Free AI-generated handyman proposal — hourly vs. flat-rate pricing, materials handling, and clear job scope. Customize in 2 min, send as PDF or link.
Handyman work is the most scope-creep-prone service in home repair. A client says 'I have a few things' and shows up with a list of 12 items, half of which they think will take 10 minutes each. The handyman who writes 'miscellaneous repairs: $500' on a napkin and shakes hands is the one who ends up working 10 hours for an effective rate of $50/hour. The one who numbers every task, estimates hours per item, and includes a clear rate for add-ons gets paid fairly and keeps the client happy. Handyman rates run $65-$125/hour depending on your market. Most residential jobs are $300-$800 for a half-day of work. The template below turns a punch list into a professional quote.
Proposal from
FixIt Right Handyman
Prepared for
Greg & Patricia Sullivan
Multi-Item Home Repair
1. Replace kitchen faucet (client-supplied faucet) — 1 hour 2. Rehang 2 interior doors (adjust hinges, sand bottoms) — 1.5 hours 3. Repair drywall — 3 holes, patch and texture match — 2 hours 4. Install ceiling fan (bedroom, client-supplied fan) — 1.5 hours 5. Replace 6 weatherstripped exterior door seals — 1 hour
Labor: 7 hours × $85/hour = $595 Materials (drywall compound, tape, weatherstrip): $65 Total: $660 Additional tasks: $85/hour with prior approval
Client supplies: kitchen faucet, ceiling fan. Handyman supplies: drywall repair materials, weatherstrip. Any additional materials sourced at cost + 15%.
Estimated 2-day job (tasks 1-3 day 1, tasks 4-5 day 2). Drywall must cure 24 hours before painting (not included in this scope).
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Create Your Free AccountList every item as a separate line. Handyman jobs turn into arguments when 'fix a few things' turns into 8 items and the client expected 4. Number each task.
Show hours per task, not just a total. 'Replace two doors: 2 hours' is transparent. A total of 6 hours with no breakdown invites questions.
Clarify who buys materials. Will you source materials and invoice cost-plus-20%? Or do they supply? Define this per line item if it varies.
Include a scope buffer. Add a line: 'Additional tasks billed at $85/hour with approval required before proceeding.' Prevents both scope creep and client disappointment.
Note what requires a licensed contractor. Electrical panel work, gas lines, and structural changes aren't handyman scope. Say so explicitly rather than letting clients find out on day one.
Group tasks by location in the home. Kitchen items together, bathroom items together. This lets you work room by room instead of bouncing around the house, which saves time and looks organized to the client.
Take photos of existing conditions before starting. A door that was already scratched, a wall with existing cracks, a toilet that already ran. Five minutes of photos prevents a blame conversation later.
Set a minimum call-out fee. Driving 30 minutes to tighten a doorknob isn't a business model. A 2-hour minimum ($130-$200) is standard and reasonable. Clients with a real list of items won't blink at it.
Every strong handyman proposal covers these elements. Skip one and you'll likely answer for it later.
Not sure what to charge?
See typical handyman rates, common service prices, and what moves the number up or down.
Handyman pricing guide →Rates range from $65-$125/hour depending on your market, experience, and the type of work. Most handymen charge $75-$95/hour in suburban markets. Some quote flat rates per task instead of hourly, which works well for standard jobs (hang a door: $150, install a ceiling fan: $175). Flat rates reward efficiency and give clients a predictable number. Either way, the rate should be on the proposal before work begins.
Licensing and scope. Handymen handle small repairs and maintenance that don't require a specialty license: drywall patching, door replacement, fixture installs, minor plumbing (faucets, toilet rebuilds), basic electrical (switch/outlet swaps). General contractors manage larger projects that require permits, structural changes, or coordination of licensed subcontractors. The line varies by state. In California, handyman work is capped at $500 per job without a contractor's license. Check your state's rules.
For a punch list under $500, one quote from a reliable handyman is usually sufficient. For larger projects ($500-$2,000), two quotes help you compare rates and scope interpretation. The most useful thing isn't comparing price — it's comparing how each handyman interprets the task list. The one who asks clarifying questions and provides detailed line items probably does better work than the one who says 'yeah, I can do all that' without writing anything down.
Good ones do. A 30-90 day workmanship warranty on repairs is standard. This means if the door you hung starts sticking or the faucet you installed leaks, you come back and fix it at no charge. It doesn't cover client abuse or pre-existing conditions. Put the warranty terms in the proposal. Clients who see a written warranty are more likely to hire you, and the callback rate on quality work is low enough that the warranty costs you almost nothing.
The proposal should have a clause: 'Additional tasks beyond this scope billed at $XX/hour with verbal or written approval required before proceeding.' When the client says 'oh, while you're here, can you also...' you point to the clause, give them a time estimate, and get a yes or no. This protects both sides. The client doesn't get a surprise bill, and you get paid for every hour you work.
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