How much to pay a handy man?

Question

I'm having a handy man do some work in my finished attic. frame in some doors, build a wall, fix plaster... he advertises as a "i can do anything" kind of guy. Not a specific trade. Jack of all trades and specialist of none. Class C license. I have a good idea of what the materials will cost. He says he will work two guys for 4 days.

What would be the going rate per hour for a guy like this? Just trying to get my own idea on how much to expect the project to cost.

Thanks

Answer 1

Where are you? That will determine what the wage rate is. In Seattle a top craftsman is worth $50/hour and is billed at 2 times that. Semiskilled labor is about half of that.

Answer 2

make sure you're satisfied with his work when he's done.get a quote. pay in 3rds 1 part when he start, 2nd when he's halfway,etc.  

Answer 3

he's supposed to give you a quote which takes into account his costs plus profit.  I wouldn't pay him by the hour or he could just drag it out forever.  help him cost it and if there 3 of them (himself plus labor) you might use $40/hour and see if he bites.  projecting time involved is the tricky part IMO.  but this is a recession and people need work . . .