Before I choose...

• Can I do this job myself?
• How much should I pay?
• Choosing well
• Spotting a rogue trader
• What should a quote include?
• Do I need a contract?
• Do I need permission? 
• Tell us what you think

  

 

Nominate...

Want to recommend someone, and nominate them as one of the goodpeople?

Advice & Tips

Hello. For advice and tips - Choose from one of the headings on the left . More information can be found on the Links Page together with links to a number of useful sites.

  Can I do this job myself?

If you are looking at doing that job yourself remember the 6 golden rules:

1     Plan the job carefully. Time invested in planning will repay itself a hundredfold when it comes to doing the work. As any carpenter will tell you, if you measure twice and you only cut once.

2    Don't underestimate the work. Get a quote in from an expert and find out how long they think it will take and how much they will charge. Consider how much it will cost and how long it would take you by comparison.

3    Don't let pride win over common sense. I know it's a cost and maybe a pride thing, but sometimes it's better to let the experts do the work. You can save face and money in the end when a job is done well.

4    Use the right tools. Not using the right tools can be dangerous and expensive.

5    Don't overestimate your skills and abilities. Be objective about what you can and can't do. Be realistic about how long the work will take. Be especially cautious about lifting heavy weights, going up ladders and working on roofs or chimneys.

6    Understand the real cost. Weigh up carefully the price that an expert will charge against the cost in time, labour and heartache of doing the work yourself.

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How much should I pay?

Select and click on the heading in the box to find  information on what you might expect to pay for typical jobs or services.

Please note that this information is for guideline purposes only, and is subject to our Terms and Conditions.

If you would like to comment on, or add to the information below, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact Us

  

Plumbing

 Is your plumber qualified? Click here to find out more

Quite often tradespeople will offer to give you a fixed price for a job. This price will vary, depending on a number of factors as well as how long it will take and what materials are required:

1. Has the trader got the skills to do the job himself?
2. Will he have to bring in someone else to help with the work?
3. Will he subcontract the work?
4. Will he need to hire or buy equipment he does not already have?
5. Will he be able to fit the work in around his current projects?
6. Does he want to do the work? (if he doesn't he might suggest a higher price than he would normally charge)

Hopefully the information below will help you determine if the quotes are reasonable:

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate for longer jobs	£25		If a job lasts more than two hours, and is scheduled in advance.
Call out charge for emergency work	Call out charge £50 plus £30 per hour		Typically a one off payment, then work on site charged at  hourly rate
New tap washer	£25	1 hours	If an older tap then OK, but with newer taps can be  a problem as washers not always easily replaceable
Install Thermostats on Radiators	£25	8	Assuming 12-16 radiators in the property, then approximately   8 hours to drain system, replace valves and fill system with anti-corrosive. Need to add cost of valves and anti corrosive.
A Replacement radiator	£25	4	Need to drain system, remove radiator, then probably relocate pipes and fit. Refill system and test. Need to add cost for the radiator, two valves, copper pipe, and some joints and solder.  Also cost of the anti corrosive to add in the system.
New toilet and cistern	£25	5	Turn off water, remove old system, install new system using existing water supply and without any new waste pipe. Need to add cost of toilet and cistern, new joining ring and possibly some copper pipe and/or a flexible hose.
Central Heating system	£25		Very difficult to estimate the cost of replacing a central heating system, as there are so many variables. Ensure you get at least three quotes, and be specific about the type of boiler that you want.
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders who are approved plumbers. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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Carpentry

Quite often tradespeople will offer to give you a fixed price for a job. This price will vary, depending on a number of factors as well as how long it will take and what materials are required:

1. Has the trader got the skills to do the job himself?
2. Will he have to bring in someone else to help with the work?
3. Will he subcontract the work?
4. Will he need to hire or buy equipment he does not already have?
5. Will he be able to fit the work in around his current projects?
6. Does he want to do the work? (if he doesn't he might suggest a higher price than he would normally charge)

Hopefully the information below will help you determine if the quotes are reasonable:

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate for longer duration jobs	£18		If a job lasts more than two hours, and is scheduled in advance.
Call out charge for emergency work	Call out charge £50 plus £30 per hour		Typically a one off payment, then work on site charged at £30 per hour
Re hang a door and trim bottom	£18	2-3 hours	Can be more complicated than at first appears!
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders who are trade qualified. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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 Gardening

Quite often tradespeople will offer to give you a fixed price for a job. This price will vary, depending on a number of factors as well as how long it will take and what materials are required:

