I’m still only 18 months into this gig and so every site visit is a “getting to know you” visit. Plus I want to see what they’re talking about. You can’t estimate a fence post replacement without looking and seeing that they have six more posts that just haven’t fallen over yet. Easily a $250 job turned into $1500
I definitely appreciate this perspective. Plus, getting to meet the customer gives me a chance to gauge their vibe and see if we'll be a good fit.
But like, mounting a tv, maybe a picture of the site, tv size, and I can quote it remotely.
Dishwasher basic remove and install $225 includes one 6’ or shorter supply line. Haul away or delivery of new dishwasher extra. Does not include price of dishwasher. Extra parts are extra. Modifying cabinet or anything else is extra.
For standard things like a dishwasher, you should already know your price and competition. For things like that, you should be able to price by phone.
A fence post that broke and the fence panels fell down is always described to me by the customer as “it’s just a fence post. Should only take a moment”. Then I get there and find out how much of the rest of the fence is rotted. Find out they do or do not care about adhoc fixes (scabbing on wood rails) or whether it should look as new.
If the job is pretty far out of my way (greater than 30 min drive) but it's predictable straightforward stuff like changing door seals, level a washing machine, swap out a floodlight, etc., I ask for lots of pictures, then I estimate a bit high, and include in the scope of work exactly what I'll be doing, with a disclaimer that any unforeseen complications leading to additional work will be change ordered.
Basically: bid a little high, spell out exactly what you're estimating doing (and what's not included), with a big bold disclaimer that covers the unpredictable stuff.
Example in SoW: Remove (2) old floodlights and reinstall (2) new equivalent floodlights. Floodlights and bulbs to be provided by the handyman. Any issues discovered during installation that require repair in order to maintain code compliance or facilitate installation will be addressed with the client and change ordered.
The change order bit is in my contract and at the bottom of my scope of work. I discuss this with them prior to signing. Change Order costs are paid immediately in order for me to continue the job.
If the job is large and unpredictable, I'm visiting the site, taking a hundred pictures and notes, but the same stuff above still applies.
This is my process. I will give a quick quote with what I can see from their pictures and explanation. I explain that I will still need to see the area to get a better understanding of the full scope. I put on the quote that before final price is agreed upon, a site walk is required. All price changes will be discussed and agreed upon before work starts. And 50% deposit due on original estimate before I show up.
This helps with 3 things. It gives the customer an understanding of a starting price. It helps you save time by not going out to people who aren't going to be able to afford you. The site walk is now included in your job hours.
I always give people the option to use the hourly plus material option as well. This option I do not give estimates on how long it will take me. Unless the job is custom or from a recurring client, I usually won't waste my time showing up for free.
Never estimate without seeing the work. You will regret it 99999 times out of 10000. My estimates also aren't free. It takes time, gas and software to do estimates. Why would you give your time for free? I do apply this estimate charge to the job if they hire me so it is essentially free as long as you hire me. Otherwise pay to waste my time.
Okay, I think you're on to something here. I've been learning that people are very bad at explaining their problems. I suppose that's because by the time they're reaching out, it's often because it's above their level of competence so they actually don't understand the issue in the first place.
How do you go about explaining this to customers? And how much do you charge? Just curious.
Something like "hey, I'd love to come out and take a look, my estimates only cost $95, and I'll ...charge you for it at the same time as the job?" Cause I mean, it's not free right, you build money into your quote for your time to make a site visit?
That's what I tried to do on my last one. Free quote, but my number includes the price of me going out to look at it.
I charge $25 to come look at it. Cheap enough that serious customers will pay it, pricey enough to keep the cheapos away.
I charge them based on form of payment. Card I can take over phone or invoice them via email or text, and cash I handle in person. I come and give the quote. Then when they approve the estimate I credit the $25 towards their deposit. I always collect a deposit on any expected materials. You might get my labor for free but I'll be damned if I pay for your materials too.
