Quote templates for handyman services
Professional quotes for small repairs, flat-pack assembly, and home maintenance, in rand.
What to include in a handyman quote
The handyman works across a huge variety of small jobs: assembling furniture, fixing taps, changing locks, hanging curtains, painting a room, fitting shelves, repairing skirting boards. The main challenge isn't doing the work, it's writing a quote that justifies the call-out and covers the variable time of each task.
The most effective model for handyman services is a fixed price per task. The client knows exactly what they'll pay for each job. It avoids arguments over whether something took 45 minutes or an hour and 15. For longer or uncertain jobs, state an hourly rate with an estimated number of hours.
In a typical quote, include: a list of tasks (with a unit price per task), materials required (supplied by the provider or the client), a call-out fee (usually fixed or included within a certain area), and an estimated total time.
State your materials policy clearly: if you buy the materials, provide the receipt to the client. If the client supplies them, you're not responsible for defective or insufficient product. This transparency prevents disputes.
Example quote for a list of home tasks
Typical job: 6 small repairs in a flat.
- Hanging 3 pictures or mirrors with fixings in a concrete wall: R380
- Replacing a kitchen tap washer (materials included): R450
- Adjusting and lubricating 3 sticking interior doors: R350
- Assembling 2 flat-pack shelving units supplied by client: R420
- Replacing front door lock cylinder (lock supplied by client): R550
- Re-siliconing around bath and shower base: R380
Total: R2,530
Estimated time: 3 to 4 hours with 1 handyman. Materials are included in jobs where stated. External materials shown as "supplied by client".
How to build a handyman price list
Having a fixed price list for the most common jobs is the key to responding quickly to quote requests. A client who asks "how much to hang a mirror?" wants an immediate answer, not a site visit.
Sample handyman price list reference:
- Hanging a picture or mirror on a concrete wall: R120 to R220 per item
- Flat-pack furniture assembly: R220 to R550 depending on complexity
- Tap replacement (client supplies tap): R380 to R650
- Curtain rail or pole installation (client supplies): R250 to R450
- Painting one small room up to 12m²: R1,600 to R2,600 (materials included)
- Adding a plug point or switch (materials included): R380 to R600
- Bath or shower silicone replacement: R300 to R500
- Door lock replacement (client supplies lock): R450 to R750
- Reattaching loose skirting board (per metre): R100 to R170
- Call-out (usually included within local area): R0 to R220
Update prices annually. With Prummo, save these as templates and build any quote in a minute by voice.
Tips for winning more handyman jobs
The handyman's main advantage over a specialist is availability and speed. A client with a list of 5 small tasks doesn't want to hire 3 different specialists. Show that you can handle everything in one visit at a reasonable hourly or task rate.
Offer an annual home maintenance package: 2 visits a year of 3 hours each for a combined list of small home tasks. Fixed price of R3,200 to R4,200 a year, paid upfront. The client gets peace of mind, you get guaranteed work and predictable income.
For rental properties, landlords are frequent and loyal clients. Between tenants there's always a list of repairs: painting, locks, skirting boards, silicone, taps. Position yourself as the trusted handyman for one or two landlords with multiple properties and you have regular work guaranteed.
Responding quickly makes all the difference. A client with a task list wants to schedule as soon as possible. Sending a quote via WhatsApp within 15 minutes with an acceptance link puts you ahead of any competitor who takes 2 days to respond.
Frequently asked questions
How should I charge the call-out fee?
Two models work well: a fixed call-out fee (R80 to R200 per visit, typically included within your local operating area) or a minimum charge per visit (e.g. minimum R400 of work per call-out). The second model is fairer for very small jobs that don't cover the real cost of travelling. Be transparent in the quote about how you apply this minimum.
Should I quote per task or charge by the hour?
For new clients, per-task pricing is more transparent and builds trust. For regular clients with varied jobs, hourly rates can be more efficient. Avoid hourly pricing when you're not sure how long something will take, as it can create expectations you later fail to meet.
How do I protect myself if a job turns out to be more complex than expected?
Include in the quote: "Prices based on information available. If additional issues are discovered during the work (old pipework, walls in poor condition, unsuitable existing materials), you'll be contacted before any extra work is carried out." This simple clause prevents most disputes in home maintenance work.