Learn how to set profitable handyman rates in British Columbia. Covers hourly vs flat-rate pricing, cost calculation, competitive positioning, and when to raise your rates.
Pricing handyman work is different from pricing cleaning. Jobs vary wildly — a 15-minute faucet fix and a 4-hour IKEA wardrobe assembly require completely different pricing approaches. This guide helps you build a pricing system that is profitable, competitive, and easy to communicate to clients.
Know Your Costs
| Vehicle fuel | $200 – $400 |
| Vehicle insurance (commercial) | $150 – $250 |
| Business insurance (CGL $2M) | $50 – $120 |
| WorkSafeBC premiums | $30 – $80 |
| Tool maintenance and replacement | $50 – $150 |
| Business licence | $10 – $25 |
| Phone and marketing | $50 – $100 |
| CPP (self-employed, ~11.9%) | Varies |
| Total estimated overhead | $540 – $1,125 |
Hourly vs Flat Rate: When to Use Each
| Job Type | Pricing Method | Typical Rate |
| General repairs (mixed tasks) | Hourly | $65 – $95/hr |
| TV mounting | Flat rate | $100 – $150 |
| Furniture assembly | Flat rate per item | $40 – $300 |
| Drywall patching | Flat rate per patch | $75 – $200 |
| Faucet replacement | Flat rate + parts | $90 – $180 |
| Light fixture install | Flat rate | $85 – $150 |
| Full-day renovation prep | Day rate | $500 – $750 |
Flat-rate pricing rewards efficiency. The faster you get, the higher your effective hourly rate. This is why experienced handymen earn significantly more than beginners even at similar quoted prices.
Setting Your Rates: Step by Step
- 1Calculate monthly overhead using the table above
- 2Set your target take-home rate (e.g. $40–$55/hour after expenses)
- 3Add overhead per hour (monthly overhead / billable hours per month)
- 4Add 15–20% profit margin for business growth and reserves
- 5Set a 2-hour minimum for all on-site visits
- 6Build a flat-rate menu for your most common tasks
- 7Compare to local competitors — adjust if you are way above or below market
Handling Materials and Parts
- Keep common consumables in your vehicle: caulk, drywall compound, sandpaper, screws, anchors, wire nuts
- Charge a flat fee for common consumables ($10–$25 per job)
- For specific parts (faucets, fixtures, hardware), give the client a cost estimate before purchasing
- Apply a 15–20% markup on parts to cover your sourcing time
- Offer to install client-supplied parts — but note that warranty may not apply
Growing Your Rate Over Time
- Build reviews first — clients pay more for proven reliability
- Specialise in high-value tasks (TV mounting, pre-sale prep, Airbnb maintenance) that command premium rates
- Raise rates 5–10% annually as your review count and skills grow
- Offer maintenance packages (monthly visit for recurring clients) at a slight discount for guaranteed income
- Cross-sell with cleaners — on SpruceUp, cleaning jobs generate Home Health Reports that lead to handyman bookings
Get handyman jobs on SpruceUp
Get started — it's freeFrequently asked questions
How much should I charge as a handyman in Vancouver?
Most handymen in Metro Vancouver charge $65–$95 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum. Experienced handymen with insurance and strong reviews can charge $85–$110/hour. Your rate should cover all costs (tools, vehicle, insurance, taxes) and leave a healthy profit.
Should handymen charge hourly or flat rate?
Use flat-rate pricing for common tasks (TV mounting, furniture assembly, faucet replacement) where you can accurately estimate the time. Use hourly pricing for general repair visits where the scope is uncertain. Most successful handymen use a mix of both.
What is the minimum I should charge per visit?
Set a 2-hour minimum ($130–$190 depending on your rate). This covers your travel time and ensures each visit is worth your while. Some handymen set a flat minimum call-out fee of $100–$150.
How do I handle material and parts costs?
Charge materials at cost plus a 15–20% markup to cover your time sourcing them. Always give the client a parts estimate before purchasing. For common parts (faucet cartridges, caulk, drywall compound), keep them in your vehicle and bill per item.