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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what would be a fair price for three hours of carpenting work?

55 replies

LailaDay · 23/04/2020 15:43

Basically as it says in the title. I had some issues with one of our windows (crooked in the frame because of a storm and needed new handles), it took three hours to fix, and I was presented with a very high bill (I won't mention the amount yet because I don't want to influence the answers). I am in the London area, so used to paying extra, but woah. Just wondering what you would have guessed is reasonable, because I feel like I was so far off and cannot decide whether I am being cheated and should pursue it.

OP posts:
BlessYourCottonSocks · 23/04/2020 16:24

If it is ridiculously high (which I'm presuming it is) I would write asking them to justify their fees.

Perhaps ask for a quote from another couple of firms to see what would be reasonable.

MaddieElla · 23/04/2020 16:27

Even if my husband does an emergency job the same day he still wouldn't turn up without agreeing a price beforehand. If there wasn't time for an official quotation on paper he would agree a price over the phone or by text/messenger.

As nonody is anywhere near with their guesses I think it's safe to say you've been had.

carnivalisover · 23/04/2020 16:27

£450

ChicChicChicChiclana · 23/04/2020 16:28

For a skilled trade, half a day, in the London suburbs - I would say £200 ex Vat and materials is reasonable.

Original poster
LailaDay · 23/04/2020 16:29

It wasn't meant to be a guessing game. I really wanted to know what people would have expected to pay.

£600 excl VAT was the bill I got.

Sorry for the "carpenting" in the title. Just shows my inexperience. ^^

OP posts:
ilovecakeandwine · 23/04/2020 16:30

They still should of given you some sort of figure .
Like someone else said ask for the breakdown don't be embarrassed, just say you didn't think it would be so much .

MaddieElla · 23/04/2020 16:31

Did he buy materials? Did he have to collect any materials? Door handles etc?

IHaveAMagicBean · 23/04/2020 16:31

London, three hours, skilled craftsmen. I’d be happy if it was under £300

Original poster
LailaDay · 23/04/2020 16:33

Arrived with all necessary materials, but I assume he did have to collect them beforehand. He replaced a handle and some screws.

OP posts:
Disquieted1 · 23/04/2020 16:37

You're getting ripped off, unless the handles are antique or made of gold!
But you left yourself wide open by not agreeing a price up front.

Idancedonday38 · 23/04/2020 16:37

So was it £720?

MaddieElla · 23/04/2020 16:38

It is over the top, the verybery maximum I would expect this to be is £300 and as I say my DH wouldnt charge nearly that much, let alone £600. We couldn't be any more opposite than London area though.

MaddieElla · 23/04/2020 16:39

Verybery? Confused

Original poster
LailaDay · 23/04/2020 16:40

So was it £720?

Yes.

Does seem like I made an expensive mistake. Sad

OP posts:
SnakesandKnives · 23/04/2020 16:43

@AvalancheKit. We clearly want different things from carpenters. Personally I’m ordering Will from The Repair Shop! #missespointofthread

But wow, £600+vat for 3 hours does seem a bit steep

oohnicevase · 23/04/2020 16:43

Can you not send him a message saying u more than you expected and that is £209 an hour and surely 'carpenters' don't charge that much . He may have made a mistake or maybe will reduce it if he thinks you aren't a pushover .

WickedlyPetite · 23/04/2020 16:44

Ouch. You've been had.

I would be disputing that bill.

Idancedonday38 · 23/04/2020 16:44

Have a look at his reviews online, if there are any under checkatrade etc google his number.

Did you see or hear him working for 3 whole hours?

He must have needed to do quite a bit in that time to be busy.

ChicChicChicChiclana · 23/04/2020 17:04

Yep. That's absolutely dreadful!

A highly skilled electrician round here charges £330 for a whole day, £195 for a half. I can't believe that carpentry is a more sought after trade.

Have you paid?

SylvanianFrenemies · 23/04/2020 18:17

Didn't you get a quote?

I'd say £150-£180 most cities, £280-£300 London.

listsandbudgets · 23/04/2020 18:29

Sounds a very small job for 3 hours. We used a carpenter to fit a full wall of shelves around a mantelpiece. Old house with high ceiling. He made them on site, provided all the materials and spent nearly 3 days doing it.. it was £1700 in total ( oddly enough he also fixed a couple of door handles while he was at it and I didn't realise until he mentioned it at the end of the job.. think he just found them irritating!!)

I would query it OP and while you're at it ask for their VAT registration number as you'll need it for your records.. good way of checking g if they are actually VAT registered because if not they cant charge it

listsandbudgets · 23/04/2020 18:32

Cant type.. £1200 not £1700

BanKittenHeels · 23/04/2020 18:34

£700,000

Speakingofdinosaurs · 23/04/2020 19:17

My husband allocates work to building trades around the London area & says he would have expected it to be £300 to £400 before VAT - max.
He also says “always get a quote before you get any work done!!”

Pika09 · 23/04/2020 19:21

£500 - £600 plus vat would be about right