Expert: Jeff Wooten - 9/8/2006

Question
How many hours would you say it should take to install the
garbage disposal and the sprinkler controller?
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Followup To

Question -
I recently had to replace my 6 zone Rain Bird automatic sprinkler
controller (RC-7Bi) The handyman seemed to know what he was
doing but then ran into conplications.   and so after taking over
2
months of off and on visits he presented me a bill of 1100.    
Now
he did replace my garbage disposal.  He said the parts for both
were 365 and the rest was labor.   I know he did not work the 18
hours he said he did.   I guess I wonder if that seems reasonable
amount of time to charge.   I really do want to know if I am
looking
at this incorrectly but also don't want to be taken advantage of
being a single woman.   Thanks for any help in this area.

Answer -
I think this is very wrong.  I believe that the cost of the controller
and the garbage disposal could reasonably be $365, (the
controller itself retails for 310, wholesale 176).  But $1100 -
$365 = $735 / 18 hours = $40.83 per hour---WOW.  Unless
you agreed to this, I would be complaining to someone, even if
it is the Better Business Bureau or the District Attorney.

Answer
Based on my experiance with those items I would say 3-4 hours for the disposal, and 1-2 hours for the controller.  But what I really think is wrong is that you were not given a quote or a bid that indicated the estimated hours for installation.  This is the proper way to do this type of thing, unless you agreed to pay by the hour.  Also, the $40 per hour is outrageous for a handyman.  Again, had you agreed to pay by the hour, the rate should have been disclosed to you before work began.