How to Price a Honey-Do List
The Vague List Problem
"A few small things around the house" can mean 45 minutes or two days. Pricing it blind is how handymen lose money.
Get the List First
Ask for the full list in writing, with photos of anything unusual. Ask what's most important.
Option 1: Time Block
Sell a half day or full day. The customer gets as much of the list done as fits, in priority order. Simple, safe and clear.
Option 2: Per Task
Price each item from your service list. Works well when the items are all familiar.
Option 3: Hourly With an Estimate
Quote an estimated number of hours with the hourly rate. Be clear that it's an estimate.
What Not to Do
Don't quote a single flat price for a vague list. If it runs long, you either eat the time or have an awkward conversation.
After the Visit
Compare logged hours to tasks completed. Over time you'll know how many typical tasks your crew does in a half day.
Keep Reading
Next in this series: Estimating Drywall Repair: Patches, Texture and Paint. Before that came Hourly vs Flat Rate: How Handymen Should Price Their Work. For the full picture, go back to the handyman estimate software overview.
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