What affects the price of a handyman visit

Why we do not post a price list

Two jobs with the same name can be very different. Replacing a faucet on a newer sink with good shutoffs is quick. Replacing the same faucet on an older sink with seized nuts and valves that will not close takes much longer and needs more parts.

A posted price would be wrong for one of them. So we quote each job after seeing photos, and we give free estimates.

The list

The single biggest factor is what is on the list and how the items group together. Several small tasks in one visit cost less in total than the same tasks spread over several visits, because travel and setup happen once. A list that mixes tasks in different rooms, needing different tools, still fits one visit well. Tell us everything up front, even small items, so the quote reflects the real visit.

Access

• Is the work at floor level, on a step ladder, or high up on an extension ladder?
• Is the area clear, or does furniture need moving?
• Is the space cramped, like the back of a sink cabinet or an attic?
• For outdoor work, is the ground level and firm for a ladder?

Hard-to-reach work takes longer and is the most common reason one quote differs from another for the same task.

Parts and materials

Some jobs use parts we stock, like flappers, cartridges, anchors and hinges. Others need a specific part ordered for your brand and model, which can add a trip. If you already bought the fixture, we install it; if not, we can source it. Choosing the product yourself changes the materials part of the quote, not our labor.

Age and condition of the house

Older homes are full of character and surprises: plaster walls instead of drywall, original shutoff valves that will not close, galvanized pipes, out-of-square door frames, paint buildup. Each adds a little time. Newer homes tend to be faster. We ask the age of the home when quoting.

Surprises

Some problems only show themselves once work starts, such as rot behind a trim board or a corroded valve that breaks when turned. When that happens, we stop, show you, and give you options and the cost before going further. Nothing extra happens without your OK.

Scope boundaries

Repairs and like-for-like replacements are what we do. If a job needs new wiring, new pipe runs, structural work or roof work, it is outside our scope, and we will say so instead of quoting it.

How to get an accurate quote

1. Text photos of each item: one wide shot and one close-up.
2. Add the brand or model if you see a label.
3. Note the age of the home and the city.
4. Tell us any deadline, such as a move-in date.

With that, we can usually reply with a firm quote or a narrow range and a time. Most texts are answered within the hour during business hours.

Time of year

Fall and the weeks before the holidays are busy, with maintenance visits, light hanging and move-in lists. Summer brings fan, screen and sprinkler work. Booking a little ahead in busy seasons gets you a better choice of times. Our quotes do not change by season, but availability does.

Rentals and multi-unit work

Several units in one trip, or a turnover list for one unit, are priced as a bundle. Landlords who set a standing approval limit for small tenant requests also save the back-and-forth on each one.

Comparing quotes

When comparing quotes, check that each covers the same scope: parts included or not, paint included or not, haul-away included or not. A lower number that leaves out the finishing steps often ends up higher. Ask what happens if something unexpected turns up, and how changes are handled.

Written quotes

We send quotes by text or email, listing what is included. If the scope changes during the visit, we update it before doing the extra work, so the final number matches what you agreed to.

Parking and access to the house

Easy parking near the door and a clear path for tools and ladders make a visit smoother. Gated communities and buildings with loading rules are fine; just let us know the access details ahead of time.

Weekends

Saturday slots are popular. Weekday visits often have more open times.

Language and communication

Clear communication saves time on both sides. We speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese, so owners, tenants and family members can explain the problem in the language they are most comfortable with. Fewer misunderstandings mean fewer return trips.

Cleanup and haul-away

Removing old fixtures, packaging and debris is part of most jobs. Large items, such as an old water heater or a full room of carpet, add disposal time, and we include that in the quote so it is not a surprise at the end.