Fixed Price or Hourly Rate? Which Quote Should You Choose

Most tradie quotes come in one of two forms: a fixed price for the whole job, or an hourly rate plus materials. Neither is inherently better — the right choice depends on how predictable the job is.

When a fixed price makes sense

For well-defined jobs — installing a fixed number of items, a standard repair, a job the tradie has quoted many times before — a fixed price gives certainty. You know the total cost before work starts, and the risk of it running long sits with the tradie, not you.

When an hourly rate makes sense

For jobs where the scope genuinely can't be known until the tradie is on site — diagnosing an intermittent fault, general repairs, or work where what's found behind a wall changes what's needed — an hourly rate can actually be fairer to both sides than a padded fixed quote.

• Ask for an estimated time range, not just a rate, so you have a rough ceiling in mind
• Ask to be contacted if the job looks like it will run significantly over that estimate
• Confirm whether the rate includes travel time, or if that's charged separately
• Get the hourly rate and any minimum call-out charge in writing before work starts

Either way, get it in writing

Whichever model you agree to, the details should be written down: the rate or price, what's included, and how variations will be handled. Read our guide on comparing tradie quotes for what else to check.