How Much Extra Should You Charge for Emergency Callouts?
A premium of 50-100% above your standard rate is typical for genuine emergency or out-of-hours work, reflecting the disruption to your evening, weekend, or sleep, not just the job itself. Some trades charge a flat callout fee on top of the standard rate instead, which achieves a similar effect with a simpler number to quote on the phone.
How Do You Define What Actually Counts as an Emergency?
Set clear criteria in advance rather than deciding case by case under pressure, such as no heating or hot water, an active leak causing damage, or a safety issue like exposed wiring. Anything that can reasonably wait until the next working day, like a dripping tap or a cosmetic repair, doesn't qualify and should be booked at your standard rate.
How Do You Communicate the Premium Without Sounding Like You're Profiteering?
State the out-of-hours rate upfront on the phone before you travel, so there's no surprise later. Framing it as covering the disruption to your own time, rather than the job being harder, tends to land better with customers who are already stressed about the situation they're calling about.
Should You Ever Waive the Emergency Premium?
For long-term customers or genuinely vulnerable situations, some tradespeople choose to waive or reduce the premium as a goodwill gesture. This is a business decision rather than an obligation, and it's worth deciding your own policy in advance so you're not making an emotional call in the moment on every late-night phone call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an emergency callout?
Typically situations involving safety risks, active damage like leaks, or complete loss of essential services like heating or hot water. Anything that can wait until normal hours generally isn't a true emergency.
How much of a premium is reasonable for out-of-hours work?
Most tradespeople charge 50-100% above their standard rate, or a fixed callout fee on top, to reflect the disruption to their personal time.
Should I quote the emergency rate before or after arriving?
Always before, ideally on the phone before you travel. Quoting it after you arrive can feel like a bait and switch, even if the price is fair.