How much should I pay my BIL for the work he did?

[Gentle Giant]

He just spent about 16-18 hours replacing the half-wall (and the tile as well) of the master shower (the top half is glass), as well as installing new light fixtures above the bathroom mirror. We paid for the materials ourselves.

He was pretty much out of work for a year, then once unemployment ran out, worked a job that didn't even pay the mortgage. He and his wife (my sis) moved down here because he stands a better chance of getting a job here compared to where they were.

He has asked for a particular amount, but it seems a bit steep. While I'm certainly willing to give him a break due to (a) he's family and (b) his situation, I don't want it to be TOO lavish, because we've had a lot of other expenses as well. A few comp numbers would help me get comfortable with the number (or another number, as the case may be).

Thanks in advance.

[Keep It Real, Yo]

$750 to $1000

[silverfox]

Are you going to make him report the income to the IRS?

[Loner]

What did he do for a living? Is this his area of expertise?

[The Left]

What was the amount he wanted? Post pics of the wall.

[MAX.]

$400-$500

[tgadd]

A general laborer at a construction company will make anywhere from $10-30 an hour depending on where in the country you are.

A handyman would likely charge $25-50 an hour depending on where in the country you are.

Since he (probably) doesn't have a business license and/or insurance he shouldn't be charging the higher handyman rates. So maybe $20-30 an hour would be reasonable.

[erosewater]

For jobs like that I'd think about $40-50/hour is about right, so $640-900, with maybe an extra hundo thrown in if the finished product was of excellent quality.

Usually best to discuss this stuff beforehand.

[FattyMcGee]

Suggest $40 / hr for labor, it's expensive but cheaper than what I had to pay a guy to fix my hot tub last year. So at 16 hrs, that's ... carry the nine... $640. Is that more than what you thought would be appropriate but less than he asked for? If so, then go with that. If not, pony up and pay what he asked for less 10% discount (for family ) and next time make sure you agree on the price beforehand.

[Pseudolus]

Originally Posted by The Left

Post pics of the wall.

And your sister.