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[cbrite]

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

[blackhole99]

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.

[BirkiLady]

@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. 

[Allegheny]

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.

[NicksmomESQ]

  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.

[Marsha2003]

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.

[AuntG]

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.

[NickNack]

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.

[Lucky Charm]

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.

[YorkieonmyPillow]

I pay our guy by the job.