Transparent from the start

Pricing & Quotes

Most trades businesses won't tell you their rates until after they've seen your job. We publish ours before you call — and we stand behind them. Here's exactly how it works.

How we charge

Three models, one honest approach

We match how we work to what actually suits your job. The right model is confirmed before anything starts. For the full explanation of each, see How We Work →

Model 01

Call-Out & Time on Tools

For repairs, maintenance and most handyman work. You pay for hours worked and materials used — nothing more. No formal written quote for jobs under $2,000.

How this works →
Model 02

Open-Scope Projects

For evolving projects where a fixed quote would be padded or wrong. Transparent time and materials against an agreed working budget, invoiced weekly or at milestones.

How this works →
Model 03

Fully Quoted Jobs

For well-defined scopes typically over $2,000. A formal written quote with a fixed or capped price, following a paid assessment visit that's credited back if you proceed.

How this works →

Not sure which model fits your job? Call Bryan on 027 202 5876 — he'll give you a straight answer with no obligation.

What you'll pay

The rates

We confirm the applicable rate before we start. If a job looks like running longer than expected, we stop and check in before continuing — you're never left with an invoice that doesn't match your expectations.

Item Rate Notes
First visit — solo $247.50 Covers travel and the first 2 hours on site, Masterton. Minimum charge per visit.
First visit — with labourer $345.25 Same coverage, with an additional person on site.
Additional time — solo $109.25/hr Charged per hour after the initial two hours. We'll always check in before continuing.
Additional time — with labourer $158/hr As above, with an additional labourer.
Out-of-Masterton travel $1.05/km Round trip from Masterton CBD. Added to the minimum. Confirmed at booking.
Materials & supplies At retail Recommended retail price. No markup — what we pay, you pay.
Waste & rubbish removal At cost Tip runs or skip hire charged as incurred. Confirmed before arranging.
Assessment & quotation $247.50 For jobs likely to exceed $2,000. Plus mileage. Credited back in full if work proceeds.

All rates include GST.

Why we publish our rates

Most tradespeople don't. We do because you deserve to make an informed decision before you even pick up the phone — and because we're confident enough in what we deliver to put the number out there.

The rate reflects proper carpentry training, 30 years of professional service management, NEBOSH health and safety qualifications, and full public liability insurance. If cost is the only thing you're comparing, we might not be the right fit. If you want the job done right and not again next year, give us a call.

Quick reference
Minimum (2 hrs + travel) $247.50
Hourly after that $109.25/hr
With labourer (minimum) $345.25
Out-of-Masterton travel $1.05/km
Materials At retail

All rates include GST. First visit covers travel and 2 hrs on site, Masterton.

Have a list of small jobs? Bundle them — once we're on site the minimum is covered. Three jobs in one visit beats three separate call-outs.

For larger jobs

Quotes, assessments & why we charge for them

We're often asked why we charge a fee for quotes — it's worth explaining what's actually involved.

Unlike a rough estimate, a proper quote requires a site visit, measurements, investigation of existing conditions, consideration of compliance and safety requirements, and sometimes liaison with insurers, property managers or suppliers. In many situations, producing a quote takes as much care and professional judgement as carrying out the work itself.

To reflect this, we charge a $247.50 (plus mileage) assessment and quotation fee for any job that requires a detailed scope of works and firm pricing.

It also means our hourly rate is what it is — the cost of proper quoting isn't quietly absorbed into every other customer's bill. You pay for what we actually do on your job.

Not sure whether your job needs a formal quote? Call Bryan on 027 202 5876 and he'll give you a straight answer.

What the assessment covers
  • Time on site assessing the job properly
  • Measuring, diagnosing issues, identifying underlying problems
  • Developing a clear and accurate scope of works
  • Researching materials, methods and compliance requirements
  • Preparing a realistic, well-considered price — not a guess
The credit-back guarantee

If you proceed with the quoted work, the assessment fee is credited back in full against the job. Customers who go ahead aren't paying extra — they're contributing upfront to the time required to do things properly.

When a fee may not apply
  • For very small or straightforward jobs we can often give an indication of cost without a formal assessment
  • If you're unsure, just ask before booking — we're happy to talk it through

Common questions

Before you call

Is my job too small?

Almost certainly not. The minimum charge covers two hours — bring a list and we'll work through it. Small jobs done right save bigger bills later.

Do I need a formal quote?

Only if the job is likely over $2,000. Below that, it's faster and cheaper to just get it done. We'll tell you which applies before we start.

Do you come to my town?

Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, Featherston, Martinborough and the wider Wairarapa. Out-of-town travel is $1.05/km — confirmed before booking.

What if you find more problems?

We stop and tell you before going further. No nasty surprises — we check in whenever something changes the scope.

Can I bundle a few jobs?

Yes — and you should. Once we're on site the minimum is covered. Three jobs in one visit is far cheaper than three separate call-outs.

How do I pay?

Bank transfer only. Invoices issued on completion, weekly or at milestones depending on job type. Payment due within 7 days. Full terms on the Terms & Conditions page.

Ready to get started?

Book online or call Bryan directly. We'll confirm the right approach for your job before anything starts.