Should I Charge for Travel Time as a Handyman Contractor?
If you've been in the trades for any length of time, you've wrestled with this question. A client calls, the job is 45 minutes away, and you wonder: do I eat that drive time, or do I bill for it? The answer is vital for your business's future and your income, more than most contractors know.
Your Time Is Your Inventory
As a handyman, you don't sell products—you sell hours. Every hour spent driving to a job is an hour you're not billing for something else. According to Housecall Pro, additional fees ensure contractors are paid fairly for "invisible time"—including driving, setup, sourcing materials, and admin work—and that clear, upfront communication helps customers understand why these fees exist.
Think of it this way: a plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech almost always charges a trip or dispatch fee. There's no reason a skilled handyman should operate differently.
