Pricing & Getting Work
What trades actually charge, day rates, markup, quoting to win and the marketing and reviews that bring work in.
10 guides in this section
What Trades Charge in Canada
What Canadian trades charge in 2025 to 2026: indicative hourly ranges and job prices by trade and region, framed as estimates that vary, not a fixed price list.
Pricing a Job and Understanding Markup
How a Canadian tradesperson prices a job: costing, materials markup, overhead recovery, the difference between markup and margin, and a worked example.
Quoting to Win Without Racing to the Bottom
How a Canadian tradesperson writes a winning quote: scope, all-in pricing, deposits, the Ontario 10 percent estimate rule, follow-up and holding your price.
Finding Work Online
How Canadian trades find work online: a free Google Business Profile, the local ranking pillars, and how HomeStars, TrustedPros and Houzz lead models work.
Reviews and Reputation
How Canadian trades earn reviews honestly and stay legal: the Competition Act rules on fake and insider reviews, drip pricing, and responding to bad reviews.
Handling Complaints and Disputes
How a Canadian tradesperson de-escalates a homeowner complaint before it becomes a claim: prevention, calm resolution, bad reviews, and the formal routes.
Quoting Versus Estimating
The difference between a quote and an estimate for Canadian trades: who carries the risk, when a quote becomes binding, and the Ontario 10 percent rule.
Marking Up Materials
How Canadian trades mark up materials fairly: why a markup is justified, markup versus margin, transparent pricing versus fees, and drip pricing.
Handling Deposits and Progress Payments
How Canadian trades take deposits and stage payments: the 10 to 15 percent norm, never more than 30 percent up front, and the owner holdback.
Referrals and Word of Mouth
How Canadian trades build a referral engine: when to ask, making referrals effortless, legal reward rules under the Competition Act, and a reciprocal network.