wrote in message
...
As I'm no longer able to do most DIY jobs the way I used to, for the first
time I need to employ a decorator also able to do a few odd jobs within
the
range of the average DIYer rather than an expert.

My daughter's boyfriend does this sort of work professionally and is happy
to do what I need. He thinks there will be about 7 days work. And I
can't
think of anyone I'd rather trust to do it. He's not formally trained, but
is a good workman, much in demand. He's worked on several series of TV
DIY
programmes and they keep wanting him back, so that seems a indicator of
reasonable reliability!

My problem is that I think he's likely to try to *undercharge* me! While
I
don't, of course, want to be ripped off, I do want to ensure I pay him a
fair wage for his time. After all, while he's working for me he can't
earn
his keep elsewhere. We've agreed that much in principle, but sums have
yet
to be mentioned and I want to be prepared for when they are.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what a fair daily wage might be, assuming
that materials will be bought separately? Being self-employed he will
have
some overheads but these do not include special premises or employing
others. What would tradespeople here consider reasonable to charge a
friend in similar circumstances? I'm in the London area.

Thanks

Barbara

Outside London a labourer is about £70 per day and a skilled worker e.g.
plasterer about £100 per day.
London prices are likely to be higher but this should give you some
guidance.
HTH
Dave R