Am I Being Ripped Off?
We’ve all seen it online; comments in community groups or conversations over coffee, where someone says “£250 a day for a plumber? That seems steep…”
BUT! Let’s pause for a moment and look at what that day rate really includes. Because when you’re hiring a professional builder, plumber, or other tradesperson, you’re not just paying for their time on site, you’re investing in the security, quality, and long-term success of your project.
At Neways Group Ltd., we believe in honest craftsmanship and transparent pricing. So we’re going to pull back the curtain and share what goes into our business day in and day out, to help you understand why our rates are not only fair, but necessary.
🛠 Behind Every Day Rate Is a Business to Run
Before we even talk about wages, every reputable building company carries essential operating costs - just like any other business.
Here are just a few of the things we must account for:
Professional Accountancy Services
Insurances to protect you, your home, and our team
Specialist Software to manage quotes, invoices, scheduling, and client communications
Website Hosting, Advertising & Marketing to stay visible and accessible
Trade Memberships with strict vetting processes (unlike many of the big-name listing sites)
Phones, Utilities, Tools & Vehicle Maintenance – all required to get the job done professionally
Uniforms, Safety Gear, Fuel, Office Supplies, and More
These are fixed costs. They don’t disappear just because we have a quiet week. And for every on-site team member, there’s often an off-site admin, project manager, or director working hard behind the scenes to keep your project on track.
💷 Fair Pay for Skilled Trades
In the UK, the national average for a skilled tradesperson is between £250–£350 + VAT per day. For specialist trades like gas heating engineers (plumbers) or electricians, it’s often closer to £350–£450+ VAT, per person, per day and rightly so. These aren’t unskilled roles. They’re highly trained, legally regulated professions that carry significant risk and responsibility.
At Neways, we don’t inflate our rates to chase profit, we set them based on realistic business costs, industry-standard pay, and decades of experience. Right now, many of our proposals include zero markup on the cost of specialist trades, just so we can offer you the most competitive, honest price possible.
🤝 What You're Really Paying For
When you choose a company like Neways, you're not just paying for our time, you’re paying for:
Credibility and accountability (we’re TrustMark registered, Trading Standards Approved, and Master Builder accredited)
Work that complies with legal, safety, and insurance requirements
Ongoing support, project management, and open communication
Workmanship that stands the test of time - not a job that falls apart after 6 months
We know we won’t always be the cheapest quote, and we’re okay with that. Because we also know that the cheapest option is rarely the best value in the long run.
🔎 So What’s a Fair Day Rate?
Here’s the truth: if a tradesperson is quoting significantly below average, something’s being missed; whether that’s overheads, insurances, qualifications, or the care and time needed to deliver the job properly.
At Neways, our pricing isn’t just about staying afloat. It’s about sustaining a high standard, supporting our team, and delivering work that reflects our values of integrity, professionalism, and excellence.
If you’d like to understand more about our pricing or process, we’re always happy to have a no-pressure chat. Because it’s your home. Your investment. And you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for.
Ready to work with a team who values transparency, quality, and trust?
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom upgrade, or a full-scale home transformation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. No false promises, no hidden costs, just honest craftsmanship from a company that genuinely cares.
📩 Get in touch today to arrange a no-obligation consultation or request a tailored quote.
