Reactive work: price the structure, not the job
For leaks, blockages and repairs you cannot price the fix before you see it. Price the visit instead, and make the parts basis explicit so the final bill is never a surprise.
- Callout including first hour — one line, one figure
- Additional labour per hour or part hour thereafter
- Parts at cost plus a stated mark-up percentage
- Out-of-hours and weekend uplift, stated as a percentage or a separate rate
- Parking, congestion or clean air zone charges recharged at cost
Boiler swap: an itemised example
Supply combi boiler including flue and controls, £1,150. Installation labour, 2 days at £340 = £680. System flush and inhibitor, £180. Magnetic filter supplied and fitted, £145. Gas Safe commissioning and Building Regulations notification, £90. Remove and dispose of old appliance, £60.
Net £2,305, VAT at 20% £461, total £2,766. Deposit at 25% to secure the appliance and the fitting date: £691.50.
Bathroom installation lines that get missed
- First fix pipework alterations and waste re-routing
- Wall preparation, aqua board and tanking behind wet areas
- Tiling per m² with adhesive, grout and trims stated
- Extractor fan and any electrical work by a qualified electrician
- Silicone, sealing and second-fix sanitaryware fitting
- Waste removal — one skip or several trips to the tip
Credentials belong on the quote
Gas Safe registration number, WaterSafe or approved contractor membership, and public liability cover with the insured amount. On a boiler or bathroom quote these are the lines that beat a cheaper competitor who cannot show them.
Terms worth copying
- "Deposit secures the appliance and the installation date; balance due on completion of commissioning."
- "Quote assumes existing pipework and electrics are serviceable; remedial work priced separately once exposed."
- "Manufacturer warranty registered on your behalf; workmanship guaranteed for 12 months."