How should you approach small value work/contracts?

2/24/2017 at 6:18:18 PM

A good contractor can give you an exact price whether it's a small or large project. Sometimes when it's really small project it's best to do it by the hour.

2/24/2017 at 6:23:22 PM

Start the job. Payment upon completion.

2/24/2017 at 7:35:15 PM

Hi Yvonne,

Sometimes a proficient handyman can look after those knick knack sort of items on an hourly rate.

For changing faucets you could call a plumber and get a rate but the cost will be much higher.

2/25/2017 at 9:09:58 AM

Hi Yvonne,

I agree with Jeff. most good Contractors will be able to give you a exact price, especially for the smaller jobs. if they can't give you a price , don't use them. Most good Contractors can change a faucet one for one or do Minor Electrical but these Contractors also know when to make a judgement call when a faucet or electrical problem is a little to complicated and another expert must be called to insure the job is completed correctly.

2/25/2017 at 10:41:13 AM

If a client has a complete scope of work and knows exactly what they want, finishes, etc. then there should be no reason a contractor can't provide a fixed price.

For smaller jobs I have a handyman contract that I use. If the client does not know the full scope of what they want I specify time & materials on the contract with a specified upper limit amount not to be exceeded without client approval. In most cases the clients know exactly what they want, but this works as an alternative when used correctly.

Also, legally, a contract is not a contract without an exchange of funds. There needs to be at least some sort of deposit.

2/25/2017 at 1:04:19 PM

For small jobs...

$1500 or less, new client or service call, payment before leaving (method does not matter)

$1500 or less, existing client, payment before leaving or send a invoice. Usually paid in 30 days or less.

Different structures for larger amounts usually stipulated in contract.

Cheers

John Kuehnl-Cadwell

Master Electrician

Datawise Solutions Inc