1. Has the trader got the skills to do the job himself?
2. Will he have to bring in someone else to help with the work?
3. Will he subcontract the work?
4. Will he need to hire or buy equipment he does not already have?
5. Will he be able to fit the work in around his current projects?
6. Does he want to do the work? (if he doesn't he might suggest a higher price than he would normally charge)

Hopefully the information below will help you determine if the quotes are reasonable:

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate	£10-£12		Would expect gardeners to supply their own tools and equipment within this rate.
Hedge Laying	£8 per metre	Per metre	Be clear what happens to all the waste product. This is usually substantial.
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders who are approved plumbers. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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Driveways and patios

Quite often tradespeople will offer to give you a fixed price for a job. This price will vary, depending on a number of factors as well as how long it will take and what materials are required:

1. Has the trader got the skills to do the job himself?
2. Will he have to bring in someone else to help with the work?
3. Will he subcontract the work?
4. Will he need to hire or buy equipment he does not already have?
5. Will he be able to fit the work in around his current projects?
6. Does he want to do the work? (if he doesn't he might suggest a higher price than he would normally charge)

Hopefully the information below will help you determine if the quotes are reasonable:

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate	£15		This is a realistic labour rate, but the price can increase where mechanical diggers and plant are used.  The cost of hiring a digger is easy to find from a number of web sites. Typically you should expect to pay approximately £150 per day for a man and a digger.
Paving	£15		Once the ground is prepared, you should expect one man to be able to lay x square metres per day of large slabs and y square metres of sets.
Tarmac	tba		Expect to pay £x per sq metre for tarmac, including preparation, laying and finishing. This assumes that  the size of the area to be covered is greater than x square metres. The price per sq metre for smaller sites increases.
Materials			Recommend you always choose the paving materials you want, rather than have the trader supply them.
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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Lawyers

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate	tba		Depends on what you want to do!
Buying and selling houses	tba		Always try to get a fixed price for the transaction, and get three quotes
Making Wills			This can be a simple or a complex process, depending on your personal circumstances. The Post Office and good stationers sells packs to make your will which might be adequate. If you are not sure always consult your lawyer.
Setting up Trusts			Might be worth talking to your Financial Adviser before visiting a lawyer.
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized companies. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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 Quantity Surveyors

Quantity surveyors can be described as the accountants of the "building project."

They will calculate the estimated cost of the project  from architects' drawings; identify suitable suppliers and issue tenders, get quotes and compare them and advise you on the most suitable bidders, negotiate contracts and then manage projects through to completion. They can also help in gaining planning permission and liaising with local authorities and utilities.

You may consider using them for some or all of these activities.

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate for longer jobs	£50		.
Project Management	£50	TBA	Typically works out at 5% of the build cost on projects under £250,000 and 2% for projects over £250,000.
Pricing and issuing specifications and contract documents to builders	£50		Typically expect to pay £1500 for projects up to £150,000
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders who are approved trade qualified. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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Accountants

Hopefully the information below will help you determine if the quotes are reasonable:

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate	£70
Personal tax return			£150 to £200. Accountants now have tools to automate their work, and returns to HMRC can be made on line.  Always carefully check what is returned by your accountant to HMRC.
Sole Traders Tax Return			Typically £350 to £450
Ltd Company Tax return			Suggest you get three quotations and meet with accountants to find out what they will charge and what services they perform. Search Accountants for recommended goodpeoplegroup members
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized companies. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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Financial advisers

When considering choosing a financial adviser you may wish to consider the following:

Independence – make sure you understand whether the adviser you choose is tied to a selection of products or can choose from the whole of market; it could make a considerable difference. Are they just selling you products that they have in their bag, or the ones best for you?

Qualifications and Experience – ask what qualifications the practice advisers have, to ensure your requirements can be fully met by a competent practitioner with the relevant experience.

Costs– ask whether the adviser can accept payment by commission, or fee, or a combination of both.  It is your money and costs should be outlined in full before any work is undertaken.

No-obligation first meeting – ask whether you can have an initial meeting without charge or obligation, to make sure you and the adviser will be able to work well together.

 Support– is the adviser you choose ably supported by a team of professionals or are they a ‘one-man band’?  Do they have access to software tools to help choose the right products and services for you?

