What is your time actually worth? Hourly, daily, annually — see all three.
Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per day. Most trades work an 8-hour day, so £25/hour × 8 = £200/day. Some trades (electricians on commercial sites, for example) work 10-hour days — adjust accordingly. GraftG uses your hourly rate from Settings to calculate labour on quotes and invoices, assuming an 8-hour day.
Multiply your daily rate by the number of working days per year. A common figure is 220 days (52 weeks × 5 days minus 4 weeks holiday and bank holidays). So £200/day × 220 days = £44,000 per year. Remember this is gross — you still owe income tax and National Insurance on your profits.
Rates vary hugely by trade, location, and experience. Rough UK averages (2026): general labourer £15–£20/hr, painter/decorator £20–£30/hr, plumber £30–£45/hr, electrician £35–£50/hr, gas engineer £40–£55/hr. London rates are typically 20–40% higher. Check what competitors in your area charge and factor in your overheads (van, insurance, tools, materials).
Add up your annual overheads (van, fuel, insurance, tools, phone, accountant, materials you cannot charge to jobs). Divide by your billable days. That is your daily overhead. Your daily rate must cover that plus your desired take-home pay plus tax and NI. If the maths does not work, either raise your rate or find more billable days.
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