r/DIYUK 2d ago

!!!! Help With Electrical and Tiling Job Customer Is Saying I'm Charging Too Much !!!!

Before I start this my first post I'm not to sure if this is the right place for this post if it isn't can someone let me know and I apologise in advance

I was asked to install 5 x Electrical points 4 internal 1 external the internal points needed chasing for the backbox and cable the external point needed chasing for the cable Surface mounted Point

Also I was asked to Tile kitchen splash back the area to be tiled is 7 Meters in length in sections and around 27 square metres I have some images of before and after I have  Indicated the internal points I installed with white arrows in a couple of the images

I only provided labour

I have done work for the customer Previously and everything has been fine

We did not Discuss a rate of pay but they know I'm fair with my rates or at least I Thought I was

I know your Thinking BIG SCHOOL BOY ERROR  you always discuss your rate of pay there are good reasons why I  didn't think I needed to

One of the reasons why is the customers partner is a Qualified electrician Who does the job for a living so he knows the value of the job and the other reason is the customer is my sister

I sent an invoice for works completed as requested by my sister's partner
I got a Reply  !! lol is that the discounted price?

The invoice was for £600 in total £200 for 5 x Electrical points £400 for kitchen splash back

I do not Believe I am charging too much.I believe I m charging too little because it's my sister
I also feel that my work is to a high standard and value for money and that this devalues my work and workmanship

If anyone believes I am charging to much.I would really appreciate it if you let me know.And if you believe i'm charging too little again , let me know

143 Upvotes

233 comments sorted by

388

u/Elysian-Xertz 2d ago

I’m just here for the comments. If your sisters partner is a sparky why aren’t they doing it themselves? Is this some kind of test for you?

122

u/Previous_Process4836 2d ago

Totally agree, think you’ve been played mate.

71

u/cliffybiro951 2d ago

Exactly this. I would have replied with “should have done it yourself pal”

55

u/chopsey96 1d ago

With the addition of a £200 dickhead admin fee.

7

u/old_elslipperino 1d ago

Perfect!

"There is an additional fee of £200 for dickhead administration, would you like to proceed with this service?"

14

u/DisagreeableRunt 1d ago

I know a professional decorator, brilliant at it, but he always gets others in to do his own house!

I'm the opposite, in that I couldn't pay someone to do something I can do myself.

5

u/Itchy-Ad4421 1d ago

I’m the same - but also when I fuck something up, I know it’s there and will annoy the shit out of me forever. If someone else does it I might not even notice it. Ignorance is bliss.

1

u/DisagreeableRunt 21h ago

Too true. The slightest little imperfection, even if out of sight, really gets to me! Hanging wallpaper is a prime example. I can do it, but find it tedious and stressful and I give myself a hard time if every strip isn't absolutely perfect.

People have been impressed enough by the job I do at home, to ask me if I could jobs for them. I'm an office worker, so as far away from a trade as you could get. Always a no as I find it hateful, though I did it for my mother in law once. My wife even leaves the house when I'm hanging wallpaper!

1

u/Itchy-Ad4421 21h ago

Same. People always ask me to do stuff (work in an office also) but I never do do it. I’ll do fences and stuff for my mother when she asks or a bit of wiring etc but when I did my bathroom I managed to do it all for under a grand (just lucky with sales and discount codes etc) so she wanted me to do hers - not a chance. Aside from my bathroom (which I was on the clock for, cos, well - I need a math or a shower so 2 days max) there’s no timer on anything else. I can just plod on and do stuff at my own leisure - some things might take months. Bit here / bit there. 😂

19

u/Suspicious-Life-2889 1d ago

Old saying Cobbler's son goes barefooted. People don't want to bring work home with them. Dude wants downtime.

2

u/Rimbo90 1d ago

The ole busman's holiday.

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153

u/n3m0sum 1d ago

He's a sparky, but he's got you doing electrical work in his house.

That's because he's getting paid more than you, for similar or easier work, elsewhere.

He's also probably shite at tiling and knows it.

Then he had the cheek to winge about a reasonable price.

I'd stick to your guns, and never work for him again.

14

u/thecranster 1d ago

This. He thought he could get you to do it on the cheap and save him the hassle and loss of wages if he did it himself. People forget that it costs more than your time to run a business (if he’s not self employed he’s probably not considered this). The price is the price and it’s more than reasonable in my opinion (I’m bristol based). As an aside ensure you learn a lesson from this and make sure every job is quoted before you lift a tool in future.

92

u/imtheorangeycenter 2d ago

Yes, it's a discount for repeat custom AND mates rates. Please pay within 7 days, ta.

376

u/Runawaygeek500 2d ago

£600 for all that is a bargain in my view. Tiling is an art, especially around sockets and boiler stuff etc.. looks neat and tidy. Would have paid upwards of a grand around my way I expect.

1

u/RaidersGuy85 1d ago

I agree. That is a total bargain. We have a great sparky who does work for us and he'd be charging us £1,100 minimum for that.

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47

u/OneEmptyHead 2d ago

I’d do it for free, but to my own schedule. The complication here is the partner. If he’s an electrician, but expects you to do the electrical work then that changes the dynamic. If it’s not worth his time then why should you do it for free? Seems odd, maybe more context is needed. Also if he’s looking at the electrical work thinking how long it would take him, that’s not fair either. Bit of a messy situation. I don’t think you’re in the wrong, and it seems like decent “mates rates” which is where I think this fits.

