"Elias D" wrote in message
...
I'm in an area where every worker that's ever pounded in a nail with a
hammer thinks he's a "good carpenter". Three quarters of the time
they don't have a clue how to cut a board square.

So, what will a skilled helper cost me? Qualifications I'm interested
in include self-starter, moderate skills to include carpentry,
plumbing, electrical with some roofing thrown in for good measure.
Working environment is a small metro area with extended suburbs with
about 150,000 people.

Thoughts??

My thought is that your subject line is wrong. If he is skilled, he is not
a helper. What you want is more of an apprentice type person that has some
knowledge and is willing to learn. A skilled self starter as you describe
has self started himself into a $25+ job, but that talented apprentice may
be had for $15 if you can find one.

FWIW, I have two people working for me right now that are skilled as you
describe. They charge me $40 an hour shop rate and are well worth it.
Don't let rates be the only factor either. I just got rid of an electrician
that was $45 and kept the $60 one because he is cheaper.