Should I charge hourly or flat rate for handyman work?

Q: Should I charge hourly or flat rate for handyman work?

Direct answer: Both hourly and flat-rate pricing can work, but flat-rate usually wins in the long run. Clients like knowing the total cost up front, and you benefit from efficiency instead of being punished for working fast. Practical steps Run the numbers: Use overhead + pay target + billable hours to set a defendable rate. Set a floor price: Use a minimum so small jobs still pay for travel and setup. Hold the boundary: Quote confidently and treat add-ons as change orders. Next step: Use the calculator to set your hourly and minimum, then apply it on the next quote.

Question

Accepted Answer

Direct answer: Both hourly and flat-rate pricing can work, but flat-rate usually wins in the long run. Clients like knowing the total cost up front, and you benefit from efficiency instead of being punished for working fast.

Practical steps

Run the numbers: Use overhead + pay target + billable hours to set a defendable rate.
Set a floor price: Use a minimum so small jobs still pay for travel and setup.
Hold the boundary: Quote confidently and treat add-ons as change orders.

Next step: Use the calculator to set your hourly and minimum, then apply it on the next quote.