Another variation on hourly rates

[<Barbara]

As I'm no longer able to do most DIY jobs the way I used to, for the first time I need to employ a decorator also able to do a few odd jobs within the range of the average DIYer rather than an expert.

My daughter's boyfriend does this sort of work professionally and is happy to do what I need. He thinks there will be about 7 days work. And I can't think of anyone I'd rather trust to do it. He's not formally trained, but is a good workman, much in demand. He's worked on several series of TV DIY programmes and they keep wanting him back, so that seems a indicator of reasonable reliability!

My problem is that I think he's likely to try to *undercharge* me! While I don't, of course, want to be ripped off, I do want to ensure I pay him a fair wage for his time. After all, while he's working for me he can't earn his keep elsewhere. We've agreed that much in principle, but sums have yet to be mentioned and I want to be prepared for when they are.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what a fair daily wage might be, assuming that materials will be bought separately? Being self-employed he will have some overheads but these do not include special premises or employing others. What would tradespeople here consider reasonable to charge a friend in similar circumstances? I'm in the London area.

Thanks

Barbara

[David W.E. Roberts]

Outside London a labourer is about £70 per day and a skilled worker e.g. plasterer about £100 per day. London prices are likely to be higher but this should give you some guidance. HTH Dave R

[NC]

If I were you, I'd get a quote from someone else - get it split into time and materials and then give him the same for his time. This will end up costing you the same, but you will have all the advantages of being able to trust him. Is he Craig from Big Bro ?!?!?!

[<Barbara]

Sadly no :-)) But just as nice as Craig seems to be.

Barbara

[<Barbara]

Very much, thank you, Dave. My own first thought had been around £100 a day.

Barbara

[Paul Mc Cann]

Bite the bullet and ask him. Emphasise that you want to pay him a fair rate. If he quotes more than what others are suggesting is reasonable then pay him and don't use him again or weasel out of it.

If he quotes considerably less then consider that he may WANT to do you a favour. (As a tradesman he knows the going rate.) Dont deny him the opportunity of ingratiating himself ;-) Who wouldn't want to keep in with a potential mother-in law.

In the past I have often done (diy) jobs for people for nothing knowing that it will most likely put them off asking me again ;-)

Equally I often do jobs for 'family' for which I wouldn't dream of charging, but I do have a long memory and it can be useful having favours stored up.

Paul Mc Cann

[Jeremy Collins]

Blimey, let him do it for the special family discount, and throw in a nice big Sunday roast in part exchange!

A decent quid pro quo is sometimes better than cash anyway - it's come in handy when we've needed someone to feed our cat...

-- jc

[<Barbara]

"Dave Liquorice" wrote

Yes, I appreciate that.

He's worked both on set building for a reality series (not Big Brother!) and as a decorator who can turn his hand to most things on several series of a TV makeover programme - seen occasionally on screen and with his name in the credits, but not someone recognisable to the public.

My point, however, was not that this proved him to be a good workman but the fact that he was in demand suggested he was reliable. These makeover teams work under pressure and need someone who will be there when he says he will, work hard and quickly, is flexible, can work well in a team, and will get on with his job without fuss, if nothing else.

And it does mean he's accumulated a great many of practical tips and ideas from the designers, which I will find useful as my aim is to renovate my flat before selling so it's not necessarily my personal taste I want to express. Between him and my daughter, who has something of an artist's eye for design, I think they will be very helpful in envisaging what work we need to do.

In fact, I've other reasons to know that his workmanship is good. Not least, of course, from my daughter who has decorated and restored her own flat beautifully with him and attests to how much in demand he is now that his work is getting known locally.

Barbara

[<Barbara]

"Dave Plowman" wrote

I could indeed. Thanks for your views, everyone.

Barbara