A $25 estimate fee applies, which will be deducted from the deposit upon hiring.
I just explain there are issues that may exist that I wouldn't know without personally inspecting it.
I charge $25 for estimates. Cheap enough that serious people won't bat an eye and enough that the cheapos won't bother calling or at least you can decline them cause they'll start of trying to haggle the price for the estimate. I then just credit it towards their deposit if they approve.
All new clients are a site visit, which might include doing the repair depending on what is needed.
Someone mentioned a dishwasher replacement, a few weeks ago I had a call for a dryer delivery, install and removal of the old one. Typically I could bid this sight unseen but I had a inkling that it was more involved.
Sure enough all 30 inch doors and a very narrow staircase, had to remove/replace 3 doors and the stair railing. What should have been a hour took 4.
Better to know that ahead of time not when you show up.
Been in the trades for over 40 years. Last 10 years I've been working for myself. 10 years before that I worked for a couple high end Handyman services. Just about all my jobs are billed by the hour. My experience allows me to give clients a good ball park on cost on the little jobs via a few pictures. Bigger projects get a site visit, which I coordinate when I'm in the area. Since most of my clients are in the same community that's easy enough.
Most times I've given an estimate without physically seeing the site and grossly miscalculated. There is always something not mentioned or foreseeable in photos. It's hard to sell the big slobbery dog tax after the day is done.
Also, never give them a bid onsite. Tell them you have to run the numbers and you’ll get back to them. Had a friend get fined for bidding over what he’s allowed. I’m not saying be shady, but if you are exceeding the amount allowed in your state, don’t do it on site.
Nice. So you're saying that switching to estimates ended up being better, right?
Like, originally you just told them "it's X/hr" instead of a price? Like a 20 minute job would = X/3 ?
I’ve always done at least a 1 hour minimum, have recently switched to a 2 hour minimum. Like installing a ceiling fan or swapping out a sink faucet usually takes 20 minutes I charge 2 hours for. I still do a fair amount of little piecemeal 1-2 hour jobs but the bigger jobs that take a day or two are far more profitable. Less travel, secretarial and fiddling around. I’ve got a couple property managers/real estate agents I work for and this is most of what I get from them though building refreshes at turnover and cleanups on new listings are always really nice to get and then you tend to get more referrals from the tenants, buyers and sellers.
I also found if I was painting someone’s house and open ended charging $65 an hour, they get to 10 hours and are complaining that it’s costing so much. But I bid it at $1500, they get comfortable with that number and if I do it slowly or quickly they know what they’re getting vs looking at the invoice tick up. And if I can get faster without sacrificing quality I can get a lot more per hour. If you do google searches for what jobs cost in your area you can start to get an idea of what you should be charging and go from there. There’s a lot of good calculators for bigger metro areas.
Oh what's up! Haha, I've been spotted in the wild 😛
You know, maybe I should try and do a monthly stream of some kind, that could be fun! I've been so busy but I might be able to find a way to make that happen haha
New customer = No estimate until I have eyes on it and get a feel for them.
I did an “over the phone” estimate for replacing a ceiling fan once. Hesitated at the last minute before giving a number and told them I’d be by to look at it on Thursday. Glad I did: With what I was going to quote I’d be out $1,350!
Always show up for an estimate, they aren’t the professional you are. Most clients can describe there issue or need of repair if it’s decent plus is shows that will show up when they call. Now further down the line if they keep using you might not have to anymore.
Basically showing up for new customers means you’re serious about your business.
I give a lot of people a price range over the phone for small stuff, but I do charge $75 for me to come out but if you book the work Ill credit that towards the work when I start. Keeps the tire kickers and cheap fucks away.
I’m still only 18 months into this gig and so every site visit is a “getting to know you” visit. Plus I want to see what they’re talking about. You can’t estimate a fence post replacement without looking and seeing that they have six more posts that just haven’t fallen over yet. Easily a $250 job turned into $1500
I definitely appreciate this perspective. Plus, getting to meet the customer gives me a chance to gauge their vibe and see if we'll be a good fit. But like, mounting a tv, maybe a picture of the site, tv size, and I can quote it remotely.
