Most people asking this question have a list of small jobs and no idea whether they are about to be overcharged. Across the UK, handyman hourly rates commonly sit somewhere between 25 and 60 pounds, with the higher end in London and the South East. Around Rochester and the Medway towns, 30 to 50 pounds an hour is the usual range for a skilled tradesman working from a properly equipped van.
Why the first hour costs the most
Every visit carries fixed cost before any work happens: travel, parking, unloading tools and understanding the job. That is why a one-hour call out rarely costs one hour of labour, and why a single tiny task is the most expensive way to buy a tradesman's time.
Half day and day rates usually win
A half day is typically around four hours and a full day around eight. Booked that way, the setup cost is paid once and spread across everything on the list. If you have five or six small jobs, a half day almost always beats paying for separate visits.
It also means the tradesman can work in a sensible order, for example fixing the door before painting the frame, rather than rushing to beat a clock.
What is normally included
Labour, ordinary hand and power tools, common fixings and disposal of small amounts of waste are usually part of the rate. Materials are extra and should be listed separately so you can see what you are paying for.
How to compare quotes fairly
Ask for the price of the whole list rather than the hourly rate alone. A cheaper hourly figure is meaningless if the job takes twice as long or a second visit is needed because the right materials were not on board.
- Send a written list with photographs
- Say which jobs matter most, in case time runs short
- Confirm whether materials are included
- Agree access and parking before the day
Typical costs
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | 30 to 50 pounds | Best for one clearly defined task |
| Half day | 120 to 200 pounds | Around four hours, several small jobs |
| Full day | 220 to 360 pounds | Around eight hours, a proper job list |
| Materials | Priced separately | Listed on the quotation |
Indicative guidance for the Medway area. Every job is quoted on what it actually involves.