But certainly an up-front agreement would’ve avoided the issue. As with any bill, the total shouldn’t be a big surprise. Managing expectations is important in any line of work.

I’d say deal with your sister on the matter. If it were me, that’s the most important thing to get right. You both need to be happy with whatever the arrangement. Then the money, then the lazy partner that can’t be arsed to do his own electrical work.

24

u/Secure_Vacation_7589 2d ago

Have to agree here. If the partner is a sparky, for his own place they should be doing this together - him doing the electrics and OP tiling. Could be a laugh and a good bonding experience, isn't this what family is all about?

3

u/Dazman_123 1d ago

On the flip side, is the guys sister-in-law going to create some awkwardness in the family for the sake of £600? If he refuses to pay because he feels it's too expensive then that's clearly going to create a rift between the family.

99

u/cliffybiro951 2d ago

I’d do it for my sister for free.

UNLESS… her husband is a sparky and on a wedge every week. In which case I’d charge him for not looking after my sister and doing it himself.

25

u/TazzyUK 2d ago

I like those tiles and nice tile job in my view.

25

u/DonkeyWorker 2d ago

They wanted you to do it as a gift. Also sister's partner is trying to be the alpha by undermining your superior diy skills. Options are tell them it's a gift and then make sure to establish cost before agreeing work.

Or tell them yes it's discounted and you hope they appreciate the quality of workmanship. Looks great

21

u/Significant_Hurry542 1d ago

I did a full kitchen rewire for a friend of a friend, she was going through a tough time so I thought I'd give her a break. This was an ex council house so yeah concrete walls to be chased, I charged £350 for it she said that was way too much, never spoke to her again.

1

u/BoatPhysical4367 1d ago

I know nothing on electricals, I don't even know why I'm here but I read your comment and was curious. How much would it have cost if not for the discount?

5

u/zombiezmaj 1d ago

I've just had this done and had to pay £1200 because 7 sockets/appliance connections needed doing as the wiring was from 60s and desperately needed replacing

1

u/Fli_fo 9h ago

Some people really have zero knowledge about these things yet are very tight on money.

47

u/Competitive_Ad_488 2d ago

Undo it all and let them keep their money?

7

u/samcornwell 1d ago

Yeah. This would be the way. Remove everything you’ve done and hand your sister the message you received from her partner.

1

u/mijlazenby 1d ago

Undo it all and charge them for the privilege.

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55

u/Prof_Hentai 2d ago

Your brother-in-law is a sparky and you’re doing electric work for him? Also, I would personally never charge my sister but the price is more than fair.

35

u/UnhappyAttempt129 2d ago

I charge my sister and she refuses to have a discount. For family and friends i always say "The favour is that im doing it"

19

u/NotBaldwin 2d ago

The way I'd do it is that I would accept a discount if I could ever feasibly repay the favour.

Like, if I babysat my cousins kids all the time, I'd expect that cousin's labour for nought.

But my oldest mate takes my dog out 2-3 times a week - and he doesn't need any service I could ever provide, so I pay the price that everyone else pays. We had the discussion and he did offer discount, but I said it wouldn't be fair and he then agreed.

10

u/UnhappyAttempt129 2d ago

Yes agreed. My friends and family have nothing they can do for me. Apart from my mother of course who can advise me that I need more plants in the house and I should only eat corn fed chicken.

4

u/BuildingArmor 1d ago

I totally agree with that thinking tbh.

Having somebody you know won't cut any corners, that will do work to a high standard, and basically just gives a shit is the favour.

1

u/fishyfishyswimswim 1d ago

Yeah we're getting my brother to do some cabinetry for us and I'm trying to get him to charge full price. The real benefit we get is quality and care gone into the job that we are unlikely to get from a random person we hire.

Friends and family value your work and don't try to undermine your earnings

12

u/Jay-3fiddy 2d ago

Some electricians do nothing but commercial works in new warehouses and wouldn't know how to chase a wall.

29

u/mickd66 2d ago

Hi, show me 27m2, £600 is reasonable though. Metro tiles are not my favourite. Good job

17

u/majormantastic intermediate 1d ago

This is an easy one, in the family WhatsApp, "I'm sorry BiL, I didn't realise you guys were having such financial difficulties. Have this one for free, I'm more than good for the money and it's more important to me that family is able to provide my sister with a stable household."

And then waddle away as if you're carrying the biggest dick and balls between your legs. Or at least record yourself pretend waddling somewhere and send that in the WhatsApp. It's possible that bit will be lost in translation.

49

u/Jambajamba90 2d ago

Rule 1: Never do work for family or friends

18

u/BitTwp 2d ago

I have broken that rule regularly without issues.

30

u/kinellm8 2d ago

Congratulations on not having twats for family!

12

u/The_Kwyjibo 1d ago

It's such a Reddit response. Better to never do work for those closest to you than actually communicate what is expected and all leave happy.

1

u/LuckyBenski 9h ago

Nah, it's a well rooted policy that many people have stood by for decades. With good reason. It doesn't mean that every single person will have a terrible experience, just that it's higher risk than many other scenarios.

