyman service providers that are actually franchises of major handyman companies. As such, they charge their franchisees a certain amount for the use of their name and logo. This commission imposed direct impact on the price of handyman franchise businesses. Also, franchisees need to rate their services in accordance to what their franchisers requirements. The franchising companies have a say on how much their partners are going to charge their clients.

Business Location. The service area or locality of a handyman business is also a determining factor of the prices of its services. Generally, businesses located in rural areas would have lower charges as compared to their urban counterparts. Rural-based handyman businesses can charge as low as $15, while urban and sub-urban businesses charge from $50 to over a $100.

Services. The charging of handyman services also depends on the type of service rendered. There are certain home repair and/or improvement services that require the handyman to be licensed. As such, these services require the intervention of a professional. Examples of such services include electrical wiring installation and plumbing. Other simpler home services like carpentry and furniture repair would be charged lower.

Suppliers. Handyman businesses’ suppliers also affect their service charging rates. This is through the required materials for a certain home project. Since the handyman is knowledgeable in a home’s needed components, he is the one tasked to purchase and deliver these materials. As such, he would need to impose a percentage for this chore. The mark-up on these materials ranges from 40 to 100% of the final bill.