The main things that move the price
Parts and materials are often the biggest variable — a simple tap washer is nothing, a replacement compressor for an air conditioner is a lot. Labour and call-out time, how urgent the job is, and how far the provider has to travel all add up too.
Complexity matters: diagnosing an intermittent electrical fault takes longer than swapping a light fitting, even if the part is cheap.
- Parts and materials — the single biggest swing on most jobs.
- Labour and call-out time, plus any premium for evenings, weekends or urgency.
- Travel distance to your part of the island.
- Complexity and diagnosis time, especially for intermittent faults.
- Access — work behind walls or under concrete adds time and reinstatement.
How to compare quotes fairly
Get two or three quotes for anything substantial, and make sure each covers the same scope: parts, labour, call-out, and whether VAT is included. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value if it excludes parts or comes from someone who never shows up.
Ask what's included if something goes wrong afterwards — a provider confident in their work will usually stand behind it. On Prouva, you can compare providers on the signals that matter: whether they respond, show up, do good work, and honour their quote — not just a single star rating.
Watch for the quote that changes
One of the most common complaints is a final bill that's well above the original quote. Get the quote in writing, and if the scope changes mid-job, ask for the new price before work continues. On Prouva, 'honoured the quote' is one of the things reviewers report on — so a provider's track record on this is visible before you hire.