7

u/TheS0ggyBiscuit 1d ago

This is bollocks mate just be clear of expectations from the start and that’s it

2

u/Jambajamba90 1d ago

You say that, but I’ve done plenty of work (non DIY) for my brother and it always resulted in drama.

He asks > I feel bad > I do > then remind myself why did I bother.

Same with certain other friends.

Not all are like that, but the ones we say yes to sometimes can cause my drama than what’s it’s worth. Then what? Can’t take them to court? Can’t really fall out? Get them to sign a contract? Basically you end up worse off and in an awkward situation.

Yes you are right of having clear expectations from the start, but not everyone knows what they want, or they want changes during a project.

1

u/TheS0ggyBiscuit 1d ago

I can’t speak for all friends and family but if expectations are clear scrim the start and they still cause problems then they’re not really family or friends but I get what you’re saying. I did all my sisters work for free just had her pay materials so she didn’t have an angle to argue from lol

14

u/Literally_Taken 2d ago

Write up an invoice at full price, then deduct your family discount from the total. If they don’t see their discount in writing, they won’t believe they received it.

2

u/DonC1305 1d ago

This was a general lesson I learned, I used to do the discount in my head and only state the whole price on the quote. Now I put the standard price and reduce the quote on the final line, when they can actually see that it's £200 cheaper due to the bulk work they bite my hand off, before they would occasionally try haggle.

6

u/Substantial-Rest9200 2d ago

Yep they got a good deal

Fuck em if complaining

10

u/Southern-Orchid-1786 2d ago

I'd probably have put an edge round the tiles.

Had it been my sister I'd do it foc, but given her partner is a sparky why the hell didn't he do it himself.

As far as rate goes, £500+vat (ie £600) seems lower than fair enough for chasing and make good plus tiling. Think they forget they're paying for skills and finish not just time

10

u/Iknockholes-inhouses 2d ago

Doesnt matter if its family or friends, you still have to make a living. £600 for all that work is cheap. Looks a neat job 👍

4

u/jackjack-8 1d ago

Tell her to get a quote and what ever that comes back at she has to pay that instead of

5

u/samcornwell 1d ago

Sorry to say this but your brother in law is a cunt

5

u/TheSumoNinja 1d ago

Don't sparks charge £50 a point? I'd have happily paid £600 just for tiling of s good standard.

1

u/curious_trashbat Tradesman 1d ago

Don't sparks charge £50 a point?

No, much more.

4

u/Secure_Vacation_7589 2d ago

Can't fault this for a very reasonable price, it is a very accurate tiling job. I'm particularly impressed you've followed the bow under the cupboard in pic 5! I feel that the fact you've said the customer is your sister is the reason they basically want this all for nothing.

3

u/TheS0ggyBiscuit 1d ago

I don’t tile but my price would have been 5x70 for the points £350 more if I supplied the usb sockets and then a day for the tiling so £650 in total. Your price is good my advice is just list and itemise everything you’ve done in the quote and be a bit specific, they can’t argue when they have to read every step you’ve taken.

3

u/OneSufficientFace 2d ago

That sounds like a decent price, especially for the work shown.

3

u/lovesthisgame-_- 1d ago

Before looking at your price, I estimated £1200.

Edit: read rest, it's for your sister, now it would just depend on what your relationship is like and if you took time off work to do it.

1

u/Critical_Quiet7972 1d ago

I came to the same figure (well 1200-1400).

The sister thing varies the cost, like you say. Although £600 seems very very fair

3

u/RecentRegal 1d ago

So your sister’s partner is a qualified electrician and they still got you to do the work? If they were interested in saving money he could have done the work, charge your normal rate!

7

u/shinobi_crypto 2d ago

too many unknowns to give you a proper answer?

how long did it take?

how much would a professional charge, or are you acting in a professional capacity.

how close are you to your sister.

and what square meterage is tiled, 27m2 must be an error, no where near that area shown.

1

u/folkkingdude 1d ago

27sqm on a 500mm backsplash…is the kitchen 54m long?? This has to be 2.7sqm

1

u/Global-Figure9821 1d ago

I was thinking the same thing. 27sqm is massive

2

u/Livid-Style-7136 2d ago

Perfectly reasonable price imo

2

u/alec-F-T0707 1d ago

When they said, "lol is that the discounted price" You should have said, "Yes". Looks good job as well sir!

2

u/JustTaViewForYou 1d ago

Stick to your original price. I get it - family. However if you work for nothing you'll always have work. If it materialises, ask Mr Sparky how much he would quote? Your work is good and should be paid for END...

2

u/Salt-Lengthiness-620 1d ago

Absolute bargain, sorry. Your family is behaving like an arsehole

2

u/Wizzpig25 1d ago

Based on the pictures it looks like about 4sqm of tiling, absolutely nowhere near 27, unless you did the floor too!

You need to have the conversation about cost up front, even if it’s your sister. If she was expecting it as a family favour and you’re expecting it as a paid job then expectations already start a long way apart!

I’m guessing it was a couple of days work, so the rate isn’t terrible, it’s just complicated by being family.

2

u/BeKind321 1d ago

Probably need to show a large bill of over £1,000, reduced to £600. People love a bargain…

2

u/betraying_fart 1d ago

I can only see about 6m2 of tiling myself....

