How do you quote a handyman job?

Most handyman jobs are won or lost on quoting speed rather than quoting price. A homeowner who has finally decided to deal with a problem calls two or three people, and the one who gets a clear number back first usually gets the work.

A quote that closes contains six things:

• The work described in plain language. Write what the customer will see when it is done, not trade shorthand.
• The pricing basis. Say clearly whether it is flat, hourly, or hourly with a cap.
• Exclusions in writing. Materials, disposal, painting after a repair, anything discovered once a wall is open. Most disputes come from an assumption nobody wrote down.
• Photos from the walkthrough. They confirm scope and protect you when memory differs.
• A valid-until date. This creates a natural reason to follow up and protects you from material price changes.
• A clear next step. How to accept, and what happens after.

On timing, aim to send within twenty four hours. If you cannot, send an acknowledgment with the date the quote will arrive.

Then follow up once, roughly three days later, with no pressure. Most handymen never follow up at all, so a single message puts you ahead of nearly everyone competing for the same job.