Knowing how much to charge for your service is always a little tricky. It is important that your rates remain competitive and profitable, balanced with securing the job in hand. Often the lowest quote doesnt result in the highest quality. Be true to your skills, knowledge and experience and produce a quote you will be happy to stand by and know that you can deliver against.

We have added 5 tips below to help when estimating for a job, no matter how small or large. 

• Labour Rate 

How much is your time worth? You have skill which you have worked hard to learn and become an expert in. Try to determine an hourly rate you are comfortable with and use that as a basis for quoting your job.

• Materials needed?

Do you need any materials to complete the job on hand? Spend time researching the costs for the materials needed. Apply for Trades wholesale accounts to ensure you are paying the most reasonable price. Esure to add a sensible mark up and factor into your estimate. 

• Job Comparison 

Have you completed a similar job? Did it take additional time or did you require additional materials. If possible apply knowledge and experience from previous jobs to ensure that your quote is as reasonable as possible. 

• Help needed?

Some jobs will require additional help. If you need to hire an additional contractor, ensure to factor in their costs into your estimate. Call out the additional costs and ensure full transparency when quoting for any job.

• How long will the job take?

Factor in how long the job will take. If it will tie you up for a week, that will essentially be a week you cannot work on anything else. Use your hourly rate and past experience to ensure that your quote includes all of the time needed to complete the job.