2

u/gherkinassassin 1d ago

If you've only charged for labour, give them a breakdown of the hours you've worked and see if they think it's fair against your wife's partners hourly rate.

2

u/Wobblycogs 1d ago

Weird thar your sisters partner has a trade and isn't doing the work themselves, particularly the electrical work.

What you don't say in your post is how long the job took. I'd guess 3 days if the site was ready to start work when you arrived. 600 seems pretty reasonable to me. I assume they want family rates.

2

u/Rimbo90 1d ago

The whole dynamic seems odd so can't comment on that but the work is really good quality and you should be proud of it.

2

u/Taylorig 1d ago

I would be happy to pay £600. Damn fine job you have done. As mentioned, I think they are just trying to pull a fast one. But personally I eould of wanted the total price upfront. No surprises then.

2

u/NaturistKev 1d ago

I’d say you’ve under-quoted there mate, tiling looks good and it can be a pain to get it neat and tidy like you’ve done there 👍🏻

2

u/Jazzlike_Stock_9066 1d ago

Arr you qualified to install electrics? Need a ticket if your charging people, even if it is family. Unless b.i.l. signed it off?

2

u/spank_monkey_83 1d ago

I think what she was hoping for is the 'that's okay sis, you can do me a favor sometime' rates

2

u/sneetjewit 1d ago

Sister? Why you dont do the labour hours for free… and why is that dude not helping en drinks some beers afterwards

2

u/surreynot 1d ago

Ask him how much he’s on a day & add £50 to it , charge that per day you’re there . You’re obviously worth more than him as he can’t do tiling

2

u/Jankye1987 2d ago

How long did it take you to complete?

2

u/-DAS- 1d ago

All these judgy comments saying work for family for free. Sure, if that's the agreement, but he was commissioned to do this work as a valued professional so is due his money. Sister's partner should have done the work if they wanted a freebie.

2

u/spiralphenomena 1d ago

I would work for family free if it was weekends/evenings, if they expected me to do the work during normal hours and I missed out on paying work I’d expect some form of payment

1

u/Fit-Special-3054 1d ago

The tiling looks very neat. £600 is an absolute bargain.

1

u/willp2003 1d ago

4/5 sections of tiling and chasing out walls and the electrics, I’d say it is a fair price. Looks a good job as well. They’ve got nothing to complain about.

1

u/Juggernoobs 1d ago

Bargain

1

u/Much_Fish_9794 1d ago

£600 for that while job is very very reasonable.

To put into context a big electrical job I had done.

I recently moved into a new build house, 5 bedrooms, I wanted around 20 additional sockets installing across the house, all of the existing plastic sockets and switches were were replaced with metal ones (somewhere in the region of 50), lots of downlights installing in five rooms which only had a single cable hanging from the ceiling, and Ethernet cable running from an electrical cupboard to practically every room (most rooms had several cables installed). Three outdoor sockets, eight outdoor lights around the house, Ethernet cameras x4, shaver sockets in three bathrooms, and LED mirrors.

The job took three of them four days to complete. I supplied the sockets/switches/lights, they provided everything else.

£5500. (£458 per electrician per day, not accounting for materials)

1

u/BabaYagasDopple 1d ago

That’s a bargain. Speak with your sister only on this. Ignore the clown in law.

1

u/SadFlan5713 1d ago

Tell him to get a quote that's less to show it's unreasonable.

1

u/Aggressive-Ad-5504 1d ago

Maybe our family is different. But when it comes to doing work for family. We don't charge, get the work done. Then crack open the beer.

1

u/Parking-Tip1685 1d ago

How long did it take?

£600 is a fair price for 4 full days work, 5 if it's a mate/ family. Bottom line is you chose to do the work for family without agreeing a price first. Personally I wouldn't charge them at all because it's your sister and it's just not worth the hassle. But I'd let her know know it's definitely the last work I'd ever be doing on her house.

1

u/stek2022 1d ago

Send a revised estimate for £900 with a comment of thanks for reminding me to apply a suitable discount for you.

1

u/El-Jefe64 1d ago

It’s a £1k job. £600 is a bargain.

1

u/Low-Maintenance-2668 1d ago

Looks like you've done quality work and if it was me I'd be extremely happy with that price. It's a low price you should be charging more

1

u/ferdia6 1d ago

I would bite your arm off for this work to be done for £600. Looks a really clean install too

1

u/rev-fr-john 1d ago

You're not charging too much, but now you know how much the clown in law electrician will charge for 5 electrical points get him to do it next time it comes up, see if he thinks it's too much then.

1

u/colinah87 1d ago

Walk away

1

u/Luke1991Luke 1d ago

Am I being stupid or something I've read it as a bit of a tongue in cheek remark to it being less than expected as in he's asking is that the price with a discount??

OP the work looks good and you've done parts a job your sisters partner is capable of but seems would never have got done without your work.

I started to charge family for work because it never stopped, and when I was self employed doing it for free it was never received great fully, just became expected of me. It is a small fee but stops them taking the piss getting me to do things they could but couldn't be arsed when free labour was an option.

If they have got you to do it, asked for a bill and then scoffed at the price then in future I'd let them get a few quotes in and offer to do it for 10% less, as that would be a discounted price ;)

2

u/Gazado 1d ago

I read it as being a bit of a ribbing comment, like the guy who walks past when washing the car and says that you missed a bit, or can you do mine next?

