topic Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job in Home

What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

cbrite — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:27:21 GMT

What do you prefer? If you have a job for someone, do you prefer they charge by the hour or give you an overall rate for the job?

Do you get a written estimate first? TIA

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

blackhole99 — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:38:37 GMT

I pay the woman who cleans my house by the hour, her choice. Some times it costs more sometimes less depending on how big the job is. I don't have every room in my house cleaned once a week, only the bathroom and the kitchen. Right now, my husband is doing that job. If it's construction or remodeling or anything that's going to cost thousands of dollars, I want to know up front what the job will cost in writing.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

BirkiLady — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:39:17 GMT

@cbriteAlways get a written estimate from 3-4 different places. I've never paid by the hour. All contracts are written by the job. That covers how many people it may take and how many hours or days and the amount of supplies to be used. Everything should be included in the bidding process before making a decision to hire any company. Make sure the company is reputable and financially able to handle the requirements of the work you need. Checking with the BBB is a good idea and having references from neighbors or friends who have used them recently.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

Allegheny — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:41:54 GMT

For us it depends on what the job is. Example, we had the 4x4 deck supports replaced with 4x8s. Since this work required concrete to cure before the new supports could be installed, we paid by the job not the hour. He gave us an inperson verbal estimate then sent us a contract confirming the estimate and length of time project would take. Cost of materials and labor were broken down.

Last year we had some yard work done. Didn't require material, just labor such as brushing out, a tree removed. For that we paid by the hour. We've worked with these people previously and have actually contracted by the job for larger projects. For the smaller job, they just quoted us an estimate, the larger project we got a written estimate and contract.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

NicksmomESQ — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:41:03 GMT

I pay my handyman by the job.He gives me a verbal price.I go over with him in detail what that price includes so there are no misunderstandings.If he runs into problems when he starts the job he will come to me & explain the issue.We will then agree on the additional cost.

My handyman is very fair.I’ve recommended him to all my friends. I would never pay anyone by the hour.I feel that’s an invitation to rip me off.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

Marsha2003 — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:52:39 GMT

For large jobs, do as @BirkiLady outlined. For smaller jobs, I pay my handyman by the hour, but I am right there with him so I know he is doing the job in the shortest amount of time and not goofing off. Having trusted contractors is one of the joys in life.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

AuntG — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 20:58:53 GMT

My preference would be to get a quote for the whole job. As someone mentioned, there are things (like housecleaning) where hourly wages make more sense.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

NickNack — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 21:18:58 GMT

I pay my handyman by the hour, but as Marsha2003 does I am with him the entire time and know he does things in a timely matter. I'm getting ready to change out some lighting in my house, have yard work done and have my house painted. All those jobs will be paid by the job.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

Lucky Charm — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:14:07 GMT

I've been project manager for a house we're re-doing and only pay contractors for the job, never hourly.

We discuss (usually in person) what exactly I want done and they email me the estimate/quote. Am never told verbally, and I'm glad, I want to see the breakdown for labor, materials, permits, etc.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

YorkieonmyPillow — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 23:36:54 GMT

I pay our guy by the job.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

151949 — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 01:10:01 GMT

My housekeeper charges me $85 to clean my house every 2 weeks. If she only came once a month it would be much more because the house would be dirtier. If she came to clean weekly it would be much less as the house would be cleaner. She prefers the every 2 weeks and so do I.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

Regal Bee — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 21:31:00 GMT

No way would I pay by the hour....some people (workers) are SLOW and you can end up paying a fortune. I pay by the overall job or a flat fee.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

Elri — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 03:11:31 GMT

@cbrite

Make a list of what exactly you want done. It really requires planning on your part. Try to think of every detail. Usually, women are pretty good at that

Then, get an estimate--with the understnding that unforeseen problems do come up in a construction-type job.

For instance, we need to remodel a bedroom. I know it will require moving electrical outlets and a cable outlet, so I will ask questions up front.

A contractor remembers the very first things you say. So, don't get sidetracked, and be prepared to state exactly what you need done and what you expect.

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

cbrite — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 06:17:27 GMT

@Elri Thank you. I am hiring handymen.... and it may be what is causing issues... they say one thing and we agree, then every time, they end up needing more money for whatever their excuse is. If their card says senior discount, well, forget that one...lol... they do a lot of double talk why the job won't qualify....( eye roll ) You are so sweet. I wish you great success with your remodel!! (My electrician is lic. tho/no issues in 8 years really)

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

reiki604 — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 13:19:46 GMT

I always pay by the job and get a written estimate unless it is someone I've worked with before and know I can trust. For big jobs, I always have a contract with a bonus for the contractor if they finish before their timeframe and a penalty if they go beyond it. It's amazing how they never go over. LOL

Re: What Is Best - Hire by Hourly rate or Job

Katcat1 — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:23:04 GMT

@cbrite Always get in writing in case something goes wrong and you have to go to court. Whatever you feel comfortable with as far as hourly vs. standard rate.