Estimates - Homebodies

Estimates

Estimates are just that. They're estimates. Although fair and reasonable, my estimates cannot possibly account for every nuance and challenge a job will present in advance. That's part of the fun. Prices are subject to change, with fair notice to you, the customer.

Overhead

My baseline cost of doing business averages about ten dollars per hour ($10/hour). This includes for wear and tear on equipment such as worn-out or broken blades and bits, tool repairs, lost tools, and worn-out or damaged personal protective equipment, and any incidentals such as scrap lumber, tape, caulk, paper towels, screws and nails, etc.

This does not include the cost of gas and vehicle mileage to get to and from the job, advertising, or office supplies and the like.

Labor

I provide estimates based on a rate of $30 - $60 per hour, per worker, depending on the skill, tools, and risk involved in your particular project. Based on my experience with how long a certain job should take, I have compiled a written list of standard plumbing, electrical, and carpentry jobs. I bill according to the list, as faithfully as possible, so that every customer gets a fair price - no customer shall pay more than my "book" price under normal circumstances.

Materials

I do not estimate materials cost in most cases. I usually give ballpark figures at the high end of the range of what I expect materials to cost. Then, I present actual materials invoices, plus a usual and customary markup for purchasing and stocking materials.

Surcharges

Regardless of the hourly rate, time spent, or initial estimate, certain tasks are subject to surcharges to compensate for risk, difficulty, or capital expenditure above and beyond what the average handyman provides. For more on this, see Prices.