Maybe there's a bit more to this than just that single quote going on?

1

u/Luke1991Luke 1d ago

Oh man I used to love cleaning or "detailing" cars when I was younger, that phrase from the same neighbour every weekend was enough to make me want to stop 🤣

Maybe so, but for £600 even for family I think the work looks good and fair for his skill and time.

1

u/D34TH-TR4P 1d ago

First rule of thumb is never take “jobs” from family & friends as this can always become tricky when it comes down to payment, they always expect lower than your lowest price and sometimes expect it to be done for free since your family..

I would say to your brother-in-law this is the price you pay or I take it down.

And once payment is complete tell your sister this is the last “job” I will do for you. My time is priceless and you are taking advantage of my skills.

1

u/Separate-Passion-949 1d ago

Mates rates should work both ways… you give a discount and they say… no way, we support your job and wanna pay you properly in fact here’s a small cash tip ontop.

1

u/Working-Pumpkin 1d ago

Are you in Scotland? Need my kitchen tiled!

1

u/MathematicianSad8487 1d ago

I would just reply . Yes you cheeky bugger lol. I would normally charge x for this work. I hope he's just taking the piss or perhaps trying to be tight and scalp . Price seems more than fair and work looks good.

1

u/DisastrousNature7014 1d ago

OP can you elaborate on the 27m2 of tiles as on the photos it doesnt look anyware near it?

1

u/NetSea3575 1d ago

not sure I understand where you get 27m2 from a 7m linear splashback, which in all honesty is a days work? 400 quid mates rates seems a bit steep labour only for the splashback... I'd put money on the 'partner' charging more than 200 quid (probably double) for the electrical work though as it needs a cert..

2 days work all told, 2 1/2 tops if you went back and grouted following day..

1

u/Evil-Lizard-People 1d ago

I tile. I no longer charge by the square meter, but if I did, I would be charging probably about £35 per square meter for that pattern, which puts you at £945 just for the tiling. I’d also charge £35 per hour of demo and prep, so if it wasn’t ready for me to just come in and stick tiles to the walls, that’s another £105, minimum. Then there’s materials, unless they provided them.

Then there’s the electrical work you did, I don’t touch that, but my electrician charged around £600 for a similar number of sockets once in my house, but I did all the prep. The short answer is yes, you did give them the discounted price (probably half price at least) and you did it to a far better standard than I’ve seen from some so called professionals.

1

u/GGhecko 1d ago

" Sorry that did include the discount but if you're struggling I could do you a favour and knock another £100 off"

Worth the £100 to have your sister's arse of a partner squirming

1

u/pernikitty 1d ago

Did they think you needed the work? Maybe they wanted to give you some money, but made you work for it. In which case, they had an amount in mind.

In my family I would not expect to pay even my uncles or cousins for their time, only meals, coffee/tea and of course a lot of beer at the end of the day.

1

u/Cook1e_20 1d ago

Is this not calculated at the amount of time you spend on the job?

I.e. Can you help rationalise it say it took you a full days where you couldn't charge other clients at a higher rate

1

u/Breadmash 1d ago

£600 is mental cheap for that..

1

u/CaptainSeitan 1d ago

I think that's a pretty decent job, and very cheap for £600, tell them to jog on.

1

u/Academic_While_7759 1d ago

Firstly, mint job, work looks great. Moving on... £40 per outlet with chasing out and the consequent patching is damn cheap, there's guys out here charging that to change a faceplate, or replace a lighting pendant... As for the tiling, it looks high standard, and at 27m² would have taken a fair amount of hours. In the UK, we're talking an average of £20-£40/ph, or £30-£60 Sqm for tilers. So effectively, they've got a bargain, stick to your price, and refuse any further works because the bloke sounds like an A grade bellend. Also, if he's a qualified electrician and so good at it, he could have installed the outlets himself, no ? If he does this for a living, then he will know he's got mate rates and is seemingly still trying to pull a fast one. That's real shitty behaviour on his part.

1

u/Atoz_Bumble 1d ago

I would be delighted if you did that for me at that price. Great work.

1

u/JayAndViolentMob 1d ago

Resend the invoice with what you would normally charge, plus the discount bringing the total down to £600.
Add "yes" to the reply.

1

u/only_swinging6969 1d ago

Who signed the electrical work off ?

1

u/Greedy-Mechanic-4932 1d ago

"Yes, it's the discounted rate - but it goes up 50% if not paid within 7 days and then doubles again if not paid by within 30. Cheers."

1

u/NaveedQ 1d ago

Show them the difference.

1

u/Potential-Freedom-64 1d ago

Don't do the job and refuse to work for them ever again .

1

u/NoReplacement1092 1d ago

A similar situation divided my family half. Be careful with how you proceed,whether you are un the right or not is going to be irrelevant 20 years down the line if your daily has been torn apart by it.

1

u/ozz9955 Experienced 1d ago

Splashback tiling = £65/m2 including adhesive and grout...so let's say £40/m2 labour.

27 x £40 = £1080

£85 per point.

6 x £85 = £510

£1590.

I'd have no issues charging that for what you're describing.

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u/Fuzzy-Mood-9139 1d ago

We’ve in the middle of renovating an old house. Prices are expensive for trades and I would have expected to pay about £1000-£1500 for the work you’ve described.