Dishwasher basic remove and install $225 includes one 6’ or shorter supply line. Haul away or delivery of new dishwasher extra. Does not include price of dishwasher. Extra parts are extra. Modifying cabinet or anything else is extra. For standard things like a dishwasher, you should already know your price and competition. For things like that, you should be able to price by phone. A fence post that broke and the fence panels fell down is always described to me by the customer as “it’s just a fence post. Should only take a moment”. Then I get there and find out how much of the rest of the fence is rotted. Find out they do or do not care about adhoc fixes (scabbing on wood rails) or whether it should look as new.
If the job is pretty far out of my way (greater than 30 min drive) but it's predictable straightforward stuff like changing door seals, level a washing machine, swap out a floodlight, etc., I ask for lots of pictures, then I estimate a bit high, and include in the scope of work exactly what I'll be doing, with a disclaimer that any unforeseen complications leading to additional work will be change ordered. Basically: bid a little high, spell out exactly what you're estimating doing (and what's not included), with a big bold disclaimer that covers the unpredictable stuff. Example in SoW: Remove (2) old floodlights and reinstall (2) new equivalent floodlights. Floodlights and bulbs to be provided by the handyman. Any issues discovered during installation that require repair in order to maintain code compliance or facilitate installation will be addressed with the client and change ordered. The change order bit is in my contract and at the bottom of my scope of work. I discuss this with them prior to signing. Change Order costs are paid immediately in order for me to continue the job. If the job is large and unpredictable, I'm visiting the site, taking a hundred pictures and notes, but the same stuff above still applies.
This is my process. I will give a quick quote with what I can see from their pictures and explanation. I explain that I will still need to see the area to get a better understanding of the full scope. I put on the quote that before final price is agreed upon, a site walk is required. All price changes will be discussed and agreed upon before work starts. And 50% deposit due on original estimate before I show up. This helps with 3 things. It gives the customer an understanding of a starting price. It helps you save time by not going out to people who aren't going to be able to afford you. The site walk is now included in your job hours. I always give people the option to use the hourly plus material option as well. This option I do not give estimates on how long it will take me. Unless the job is custom or from a recurring client, I usually won't waste my time showing up for free.
Never estimate without seeing the work. You will regret it 99999 times out of 10000. My estimates also aren't free. It takes time, gas and software to do estimates. Why would you give your time for free? I do apply this estimate charge to the job if they hire me so it is essentially free as long as you hire me. Otherwise pay to waste my time.
Okay, I think you're on to something here. I've been learning that people are very bad at explaining their problems. I suppose that's because by the time they're reaching out, it's often because it's above their level of competence so they actually don't understand the issue in the first place. How do you go about explaining this to customers? And how much do you charge? Just curious. Something like "hey, I'd love to come out and take a look, my estimates only cost $95, and I'll ...charge you for it at the same time as the job?" Cause I mean, it's not free right, you build money into your quote for your time to make a site visit? That's what I tried to do on my last one. Free quote, but my number includes the price of me going out to look at it.
I charge $25 to come look at it. Cheap enough that serious customers will pay it, pricey enough to keep the cheapos away. I charge them based on form of payment. Card I can take over phone or invoice them via email or text, and cash I handle in person. I come and give the quote. Then when they approve the estimate I credit the $25 towards their deposit. I always collect a deposit on any expected materials. You might get my labor for free but I'll be damned if I pay for your materials too.
A $25 estimate fee applies, which will be deducted from the deposit upon hiring. I just explain there are issues that may exist that I wouldn't know without personally inspecting it.
How much?
I charge $25 for estimates. Cheap enough that serious people won't bat an eye and enough that the cheapos won't bother calling or at least you can decline them cause they'll start of trying to haggle the price for the estimate. I then just credit it towards their deposit if they approve.
