Who Pays for Materials When You Hire a Handyman?
How materials are normally handled on handyman jobs in the UK: who buys them, how mark-ups work, what receipts to ask for and how to avoid disputes.
A quote for labour is only part of the bill. Sealant, fixings, a replacement tap, a sheet of plasterboard or a few lengths of timber all have to come from somewhere. Disputes about materials are among the most common friction points between customers and tradespeople, and almost all of them are avoidable with a short conversation up front.
The three usual arrangements
- You buy everything. You choose and purchase the items and the handyman fits them. This gives you full control over price and style, but you need to buy the right thing.
- The handyman buys and charges at cost. They bring the items, show you receipts and add the cost to the bill, sometimes with a small handling charge.
- The handyman buys and adds a mark-up. A percentage on top is common, often to cover the trip to buy, the time and waste. It is fair if stated openly and unfair if hidden.
Many jobs use a mix: you supply the visible items such as a tap, shelf or blinds, while the handyman provides consumables such as screws, wall plugs, filler and sealant.
What counts as materials
- Fixings and consumables: screws, plugs, brackets, adhesive, silicone, filler, sandpaper, caulk
- Parts: tap washers, a cistern valve, door handles, hinges, locks
- Building materials: plasterboard, timber, fence panels, tiles, grout
- Disposables: dust sheets, tape, sundry items
Basic tools are rarely charged separately. Specialist hire items, such as a tile cutter or tower scaffold, can be.
Get it in writing
A short message is enough. It should say:
- Whether materials are included in the quote or extra
- Who is buying what
- Whether any mark-up applies and roughly what
- A rough estimate of the materials cost, or a cap above which the handyman asks you first
- That you will see receipts for anything over a set amount
Having this in a message thread, rather than a spoken remark, protects both sides.
How to avoid the "wrong part" problem
Plumbing parts, door furniture, hinges and curtain tracks often come in many sizes. A handyman who sees the item first can recommend the correct one. Ideas:
- Send photos of the existing fitting and the area around it.
- Take measurements and note brand names or model numbers.
- Ask the handyman to identify the part before you buy.
- Keep the receipt so you can return unused items.
For flat-pack furniture or ready-made items, you almost always buy the item yourself and pay the handyman for assembly or fitting, as covered in how much a handyman costs in the UK.
When it is worth letting the handyman buy
There are good reasons to let them do it:
- They know exactly what is needed, so you avoid return trips.
- They may have trade accounts with better prices.
- You are short of time.
- The job needs many small items, and a bulk purchase is more convenient.
A reasonable mark-up in that case may be fair payment for the time and fuel. What is not fair is a doubled price with no receipt.
When it is better to buy yourself
- You care about the finish, colour or brand.
- The item is expensive, and you want to shop around.
- You already own the parts, such as a spare tap or leftover tiles.
- You want the lowest possible total, since you can compare retail prices.
Dealing with unexpected extras
Sometimes a job reveals the need for additional materials. Rotten batten behind a shelf, for example, or a pipe that needs a new connector. A professional handyman should stop, show you the issue and give you a choice. If you have agreed a cap, anything above it must be approved by you first. See how to compare handyman quotes for how to record this in the comparison.
Keeping everything tidy on Compito
When you send a request through Compito, you can state in the description who will provide materials, and the provider's offer can be discussed by message before you accept and pay online. Your conversation then forms a record you can refer back to if there is any doubt.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get receipts from my handyman?
Yes, if they bought materials and you are paying for them. Receipts show exactly what was purchased and for how much, and it is entirely reasonable to ask.
Can a handyman refuse to fit materials I bought?
They may, for example if the item is unsuitable for the wall or is of poor quality, or if it is the wrong specification. A good handyman will explain why and suggest an alternative.
Who pays if the part turns out to be wrong?
It depends who chose it. If you bought it against advice, you usually bear the cost. If the handyman bought it and chose wrongly, they should normally sort out the exchange without charging you again.