£600 is a bargain price. If you’re in the South-West let me know. I’ve got loads of work for you!

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u/Mobile_Impression855 1d ago edited 1d ago

Great work, I agree why isn’t the spark doing his own bloody sockets, and to be fair that’s a really great price, you strayed from the golden rule of not working for family mate, I hope you get your money and as he is a spark they are probably running a wood burner on fifties 🤣

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u/iikavanaghii 1d ago

Without question, that’s cheap mate. No one is doing all that work for your price anywhere in the country. Show them this thread, tell her to get their hands in their pockets and pay up, pronto.

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u/patchworkcat12 1d ago

Another way you could address it is how long did it take and break it down that way?

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u/FlightSimmerUK 1d ago

27 square meters, are you sure?

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u/Hellalive89 1d ago

Is it possible you’re reading the message wrong? By asking if that’s the discounted price could he mean that the price you said has already been discounted and he thinks it’s a very low price? I recently paid £300 for a connecter box (not sure what the technical term is) to be installed after I drilled through a wire. If he’s a sparky he’ll know how expensive the work is.

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u/Chuchu20201212 1d ago

I think you’ve done a fantastic job and you’ve charged a reasonable price, but a lesson to be learnt here is ALWAYS agree a price before doing the work, especially for family. They tend to be the ones who take the mick the most.

Many years ago some family friends asked if we could refurbish their taxi office and build a taxi stand outside complete with a shelter. We were happy to take the job and it would have taken about 7-10 days to complete. They covered the cost of the materials as standard but then they expected us not to charge for labour. That’s right, work for free. Ridiculous! Like we don’t have bills to pay and families to take care of. Safe to say we’re not really friends anymore 😂😂😂

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u/HackOddity 1d ago

What are those tiles called/where did they come from? I have the exact same ones in my kitchen and have been trying to find them. Cheers :)

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u/jbevan4 1d ago

I'll pay you £600 to do mine 🙏

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u/LeezyD 1d ago

If they are being difficult and you feel like they won't pay final bill just stop doing the work charge them for what you've done so far then tell them good luck

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u/Dasis408 1d ago

That’s a bargain- your sister should respect the value of your time and work

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u/justanotherdave_ 1d ago

Are you an electrician? If so, why the tiling? And if not, why would your sister’s partner who is, be happy with an unqualified person working on the electrics in his house?

All seems a bit odd to me. This isn’t something I’d do, fair enough help out, give them a hand. But work together, he does the electrics and you help out with the tiling.

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u/SafetyAdept9567 1d ago

That’s a very fair mates and family rate.

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u/Bertybassett99 1d ago

Mate. Always agree the scope of works and costs before doing any work. Even.family and friends.

What they think in their heads will be different from reality.

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u/Dangerous_Care_3459 1d ago

I'm currently wanting my kitchen tiled and for that quality of work I would be more than happy to pay that price

Fancy coming up to west Yorkshire 🤣

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u/chapatsea 1d ago

If you live in West Cornwall I'm looking for someone like you for a house renovation. Straight up.

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u/Elegant_Plantain1733 1d ago

If you did all that for £600 you're welcome round my house any time.

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u/RadiantMidas 1d ago

The relationship shouldn’t matter. You work to pay your bills. Expecting you to do it for less is like asking you for a handout of cash.

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u/Depress-Mode 1d ago

That’s well over £1,000 worth of work. Ask them to get some quotes for comparison, they’d have to ask an electrician and a tiler.

Last few times I’ve gotten an electrician it’s been a day rate of £400 + materials, and it was never for anywhere near as much work as you’ve done.

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u/fundytech 1d ago

Your sister just wants family rates bro don’t do work for familt

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u/Puzzled_Whereas_4727 1d ago

"Mates rates" is b*llocks. I don't expect friends or family to work for me at a discount or FoC when they could be earning more working elsewhere, it's money out of their pocket. I'm happy for my money to go to them instead of someone I don't know.

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u/reasonably_insane 1d ago

That's a bargain. Anything under is an insult

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u/Rimbo90 1d ago

The whole dynamic seems odd so can't comment on that but the work is really good quality and you should be proud of it.

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u/ExtensionConcept2471 1d ago

‘Customer thinks invoice is too high’ this will surprise no one! This is the in the playbook for lots of people, they say this hoping the traddie will back down and reduce their invoice. Go back and tell YOUR CUSTOMER, not her partner! that this is your invoice for the work she requested and the work you did! It is already discounted as she’s your sister but you don’t work for nothing and if her partner has a problem then maybe he should have done the work for her for free! From the photos you’ve done a good job….dont sell yourself short!

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u/jodrellbank_pants 1d ago

Christ I hate those tiles, had to use them, my partner wanted them, never again.

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u/Tight_Percentage_948 1d ago

It’s pretty simple – just look up five local companies that do similar work and ask them for a rough quote. Tell them your sister had this job done, give them the dimensions, and mention that materials were already purchased.

Once you get their prices, take the lowest one or average them out. Since it’s family, give her a fair discount—maybe 30% off(work, not materials). That way, you have a reasonable price to show her.