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Electricians

 Is your electrician qualified? Click here to find out more

Quite often tradespeople will offer to give you a fixed price for a job. This price will vary, depending on a number of factors as well as how long it will take and what materials are required: 

1. Has the trader got the skills to do the job himself?
2. Will he have to bring in someone else to help with the work?
3. Will he subcontract the work?
4. Will he need to hire or buy equipment he does not already have?
5. Will he be able to fit the work in around his current projects?
6. Does he want to do the work? (if he doesn't he might suggest a higher price than he would normally charge)

Hopefully the information below will help you determine if the quotes are reasonable:

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate for longer jobs	£25		If a job lasts more than two hours, and is scheduled in advance.
Call out charge for emergency work	Call out charge £50 plus £35 per hour		Typically a one off payment, then work on site charged at £30 per hour
New wall socket	£25	2 hours per socket	Much will depend on what building work (if any) is required. If chasing channels in plasterwork and then refilling and making good is necessary, then the amount of time can increase, and a repeat visit may be necessary.
New consumer unit	£25	10 hours	For the supply and installation of a 10 way fully RCD protected consumer unit incorporating shower supply and a full test and inspection of the current electrical installation. You should expect to pay approximately £400. Approximately £150 on the unit and £250 on the labour. This assumes a direct replacement with no additional major wiring.
Replacement light fitting	£25	1 - 2 hrs	Much will depend on the state of the ceiling once the old one removed. Typically one to two hours work plus the light socket and fitting.
Wiring for Central heating boiler	£25		Difficult to estimate and can be an expensive job, dependent on location of boiler and state of existing wiring. Always get two to three quotes. See Advice and Tips for what a quote should include.
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders who are trade approved. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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 Building work

Quite often tradespeople will offer to give you a fixed price for a job. This price will vary, depending on a number of factors as well as how long it will take and what materials are required:

1. Has the trader got the skills to do the job himself?
2. Will he have to bring in someone else to help with the work?
3. Will he subcontract the work?
4. Will he need to hire or buy equipment he does not already have?
5. Will he be able to fit the work in around his current projects?
6. Does he want to do the work? (if he doesn't he might suggest a higher price than he would normally charge)

Hopefully the information below will help you determine if the quotes are reasonable:

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate - Skilled Builder	£19		If a job lasts more than two hours, and is scheduled in advance. Builder would be expected to provide own tools apart from major machinery such as diggers etc.
Typical Hourly Rate - semi skilled	£12.5
Typical Hourl Rate - Labourer	£8
Typical Hourly Rate - Plasterer	£20
Man and Digger	£150 per day		NB Digger hire prices only can be obtained from any hire shop website
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders who are trade qualified. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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Architects

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate	£90
			TBA.
Structural Engineers	£50		Typically architects draings and Council planning applications will require structural drawings, identifying roof construction, and things like load bearing beams. Make sure you discuss this cost with your architect.
			Suggest you get three quotations and meet with architects to find out what they will charge and what services they perform. Search Architects for recommended goodpeoplegroup members
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized companies. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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Handymen

Handy men or "odd-job" men will typically not have the skills, tools or experience of qualified tradespeople. However, a well recommended handyman can be worth his weight in gold, as they do not charge at the same rate as qualified tradespeople, but are more than able to carry out certain types of work.

Remember do not use unqualified handymen for gas or electrical work. This may not only be illlegal, it can be dangerous. Go to our  Links page  for information on the legislation governing gas and electrical work. Gas Safefor plumbers and gas appliances  -  NICEIC for electrical work - Building Regulations for rules governing safety.

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate - Handyman	£15		If a job lasts more than two hours, and is scheduled in advance. The Handyman would be expected to provide some of his own own tools but may ask to use yours, for example a lawnmower, or wheelbarrow.
Typical Hourly Rate - semi skilled jobs	£11
Typical Hourl Rate - Labourer	£8
Typical Hourly Rate - Plasterer	£20
Man and Digger	£150 per day		NB Digger hire prices only can be obtained from any hire shop website
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders who are trade qualified. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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 Decorators

Quite often a tradesperson will offer to give you a fixed price for a job. This price will vary, depending on a number of factors as well as how long it will take and what materials are required:

1. Has the trader got the skills to do the job himself?
2. Will he have to bring in someone else to help with the work?
3. Will he subcontract the work?
4. Will he need to hire or buy equipment he does not already have?
5. Will he be able to fit the work in around his current projects?
6. Does he want to do the work? (if he doesn't he might suggest a higher price than he would normally charge)

Hopefully the information below will help you determine if the quotes are reasonable:

Job Description	£ per hour labour rate	Hours/days	Notes
Typical Hourly Rate - Skilled and experienced Decorator	£15		If a job lasts more than two hours, and is scheduled in advance. The decorator would be expected to provide own tools apart from scaffolding (where necessary) for which there is likely to be an extra charge.
Typical Hourly Rate - semi skilled	£11		ie rubbing down and stripping wall paper type of activities
Typical Hourly Rate - Plasterer	£17.50
All of the above prices are based on small to medium sized traders who are trade qualified. Larger companies traditionally charge more (but not always) as they have more overheads.

