How to Compare Handyman Quotes Like for Like

A simple method for comparing handyman quotes in the UK so you judge scope, materials, timing and reliability instead of just the lowest number.

You have two or three offers on the table and the numbers do not match. One is cheap and brief. One is higher and detailed. The third is somewhere between with a lot of caveats. Which is best? The answer rarely comes from the bottom line alone.

Step 1: Rewrite each quote in the same shape

Create a short table with a column for each quote and the following rows:

Filling this in often reveals that the cheapest quote is simply missing something.

Step 2: Check scope

Compare what each person is actually doing. A quote for "assemble wardrobe" may or may not include wall fixing and packaging removal. A quote for "reseal bath" may or may not include removing the old silicone. If a line is vague, ask. The better the scope matches your job list, the easier this is.

Step 3: Handle materials consistently

A quote that excludes materials will look cheaper than one that includes them. Ask each person for an estimated materials cost, or buy the materials yourself and ask for labour only. Our guide to who pays for materials explains the usual arrangements.

Step 4: Convert hourly to a total

If one quote is hourly, ask for an estimated number of hours and an upper limit. Multiply, add the minimum charge if one applies, and compare. See hourly rate vs fixed price for how to handle the risk.

Step 5: Look at timing and reliability

A price that is 10% lower but four weeks later may not be better. Ask yourself:

• Does the date work for you?
• Is the time window realistic?
• Have they communicated clearly and promptly so far?
• Do reviews from similar jobs suggest they turn up on time and leave things tidy?

Responsiveness before the job is a useful indicator for behaviour during it.

Step 6: Consider the unknowns

Ask each person: "What could make the price change?" The answers show who has thought about the job. A quote that says "price will not change" for a job with obvious unknowns, such as an old fence or damp wall, may be optimistic. One that says "if the timber behind is rotten, I will stop and call you" is more honest.

Step 7: Check the person, not just the quote

Make sure the person who gave the price is the person who will attend. Check recent reviews, and that they are comfortable with limits such as gas or notifiable electrical work. Read red flags when hiring a handyman if something feels off.

Common traps

• The very low quote. It may exclude materials, cover only part of the job or be a hook for extras later.
• The very high quote. It may include a large contingency, or the person may be at capacity and not really want the job.
• The undefined quote. "Around £100" with no scope.
• The rushed decision. "Price only valid today" is a pressure tactic worth resisting.

When it is fine to choose the middle

The middle quote is often the one that is detailed, realistic and from someone who has asked sensible questions. You are buying clarity and predictability as well as labour.

Using the platform's flow

If you send a request through Compito, offers arrive in one place, and you can message each provider for clarification. When you choose, you accept and pay online. You can then compare your experience with the reviews you read, and leave your own after the booking is complete.

A worked example

Three quotes arrive for hanging two shelves, fixing a door and resealing a basin. Quote A is £90 and says "all in". Quote B is £140 with an itemised list. Quote C is £60 plus £25 for materials and an extra £20 if the wall is solid. When put side by side, A does not mention the basin sealant, B includes waste removal and a clear start time, and C could rise to £105. Once the scope is matched, the £140 offer is not far from the others and is the clearest. Comparing without the table would have been guesswork.

Questions to put to each provider

• Which of my listed jobs are included, and which are not?
• Is VAT or anything else extra, where relevant?
• How long will it take, and can I have an arrival window?
• What is your approach if you find something unexpected?

Ask all candidates the same questions so the answers are comparable, and keep the replies in the messaging thread so you have a record.

What to do if two quotes tie

When two offers are similar, choose the one whose communication has been better, who asked sensible questions about the job, and whose reviews match the type of work. A small price difference is rarely worth a worse working relationship.

After you choose

Confirm the agreed scope, price and date in writing in the same conversation, and tell the other providers politely that you have gone elsewhere. For more on what happens next, see what to prepare before a handyman visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many quotes should I get?

For small jobs, two or three is plenty. For larger, expensive work, three or more helps you see the range.

Should I tell one handyman about another's price?

There is no rule against it, but be prepared for them to ask what is included. Compare scope, not just numbers.

Is the lowest quote ever the right one?

Yes, when the scope is identical, the person is well reviewed and the timing suits. The point is to check, not to assume.

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