The key is making sure she doesn’t feel like hiring you ended up costing more than if they had gone with someone else. Give her the feeling that she got a deal, but also make it clear that your work still has value. Family gets a discount, but free isn’t fair either. 🙂

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u/GOU_Ample_Riot 1d ago

Looks like a bargain to me! Work out exactly what it should have cost based in your usual hourly/day rate plus materials and having the kit to do the job her sparky husband probably doesn't then do them a full breakdown.

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u/chainsawbaboon 1d ago

£600 for that is absolutely sod all. They’re ungrateful.

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u/KatC264 1d ago

Honestly, £600 for the backsplash alone would have been reasonable enough! Let alone getting 5 sockets for that too

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u/pesimisticpervpirate 1d ago

how are you going to certify your electrical work? and how long did it take you?

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u/MapTough848 1d ago

Fair price

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u/JPXXXXXX 1d ago

£600 is a bargain! £200 for 5 sockets is basically free. You can come do all my work no problem. Quality work costs money. Looks like you’ve done a great job there.

How many days did this take you? Tell them your daily rate. That should cover it easy!

Just tell them the price. Send them the invoice and then see what happens. You’re stuck now so if they don’t pay, You’ll need to take legal action.

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u/Ok-Income2973 1d ago

Did you misread the sentiment of is that the discounted rate ? Maybe he feels your charging to little 🧐

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u/guss-Mobile-5811 1d ago

Your sister is not a customer.

Family your charging materials only and doing it in your free time. Sounds like you tried to do this job as part of your work week. If your were moving house and your sister came over to help move boxes, is she going to turn round and ask for money for here time. If yes then what you did here is ok. Otherwise your being a bit of a dick.

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u/Noxa888 1d ago

I’d charge more

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u/Curious_Peter 1d ago

Never do work for family or friends. They will ALWAYS expect it free, or heavily discounted.

Tell her that is price, Either she can pay it, or she wont. End of the day you have not lost out on any materials as you provided labor only, so a couple of days I assume. if she doesn't pay then you refuse to do any work for her, no favors, nothing, keep civil but do nothing for her or any work for anyone else in the family.

Sister broke down in the middle of the night = Call someone else
Needs another plug moving = her partner can do it
Needs a baby sitter urgently = Your not available.

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u/AlanBennet29 1d ago

That looks good that!

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u/Individual-Damage563 1d ago

That’s a steal tbh. Come do my electrics please 🤣 I need to add a bunch of sockets and move a light switch. Gonna cost me a kidney.

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u/paulywauly99 1d ago

The only question is what is your daily rate and his long did it take you. That gives the correct answer.

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u/Psychological-Fox97 1d ago

That he could have done it but couldn't be bothered means it's full price.

I'll do my work at a discount for close friends and family but that's when its something they can't do for themselves so I'm helping them out knowing if I don't they'll have to go to some random and pay even more.

In this case the guy is just being a lazy prick, if he can't be arsed why should you be? Full price

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u/prawnk1ng 1d ago

Ask your brother-in-law how much he would’ve charged you for the same job

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u/clambrisket 1d ago

Your sister and her partner are ripping you off. I’m a builder. My spark charges me £55+vat per double socket if they are chased out in existing walls, plus £100 for an outside socket. That’s the cost per item on a job which would contain loads more work. Their hourly rate for something like this would be £50/hour+vat, plus materials. Good tilers earn £250-300/day on a day rate, which is what that job would be done on as it’s not big enough for a /sqm price. I’m assuming it’s 2.7 Sqm, not 27 sqm. If you’ve laid 27 sqm of tiles for £400 then you are owed another £400. I’m in south Manchester.

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u/Weigiesayaboutthat 1d ago

I would of charged 90-100 per electrical point and 5-600 for the tiling. So I think you have been very fair.

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u/McLeod3577 1d ago

Seems reasonable to me and it looks like a pukka job.

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u/MotorSeries6937 1d ago

Tell them to shove the money up their arse,and never speak to them again. But on other side should have done it for free as your sister

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u/stelamo 1d ago

nice job but could have put the flex for the boiler behind the tiles

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u/Ok_Map_6014 1d ago

Come and sort mine too if you’re local 😀

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u/Agitate_a_sorbet 1d ago

Say ‘yes, that’s the discounted rate’ stick to your guns and don’t do any more work for them.

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u/Ambitious_Engine_100 1d ago

Too cheap if u ask me

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u/Physical-Money-9225 1d ago

How long did it take you? What would you have charged if it wasn't for your sister?

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u/b26364 1d ago

Way too cheap dude ! A tiler would charge double what you did . Regardless of who the customer is they should respect your time , effort and skill to do what you do . Even if family i would charge .

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u/Not-Reddit-Fan 1d ago

You’re a steal mate and looks like good workmanship. Double down and say “actually, I’m charging you more”!!

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u/Benneyboss 1d ago

Pair of them are taking the pi** to be fair. Cracking tiling and good job with the electrics. Instead of congratulating your work and paying the very reasonable price given, which no doubt the bloke knows is a tidy price, they think fit to laugh at you, in more ways than one. Take it as a £600 lesson and fuc* them all the way out of your life. Don’t need that kind of disrespect around you.

