How to pay handyman for small projects in STRs?

Question

Hi, fellow STR investors

As there are many small projects on maintaining short-term properties, I wonder how you all pay your handymen on these projects, such as assembling furnitures, fixing a drawer, etc..

I am trying to estimate the number of hours required to finish the task and pay them by hours ($30/h in Georgia). I also try to adjust the price slightly based on the level of difficulty of the task and the number of tasks. For example, I am trying to pay $60 for assembling the console table (~2 hours to finish), and $90 for hanging TVs on the wall (~ 3hours to finish).

I wonder how you all estimate the costs of these tasks, especially in the setup phase when there are literally hundreds of them?

Many thanks!

Lee

John Underwood · Answer

I don't like paying by the hour if I can avoid it.

I'd much rather them give me a firm price for all work.

Jonathan Greene · Answer

For stuff like what you are describing, I pay the same hourly no matter what they do. I have some TaskRabbit type providers who will do a variety of tasks from moving to hanging TVs to putting stuff together all for the same hourly. It's easier that way to just pay for the time, not for the difficulty. Putting together an Ikea table is a hell show for me, but for them it's just regular.

Leon Lee · Answer

How much do you pay hourly for these tasks, just wondering. Thanks

Karl B. · Answer

My usual handyman is an honest guy. I pay him by the hour. $30 for him and $25 for his assistant per hour. It's usually larger jobs (installing flooring, etc.) though I do hire them for smaller stuff from time to time and only one of them will show up for a quick fix. I pay them by check.

I've found that the handymen who quote by the job are always more expensive.

Alex S. · Answer

This problem gets easier to solve when you get past 1-2 units.  Frankly, you'll probably pay a premium if you're calling a handyman once a month vs. 2x/week.  Same with the cleaning crew!

Matthew Paul · Answer

Its customary for the "handyman" to quote a price to the customer , "I charge xxxx per hour plus parts " .

Joe Splitrock · Answer

I think you are best asking your handyman to provide you a fixed quote price. The other option is an hourly rate. Regardless of what task they are doing, you should pay them the same hourly. If they think they are making less money on certain tasks, they are less likely to do them for you. Handyman is a skilled labor position, so whether they are hauling trash or installing a light fixture, you have a skilled laborer doing it. Maybe the answer is hiring different people for the easy tasks, if you want to pay them less.

Randy Dubiskas · Answer

It might be more efficient to line up all these tasks and pay a day rate.  Then work with the service provider to estimate the number of days for pre-approval.

Greg Parker · Answer

My guy can usually give me a "range" of what it will cost when I let him know what I have.  A couple of them charge me $75 for the first hour, then $25/hour after that.  So, basically 200-300 for a day.

How to pay handyman for small projects in STRs?

Most Popular Reply