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 Choosing Well

Always try to use a trader that comes recommended to you, even then make sure that you have a clear quote and if necessary a simple contract. See below for what a quote should include and what a contract might look like. Remember the traders at the goodpeoplegroup all come recommended by others.

 Spotting a Rogue Trader

You can avoid making mistakes and appointing rogue traders by using the following advice provided by Trading Standards  on their website:

• He knocks at your door and has a polite, friendly but insistent manner while selling his services.
• He is "working in your area and noticed that your drive/roof etc needs urgent attention".
• His vehicle may look businesslike, with a yellow flashing beacon and/or "MOTORWAY MAINTENANCE", "TARMAC" or a company name emblazoned on it.
• He sometimes quotes a low price without a thorough survey of the work "required".
• He tells you that he's got some tarmac, or other materials, left over from another job.
• He says that the work is very urgent and he'll do it straight away.
• He does not give you a schedule of work to be done, "You can trust me".
• If there is any paperwork, there is either no address at all, or something vague and fictitious, e.g. 'Our Street, Any Town'.
• There is usually only a MOBILE phone number sometimes not even that. Generally their mobile phone numbers don't work after a few days/week or two

If in doubt say that you are not interested, and ask them politely, but firmly, to leave. 

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What should a quote include?

Getting a quote from a contractor is an important part of the process of getting the job done properly.

The quality of the quote and how long the tradesman takes to get it to you will tell you a lot, including how reliable they are, if they keep their promises, how much pride they take in what they do and whether they really want your business.

Most importantly though it is what is in the quote that counts.

Any quotation should include the following headings:

Heading 1. A clear description of the work

The work should be clearly and fully described.

Heading 2. Fixed price, hourly rate or estimate

The quote will either be based on the price to complete the work, or an hourly rate.

More often than not it will be a price for the work, unless it is a major and complicated undertaking. The tradesperson will almost always say the price is an estimate. This is done to protect him, if unforseen circumstances arise, that could not have been picked up when he visited site to do the estimate.

Establishing what is a reasonable or unreasonable additional cost is always a problem. If you feel that the tradesperson tries to charge you an additional amount for what he should have realistically costed for and included when he visited site to do the estimate, you have a number of options:

1. Contact the other tradesmen who quoted to check if they had included for the work involved.
2. If they had, explain to the tradesperson that this additional charge should have been included in his quote.
3. If they had not, check with them what they think would be a reasonable amount of time or cost to do the additional work.
4. Agree a price (or not)

Nobody likes nasty surprises, and you should take a view if the tradesperson is being fair, or just trying to increase the value of the job.

Heading 3. Additional labour prices

Should you require any additional work to be done it is useful to have an hourly or daily rate included for the various trades involved. ie a labourer won't charge as much as an electrician.

Heading 4. Timing and dates

Start date. This should be clearly stated.

How long to do the work. This is likely to be an estimate.

 Heading 5. Materials

 Any materials to be used should be clearly identified. This doesn't have to be an exhaustive list, but major items should be stated.

You need to understand on what basis you will pay for materials, ie whether the tradesman supplies, or you supply them yourself. He will likely be able to get them cheaper, but might make a margin on selling them to you. Remember, in his quote he will charge you for his time and labour in picking up any materials. However, if he orders the wrong stuff, then that is his problem to sort out.

Heading 6. Hire of tools and equipment.

This should be clearly stated as to whether  they are included and how they are charged.

Heading 7. Third parties.

If the tradesman says that you will need to bring in a specialist third party like a scaffolder, roofer, electrician plumber etc. make clear as to who pays them and how much they are paid.  Make sure that they quote for the job as clearly as the prime contractor.

Heading 8. Clearing up.

The cost of disposing of waste materials is significant. Skips are expensive and fill up very quickly. Trips to the local tip can be hard work and time consuming. Make sure that the quote states that the site will be left clean and tidy and all waste materials disposed of. NB Digging a big hole and getting rid of rubble and debris is not a good idea. Short term problem solved, long term problem created!!!