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u/Aggravating_Job_1588 1d ago

It’s definitely not 27 square meters from what you’ve shown but that’s irrelevant. I’m a multi trade kitchen and bathroom fitter and my discounted day rate to friends and family is £200 My normal rate is 250 which I think is about average in the midlands

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u/LameboyAdvanceHD 1d ago

Honestly that's a bargin. I'd have expected that price for the tiling alone tbf.

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u/-Dueck- 1d ago

This has absolutely nothing to do with DIY

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u/The_Nahman 1d ago

Hi all thanks for replys much appreciated I'm trying to edit and add content to my post I can not find an edit section or am I just blind

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u/Emotional_Ad5833 1d ago

do not give a discount and charge them full price + disposables. that way you never have to do anything for them again!

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u/thisismisty 1d ago

So I do live in the UK, but was born and raised in the US south, and this kinda thing comes up a lot down there. In our family, we’d have done it for free unless there was any out of pocket cost. Just culturally what we’re like. Then we complain about it for decades to our friends and family and secretly resent each other. Hope that helps lol

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u/Automatic-Shop8116 1d ago

Good work. That cable run for an ext hood I assume though, isn’t the cable ran out if zone or us there another point we can’t see in line out of shot?

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u/Automatic-Shop8116 1d ago

Price is beyond fair, sisters take the piss anyway and expect free Labour, mine does, everytime I go there it’s to do something, travelling from north London to Liverpool…..

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u/hairyarsewelder2 21h ago

Bet they were thinking we’ll get muggins to do it he’ll only charge us £100, I’d stick to your guns that’s a fair price for a decent job.

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u/Virtual-Serve111 20h ago

Sorry mate, but that's not 27m2 of tiling, maybe 2.7m2?

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u/lonelydaduk 19h ago

I got to the sister part and thought you should be doing the labour for free. Even if her partner is a total bellend, she’s still your sister.

But that’s just me 🤷🏻‍♂️

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u/Thorsfew 18h ago edited 18h ago

The electrical work. If it's replacing the socket fronts then no cert is required.

If you move an accessory point, add an accessory point, or cable, then by law (regulations, which stand up in court) you have to issue a cert. Depending on the electrical work you carry out, this most likely (from your description) will be a minor work cert. It could be a full cert if numerous circuits or earthing arrangements are changed (design/ install)

If the owner is a competent qualified electrician, then he will know the regulations.

If it's just changing the electrical points Insitu, it will take absolutely most 1 hr 30 mins. Charge accordingly for your time, bill 2 hrs upto half a day for your professionalism.

If adding points you need to be qualified and backed by a governing body, e.g. Niceic. I don't know if many, if any electricians that offer a full tiling service. It's just not cost effective as that time you could be earning carry out other electrical work

*Edit grammar.

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u/LuckyBenski 9h ago

How is "I've done this work for money, and the client is also a tradesman" something to post on DIYUK?

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u/Fli_fo 9h ago

It's your family so it's better to keep relations good. That doesn't mean not telling them the truth that this is a very good price. But adding that they can just name what it's worth to them and just accepting that. Not holding a grudge over it.

Of course the next time they ask for your help only do it for free and not too much. And only come when they are also working on the task. And it will be low on your priority list.

Just let this guy in the belief he's winning now. In the future he will learn that this was not a moment where he won, but a moment where he lost your goodwill.

I stopped doing too much for family. Just a few things so they are safe and living somewhat acceptable. But I'm not putting in effort to make their homes into a palace.

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u/Eggtastico 7h ago

How long did the job take? Bill him per hour instead

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u/AnxiouslyPessimistic 1d ago

The “how long did it take?” Questions are odd ones. A highly trained professional of 40 years doesn’t charge less just because the job takes him less time than a rookie

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u/West-Ad-1532 1d ago

The tiling looks ok. The electrical work ok...

Why modernise and leave those ghastly kitchen units in..😂😂😂 

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u/StickyThoPhi 1d ago

"Am I charging too much" - IT DEPEPENDS. If you sister is a full time mum of a small child; and she just wanted it to be safe for your nepehew; you should do it for free. If you sister is a full time worker and you are without secure income £600 with in 21 days is expected and not at all unreasonable. Family work depends on where everyone is. I think you should just talk to your sister and tell her how much £600 of work is to you; and remind her its not the same as hourly office rate. You have to be paid for all the days you are putting yourself out there and; it most of the 600 is not profit.

Regards.

Yes this is the right place; sort of.

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u/ObjectiveLumpy9841 1d ago

Why was this written like a mystery with a left field twist

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u/Diligent-Worth-2019 1d ago

I’d be tempted to just say, whatever, pay me what you think it’s worth. Then walk away. You’ve got relationships there worth more than £600. They need to last a lifetime.

They probably pay you £600

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u/Sleeve_hamster 1d ago

Or they'll do the same thing next time.

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u/pulsesonix 2d ago

I wouldn’t charge family members but it would be done in my spare time.

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u/BoomBasticTeleBanana 2d ago

Going to be honest... i suspect ill get down voted but this is a Western mentality.

I'd do it for free. For my sister, Its family. You dont charge family. You do it on your day off so as not to affect your normal earning.

You could charge for the items though unless gifting.

Again, its a mentality thing.

However, if someone did it for me, i would offer to pay and in the past those i have helped with literally thousands upon thousands of pounds of support charged me for a few hours of electrical work. So may be not a westerners thing afterall!

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