builder/carpenter charges

ZZaffy

I have a house that needs a lot of work. Fiddly stuff, such as replacing and/or repairing architraves and skirting boards etc. I have a quote of £130 inc VAT per day from a semi-retired builder who now only takes on smaller jobs. Is this the going rate? Should I expect further bills on top for screws, nails, wood etc?

Tom_Jones

ZZaffy wrote: »

I have a house that needs a lot of work. Fiddly stuff, such as replacing and/or repairing architraves and skirting boards etc. I have a quote of £130 inc VAT per day from a semi-retired builder who now only takes on smaller jobs. Is this the going rate? Should I expect further bills on top for screws, nails, wood etc?

£130 a day is ok, but if he's semi retired I doubt if he is VAT registered, so check it out. I would assume you supply the timber, nails etc

sharkie

Not sure, depending on the work to tea ratio.

Does sound a bit expensive. In central london 2 years ago paid £170 for one guy whom worked really hard putting up and re-tiling a bathroom wall. 1 year ago a painter was £70 a day.

by him buying all the stuff gives half a day rest, could charge transport on top, you could also pay the full price while he pockets the difference if he pays trade. You are also never sure if the items he buys are better, or just more expensive. A few visits to the shops for bits and the amount soon adds up.

Get a fixed fee price, get him to quote the number of days needed, and state on the paper what needs to be done, materials needed, plus his signature.

tony6403

sharkie wrote: »

Get a fixed fee price, get him to quote the number of days needed, and state on the paper what needs to be done, materials needed, plus his signature.

This is good advice - I would never accept a day rate.

Hopeful_5

One man's day is another man's three days. Get him to price for each job and if he uncovers more work as he goes he can price for that on top.

Hope

The_Blue_Hatter

Semi retired and charging £130 per day. Im guessing he'll take twice as long as someone who works full time for £150 per day.