Pricing A Job

You need a job doing... Do you prefer to be charged by the hour or a price to do the lot?
I prefer a price to do the lot and in writing.
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Have you ever been caught out for accepting either method?

Re: Pricing A Job

No man does any job for me, unless they give me a price , I’ve been caught with these hourly rates, by some, not a chance In Henry of that ever happening again!

Re: Pricing A Job

Depends on the size and complexity of the works. I have spent many years pricing and quoting for construction and civil engineering works and there is no "one size fits all" method.

However for a householder wanting a small simple job doing such as a garden wall or some plumbing doing such as a new bathroom for instance, then as a rule of thumb usually the better method is and "all in" price, but for bigger more complex jobs, then the ideal is a full breakdown of quantities and specifications which can be priced accurately, along with a contract which specifies the extent of the works, the responsibilities of both parties and the final cost.

It is quite usual for bigger contracts to be paid in stages as works are proceeding, but remember, whatever the size of the job never pay anything in advance, and if asked to do so then look elsewhere for a contractor!

Re: Pricing A Job

iBy the hour is my preference for small jobs

I supply all materials ready on site.

The tradesmen can turn up as and when to suit them.

I pay cash on the day.

Re: Pricing A Job

I agree with Barry, most jobs involve the materials cost which are sort of fixed whoever gets the job, the only variable is the labour cost, you have to ask for the material cost and check the proposed time scale so you can make a comparison on hourly rate, but, trust and standard of work is a consideration on the labour cost.

Re: Pricing A Job

In domestic construction, landscaping etc, I always think (because wage inflation has been neutral for so long) £50.00 per hour is a reasonable labour rate, don't know what anyone else thinks.

Re: Pricing A Job

having lived in this house for 36 years, most workmen are the same year after year so i know them well, they do the job and tell me at the end how much, usually cash. Bit surprised during the lockdown two of my regular workmen have asked for bank transfers

Re: Pricing A Job

I always quoted for materials and labour separately, that way it shows just how much materials cost these days. Personally, I prefer an all in price but can appreciate that sometimes there are added costs.

Re: Pricing A Job

Always been fixed price. But then my field was industrial. Fixed price. That was the norm and reflected by my domestic activities when local tradesmen were involved.

Re: Pricing A Job

Usually a fixed price except when it comes to tracing out an electrical fault as you never know how long it will take to trace and repair, then it's on an hourly time and materials basis.