The short answer
Start with your postcode, a short description and the number of items or jobs. Add product links, approximate sizes and any access restrictions you know about. You do not need to diagnose a fault, dismantle anything or choose replacement parts before asking for a quote.
A useful enquiry explains the result you want and what is there already. A short list in plain language is often more helpful than a technical description. If several jobs need doing, include them together so we can consider the complete visit.
What information does a handyman need for a quote?
Tell us what needs fitting, assembling, replacing or repairing, how many items are involved and where they are in the property. For an existing fault, describe what happens when you use the item and whether the problem started after moving, decorating or another change.
For example, 'two bedroom wardrobe doors catch at the top; the wardrobe was moved last week' is more useful than 'hinges broken'. It records the symptom and the recent change without assuming the repair. For new work, 'fit three floating shelves for books, products already delivered' tells us the quantity, support type and intended load. These are enquiry examples, not previous customer jobs.
- Your postcode and the type of property or room involved.
- The complete job list, including quantities and approximate dimensions where useful.
- A product link or model number for furniture, brackets, lights, taps or filters you already have.
- Whether materials are already on site or you need to discuss suitable parts.
- Relevant access: stairs, lift, parking, restricted working hours and permission from a landlord or managing agent.
You can check the areas we cover before sending your request. If a task does not fit neatly into a service name, describe it in the form rather than choosing a technical term you are unsure about.
Which photos are useful for a quote?
A wider photo explains the setting; a closer photo shows the fitting or problem. For wall mounting, show the complete wall and nearby furniture. For a cupboard door, show the whole unit, the gap and any accessible hinge. For a tap or filter, a clear view inside the cupboard can show the space and visible connections.
- Take a straight-on view for alignment: include the edges of the cupboard, window or wall rather than only the fault.
- Add a close view for condition: a loose mounting plate, damaged surface or the point where a door rubs.
- For moving faults, describe when the catch occurs: while swinging, during the last part of closing or only after the door has stayed shut.
- Avoid including private paperwork, people or unrelated parts of your home in the photographs.
Photograph model labels only when they are easy to reach. There is no need to lift a television off its bracket, move an unstable wardrobe, open an electrical accessory or disconnect pipework to obtain a better picture. Describe anything you cannot safely show. We can ask for the next useful detail after the initial enquiry.
Photos help us plan; they cannot always establish wall construction, the condition behind a fitting or why something has failed. Where uncertainty affects the job, the scope needs confirming before an installation or repair is agreed.
Can I include several small jobs in one request?
Yes. List the jobs together, with quantities and any priorities. A shelf, a loose handle and a cupboard adjustment may be suitable to consider in one visit, depending on the work, materials and time required. Grouping the enquiry helps us plan; it does not mean every job has the same price or can be completed without parts.
Mention tasks that depend on each other, such as decorating before fitting a new curtain pole. Electrical work and changes to water fittings also need their own scope confirmed. You can review the services available to see which categories match your list.
What should the quote cover?
The quote should identify the agreed jobs, the pricing basis and any materials or additional work included. An estimate based on incomplete information is different from an agreed price for a defined task. Clarify assumptions about access, existing damage, disposal and finishing so there are no different expectations about the visit.
- For TV mounting, distinguish hanging the screen, surface cable covers and any new electrical work.
- For furniture, distinguish assembly, required wall securing and removal of old furniture or packaging.
- For decorating, identify the surfaces, preparation, selected paint and whether materials are supplied.
- For tap or filter work, identify the product, access, any new hole and what happens to the old fitting.
Our pricing page explains the details that affect a quote. If the condition or scope changes, the next step is to discuss the change before additional work is agreed. Do not buy speculative replacement parts just to make the enquiry look complete.
What happens before the visit is arranged?
We review the request and establish any missing details needed to discuss the work. A straightforward assembly job with a product link may be easier to scope than a fault with an unknown cause. Where a job needs assessment or specialist input, that should be clear before it is booked.
Once the work and arrangements are confirmed, keep the relevant instructions and parts together and provide access to the working area. The other preparation guides explain what helps for particular services, without asking you to start the installation yourself.
Common questions
Tell us what needs doing
Send your postcode and job list. We can work through the practical details with you.
Request a quote