Not sure what to pay? Here's a guide to typical day rates for tradespeople in the UK. Rates vary based on location, experience, certifications, and job complexity.
Day Rates by Trade
Standard electrical work: £200–250/day. Part P certified electricians who can sign off their own work typically charge £280–350/day.
Part P certified = higher ratesGeneral plumbing: £200–250/day. Gas Safe registered plumbers who can work on boilers and gas appliances charge £250–300/day.
Gas Safe = higher ratesStandard brickwork and blockwork. Higher end for decorative/feature work or complex builds.
First and second fix carpentry. Bespoke joinery and kitchen fitting at the higher end.
Tile work, flat roofing, repairs. Lead work and heritage roofing specialists charge more.
Skimming, rendering, dry lining. Decorative plasterwork and cornicing at higher rates.
Interior and exterior painting. Specialist finishes, wallpapering, and exterior work at higher end.
Garden design, planting, patios, fencing. Hard landscaping (paving, walls) at higher rates.
General site work, clearance, assisting trades. Experienced labourers with CSCS cards at the higher end.
What Affects the Rate?
Higher rates for:
- Certifications — Gas Safe, Part P, NICEIC add value and justify higher rates
- Emergency/same-day — Expect 20–50% premium for urgent work
- Specialist skills — Heritage work, bespoke joinery, decorative finishes
- London/city centre — Higher overheads = higher rates
- Small jobs — Minimum call-out often applies (half-day minimum)
- VAT-registered trades — 20% VAT added on top of the day rate
Lower rates for:
- Longer bookings — Multi-day or weekly work often discounted
- Repeat customers — Loyalty usually rewarded
- Quiet periods — January/February typically slower
- Simple, straightforward work — Easy access, no complications
VAT — what you need to know:
All rates on this page are ex VAT. If a tradesperson is VAT-registered, they will charge 20% on top of their day rate. For a £250/day sparky, that's £300 inc VAT.
- Builders and contractors — you can reclaim VAT on your next VAT return if you're VAT-registered
- Homeowners — VAT is a real cost; factor it into your budget
- Cabin displays each trade's VAT status on their profile so there are no surprises
Regional Rate Benchmarks
Rates vary by location. Use these adjustments against the Surrey/Home Counties base rates shown above.
Rates as shown. Strong demand from residential and commercial construction.
Higher cost of living, parking, and congestion charges push rates up. Expect £250–£350+ for most trades.
Similar demand profile to Surrey. Rates broadly consistent with the base figures shown.
Lower cost of living typically translates to lower day rates. Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds: £160–£260 for most trades.
Lower local rates, but some trades may add a travel premium for remote locations.
What's Included?
Day rates typically include:
- Labour for a full working day (usually 8 hours)
- Basic hand tools
- Travel within a reasonable area (10–15 miles)
Day rates typically don't include:
- Materials — you'll pay separately or reimburse
- Specialist equipment hire
- Skip hire or waste disposal
- Parking charges in permit zones
Tips for Homeowners
- Get the scope clear — Describe exactly what you need done
- Ask about materials — Will they supply or should you?
- Check certifications — Gas Safe for gas work, Part P for electrics
- Don't just pick the cheapest — Quality and reliability matter more
- Book through Cabin — Cabin holds your payment until you approve the work. See how it works
Questions?
If you're unsure what rate is fair for your job, just ask. When you book through Cabin, you can see the tradesperson's rate upfront — no surprises.
Email us: hello@getcabin.co.uk