Heading 9. Payment

Payment terms need to be clearly identified. On longer jobs it is not unusual to have money paid part way through the project. These are called either stage payments or part payments.

It is unusual to pay money up front, and best avoided. The tradesman will have credit terms with their suppliers, usually 7-30 days.

Heading 10. Retention. 

Dependent on  the type of work, retentions can be applied. Somewhere between 2.5% and 10% is normal. These sums can be retained, to ensure that the work has been satisfactorily completed. Much will depend here on the value and length of the job, Typically retentions would only be applied to more complex jobs where there is the possibility of problems arising after the tradespeople have left site.

Heading 11. VAT.

Be absolutely sure whether the quote includes or excludes VAT.

Heading 12. Paying the trader

Always try to keep your end of the bargain as far is payment is concerned, unless there are good reasons not to pay.

Your quotation and/or invoice will state payment terms.

Whenever you pay money over, always get a signed receipt, with the reason for the payment, the amount, date and name of the person receiving the money clearly identified.

Heading 13. Insurance.

Your tradesman should carry insurance, as your personal or house insurance may not cover everything or his work on your property. Going through a gas or water main or an electric or telephone cable, could cost a lot of money. As could any damage to your or your neighbours' property.

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Do I need a contract?

For most small jobs, a good quotation is sufficient. However, if you are in any way concerned, I would recommend that you do have  a simple contract.

There are a number of sites where you can download contracts for different types of work.

Federation of Master Builders: http://www.fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder/free-contracts/

Building Contracts UK http://www.building-contract.co.uk/

Carry duff Contracts: http://www.carryduffdesigns.co.uk/contracts/building-contract.html

Chosse one that best suits you.

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Getting permission to make alterations to your home

Before you start

Even if you don't need formal approval,you should consider the following issues:

• Neighbours. 
• Landlords
• Tenants 
• Building regulations
• Health and Safety
• Approved tradespeople to do the work - eg Gassafe
• Change of use
• Local authority Planning permission
• Listed building and conservation areas

Before you start the work, it is always worth checking your deeds.

They main contain restrictions on what you can and can't do. For example size and height of fences and boundaries.

Your drainage, pipework and wiring may also run across someone else's land or under a public highway. (or someone else's under your property)

If you are planning to do work which will affect your neighbours or the pavement or road, you should get permission first. Even building a new gateway or drive and altering your access may require permission.

Will I need Planning Permission?

It is always best to check with your local Council's planning department as to whether you need planning permission before embarking on any kind of building project.

The best approach is to write to or visit the local planning office with information about what you are proposing to do. Have any plans or drawings available, including the land registry documentation which shows where your property is (You can obtain that from the govenment planning portal link)

Seek their advice and try to enlist their help. They should be able to tell you how likley it is you will get permission, and what you might need to do to amend any applications that they think are likely to be refused. They won't categorically say you will or won't get permission, but they can give you good useful and free advice.

It is worth getting a copy of the planning process to find out what the steps are and how much it will cost. Go to www.planningportal.gov.uk or request The Planning Inspectorate's free booklet Planning, a Guide for Householders by phoning 0870 1226 236.

Of course you are allowed to make minor changes to the house without Planning Permission, but if you are unsure it is always worth checking. Going ahead without permission can prove expensive. In the worst case the council can instruct you to demolish any changes and restore the property to its former state.

Planning appplication forms can seem a little daunting when you first get them, and it may be worth hiring an architect or building designer to manage the process for you. Search for Architects or Building Designers for information on likley costs and how they can help you.

Building Regulations

Building Regulations are designed to ensure that a building is safe, healthy and energy efficient. Any building work needs to comply with Building Regulations.

A good trader or architect will always comply with building regulations, and explain to you what needs to be done in order to meet these requirements.

The ultimate responsibility is with  the owner or possibly tenant of the property to make sure these regulations are met.

Any project that involves the following is likely to have to meet Building Regulations:

• Extending or altering the structure of the building;
• Providing new or changing WCs, showers, sinks, hot water cylinders;
• Providing new or changing  gas appliances;
• Providing new or changing ventilation and windows;
• Providing new or changing electrical installations.
• Escape routes in case of fire.

If you call your local Council's building control department and describe what you are planning to do, they will tell you whether you need Building Regulations approval and how to apply. 

They should be able to send you a free information pack, or you can download it from http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/buildingregulations/

It is worth ringing up or meeting with an architect or building designer as they may well be able to help or at least give you some advice on the process. (You can search for these on our site)

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