Handyman cost estimator

How to use this handyman cost calculator

Choose one job from the list and the calculator shows the rates that companies in the directory publish for it. The figures come from the same data as the handyman rates tables, where each rate links to the company's own source.

Under each result you will see a reminder that these are published rates, not a quote, so ask what each rate includes. The calculator handles one job at a time. If you have a list of small jobs, ask each company to quote the whole list in one go.

The 4 jobs and what each rate covers

The jobs appear in this order, each priced per job.

Home painting covers anything from one wall to a whole flat, so the range is wide. A handyman job estimate for painting only means something once you know what each price covers: which walls, whether ceilings are included and who supplies the paint.

For curtains and blinds, see the curtain installation cost guide. If the lock you need replaced is on a gate, read the guide to gate lock replacement before you ask for quotes.

How the estimate uses directory rates

The calculator does not keep its own price list. When the site is built, it reads the same directory data as the handyman rate tables and applies the same rules.

• One rate per company. Where a company publishes several matching prices, only its lowest matching rate counts, in the most common unit for that job.
• At least 3 companies. A job appears only when 3 or more companies publish a rate in that unit.
• A real middle. The middle figure is always one company's actual rate. With an odd number of companies, it is the middle company's rate. With an even number, a middle appears only when the two middle rates are equal.

All 4 jobs here have either an odd number of companies or equal middle rates, so each shows a middle as well as the lowest and highest.

How the calculation works (method and sources)

There is no calculation beyond choosing the job. The tool asks for no quantities, adds up no totals and adds no GST.

On GST, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) says GST-registered businesses should display final, GST-inclusive prices and may not publish prices without GST. Not every business is registered, and only registered businesses may charge GST, so ask each company whether its quote includes it.

There is no quantity input because the rates the tool uses are per job: one door or lock, one item mounted, one curtain rod or blind. Some companies price extra items differently from the first, so multiplying a rate would give a figure no company has quoted. To plan several tasks in one visit, use the handyman job list to write everything down first.

Drilling, noise and what a handyman should not do

HDB treats heavy and excessive drilling as restricted (noisy) work: 9am to 5pm on weekdays only, and not on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays or the eves of New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas Day. For DIY works, HDB asks residents to keep to 7am to 10.30pm. Check a date with the renovation hours checker.

Read the guide to HDB drilling rules before anything heavy goes on a wall.

A new power point is not handyman work. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) says adding, extending or replacing power points should be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA.

Limits of this estimate

The result is a starting point for your questions, not the price you will pay.

• No quantity, wall type or flat size input. No published method links these to price.
• "From" prices. Many rates are starting prices, and the final figure depends on the job.
• Directory figures. The rates come from companies in the directory, not from the whole market.

When you contact handymen, send each one the same details so the quotes compare like for like:

• the full job list, with how many of each item
• materials, and who supplies them
• the wall type you are drilling into or painting
• disposal of old fittings, and whether it is included
• whether the price includes GST

If painting is on your list, try the paint calculator before you ask for quotes.

Questions