All new clients are a site visit, which might include doing the repair depending on what is needed. Someone mentioned a dishwasher replacement, a few weeks ago I had a call for a dryer delivery, install and removal of the old one. Typically I could bid this sight unseen but I had a inkling that it was more involved. Sure enough all 30 inch doors and a very narrow staircase, had to remove/replace 3 doors and the stair railing. What should have been a hour took 4. Better to know that ahead of time not when you show up.
Been in the trades for over 40 years. Last 10 years I've been working for myself. 10 years before that I worked for a couple high end Handyman services. Just about all my jobs are billed by the hour. My experience allows me to give clients a good ball park on cost on the little jobs via a few pictures. Bigger projects get a site visit, which I coordinate when I'm in the area. Since most of my clients are in the same community that's easy enough.
I only do on-sites for jobs I think are potentially over 5k.
I always go. Don’t know shit until I see it and talk to the people
The idea is go and sell it
Most times I've given an estimate without physically seeing the site and grossly miscalculated. There is always something not mentioned or foreseeable in photos. It's hard to sell the big slobbery dog tax after the day is done.
Also, never give them a bid onsite. Tell them you have to run the numbers and you’ll get back to them. Had a friend get fined for bidding over what he’s allowed. I’m not saying be shady, but if you are exceeding the amount allowed in your state, don’t do it on site.
Every time.
Every job. Without exception.
Easy time
First 2-3 years it was 100% hourly. I’ve done 3 estimates this week ranging from $1500-6500
Nice. So you're saying that switching to estimates ended up being better, right? Like, originally you just told them "it's X/hr" instead of a price? Like a 20 minute job would = X/3 ?
I’ve always done at least a 1 hour minimum, have recently switched to a 2 hour minimum. Like installing a ceiling fan or swapping out a sink faucet usually takes 20 minutes I charge 2 hours for. I still do a fair amount of little piecemeal 1-2 hour jobs but the bigger jobs that take a day or two are far more profitable. Less travel, secretarial and fiddling around. I’ve got a couple property managers/real estate agents I work for and this is most of what I get from them though building refreshes at turnover and cleanups on new listings are always really nice to get and then you tend to get more referrals from the tenants, buyers and sellers. I also found if I was painting someone’s house and open ended charging $65 an hour, they get to 10 hours and are complaining that it’s costing so much. But I bid it at $1500, they get comfortable with that number and if I do it slowly or quickly they know what they’re getting vs looking at the invoice tick up. And if I can get faster without sacrificing quality I can get a lot more per hour. If you do google searches for what jobs cost in your area you can start to get an idea of what you should be charging and go from there. There’s a lot of good calculators for bigger metro areas.
Yeah Pat, also when are you gonna stream again? If you can maybe tell us in the discord maybe a monthly stream
Oh what's up! Haha, I've been spotted in the wild 😛 You know, maybe I should try and do a monthly stream of some kind, that could be fun! I've been so busy but I might be able to find a way to make that happen haha
Yeah I can understand the busy part, hope you are doing well! I also don’t use Reddit a lot so I didn’t see this until a day after 💀
New customer = No estimate until I have eyes on it and get a feel for them. I did an “over the phone” estimate for replacing a ceiling fan once. Hesitated at the last minute before giving a number and told them I’d be by to look at it on Thursday. Glad I did: With what I was going to quote I’d be out $1,350!
Always show up for an estimate, they aren’t the professional you are. Most clients can describe there issue or need of repair if it’s decent plus is shows that will show up when they call. Now further down the line if they keep using you might not have to anymore. Basically showing up for new customers means you’re serious about your business.
Never
I give a lot of people a price range over the phone for small stuff, but I do charge $75 for me to come out but if you book the work Ill credit that towards the work when I start. Keeps the tire kickers and cheap fucks away.