We interact with numerous customers on a daily basis, and it’s no surprise that about 90% of them inquire about the price. Regardless of the job’s scale, the cost is almost always the first question posed after describing the project. Builders understand that no two jobs are identical, making it challenging to provide an exact price that satisfies every customer. Some individuals wish to cut labor costs to afford expensive materials, while others prefer inexpensive materials and cheap labor. There are also those who seek both top-notch materials and skilled labor. It’s common knowledge that when something is cheap, it often lacks quality. While the initial price may seem appealing, it may not hold up in the long run.

If you desire high-quality materials, it’s essential to prioritize exceptional labor. To achieve this, it’s advisable to search for recommendations and highly-rated companies on Google. You can’t expect to pay over £1000 for a shower enclosure and only £150 for labor. While certain jobs may seem acceptable at a lower rate initially, they may not hold up well in the long term.

Let’s consider a scenario involving Mr. Watts, who contacted a company to replace his damaged door and door frame. The team arrived promptly, and the following conversation ensued:

“Hello, Mr. Watts. Your door and door frame have sustained damage and need to be replaced. The labor cost will be £250, and the materials will amount to £200. We can complete the job today, and it should take approximately 2 to 4 hours.”

“£250 for just a few hours of work? I think I’ll do it myself. It can’t be that difficult. Can you provide me with just the materials?”

“I apologize, but you’ll have to purchase the materials yourself.”

“But that will cost me more, and I’ll also waste time. I’m not even sure if they’ll fit in my car, and I’ll have to pay for delivery.”

“That means you’ll end up paying more for materials. Additionally, you’ll need tools for the installation.”

“Which tools do I need?”

“For this type of job, you’ll require the following tools:

• Tape measure

• Sharp pencil

• Wood plane (hand or power)

• Hardpoint hand saw

• 25 mm (1″) chisel

• Hammer or wooden mallet

• Drill (wired or cordless)

• 2 mm and 3 mm HSS drill bit

• Utility knife

• Protective gloves

• Safety goggles

• Tape measure

The cost of these tools will amount to approximately £200.”

“Okay, can you at least guide me on how to do it?”

“Yes, I can, but that guidance will cost you an additional £50.”

“In that case, I’ll do it myself to save money in the future whenever I have another door problem.”

So, Mr. Watts proceeded to purchase the materials, acquire the tools, and attempt the installation himself. After a day of struggling, he not only damaged the materials but also broke the drill. Furthermore, he had to take a day off from work, where he excelled, resulting in further financial loss.

It’s not solely about learning how to perform the job; it’s about EXPERIENCE. Even newcomers to the trade can make mistakes. Therefore, when selecting a handyman, it’s crucial to ensure their work is of high quality and won’t damage your materials. Mr. Watts’ expenses for this door ended up being higher than expected because he aimed to save money. Don’t focus solely on the time spent on the job; if a tradesman completes it quickly, it doesn’t mean you should pay less. It signifies their skill and experience.

Remember: Cheap price equals poor quality!