What do you think is an acceptable hourly rate for a general handyman?

My semi-retired dad helps me maintain my IP's. I used to get quotes / rough estimates for every job. But because the work varies so much it's becoming too much of a hassle for both of us. One day it's painting, another it's fixing a lock. So we've decided to go with a simple hourly rate. I don't want a discount, but I don't want to pay him above market rate either. I want to keep things simple. When it comes to friends and family I like to keep business business.


I'm thinking somewhere in the region of $60-80p/h?

 

• Middle of the price range + gst.
• Minimum 4hrs
• No callout charge
• Provide all tools

 

$60 - $80 per hour is acceptable. My concern is doing it right, having insurance and doing it on time.

 

He used to be a builder, so the quality is not a concern

 

I like the 4hr min. That's realistic isn't it. Thanks for the ideas.

 

I agree these rates may be acceptable if you're organised and efficient.

Generally though the hourly rates that come to mind from experience are:
Labourer/handy person $20-25
Carpenter $30-35
Builder $40-50
Electrician $60-70
Plumber $x "is that your daily rate? Oh, it's hourly."

 

People with building licenses are the best to work with. Sounds great.
We need more of them.

 

LOL about the plumber rate @SK Investments I can relate!

Rates will vary on where you live eg: Sydney going to be more exxy than a regional centre
My carpenter charges $80 p/h my handyman about $40 my gardener $28 and this is for Sydney

 

Ths going rate for a self-employed handy man with his own tools, vehicle, public liability insurance is usually $50 per hour in Western Sydney and Central Coast. Prices vary depending on the area you work in.

I used to be an alarm technician and the rates dependent on your knowledge and skill level could go from $35 to $100 per hour. Most charged around that $50 mark (+GST if they were registered)

 

Or in Canberra, $60 for unlicensed handyman with tools, and whatever-youve-got-in-your-bank-account or $1000/min, whichever is the higher, if they're a licensed builder .

 

Yep I agree with $50ph labour (incl tools) + materials for a "handyman". However all depends on local demands, if they want the job etc.

Don't know about your or most parents but mine would sternly refuse any payment, likewise I would with my kids, because I love them & that's what family does.
Even if I slipped $'s in their pocket (or somewhere) they'd get cranky & give it back.

Instead, shout-em things they wouldn't do for themselves, take-em out to a flash restaurant, buy-em tickets to a show, put-em up in a resort for a weekend, voucher for a fishing charter (or similar).
Lots of options...

 

$60-80ph for a handyman? I'm in the wrong profession.

 

1x case

 

Handyman circa $50, though I'd expect to pay more if the handyman was a qualified builder or plumber for instance. Such folks are worth their weight in gold for jobs with many components to them that would otherwise require all sorts of tradies to turn up for small periods of time. An example is replacing wall tiles and plaster and taps in a shower cavity. A plasterer is unlikely to be keen to turn up for such a small job, and may want to charge a minimum amount. Much easier if the one person can do everything associated with the job.

 

That's why I'm asking

Seems like the general consensus is around $50.

 

Well, that cost includes tools, running a business, their own super, hopefully some form of insurance (your paying someone to be at your house - if they injure themselves you'd better be hoping...). Even cash-in-hand has expenses.

 

Handyman $55 an hour
Builder $88 an hour

 

Damn public servants driving up the prices.

Cheers

Jamie

 

Everyone keeps talking about "with tools". Can you negotiate a lower price if you supply the tools or have them attempt the work with just a pocket knife or something? If you don't state it explicitly do they just rock up with nothing but a belt and a pair of socks?

I don't know many industries like this. If I booked a cab for example I would expect them to have a car, or at the very least least a really slick wheel barrow.

 

Haha! Ew!

I can't imagine a tradie ever being happy to work with a clients blunt, rusty tools.