What are typical callout charges for tradesmen?

Question

I've had a couple of quotes recently where there's a callout fee before any work is even started. Is this standard across most trades? What's a reasonable amount?

Stewart · Answer

We charge a fixed repair charge for the whole repair plus any parts needed , do not agree with call out charges. Regards SJR appliances

Jay · Answer

Call out and 1st hour, usually between £85.00 - £120.00 depending on the job.

Emirali · Answer

Hi Carol

For the first hour £90-£130 and £45.00 per hour after that, all depends on the job

Hope this helps

Lee · Answer

Standard call out fee is £45 for emergency call out , I don’t charge for looking at the job before hand

Tim · Answer

Yes this is standard across all trades ranging from £40 to £100

Mustafa · Answer

callout fees (also called a service call or attendance fee) are very standard across most trades, especially for smaller diagnostic or repair jobs like plumbing, electrical, heating, or general maintenance. They cover the tradesperson’s travel time, fuel, vehicle costs, and the time to come out and assess the problem, even if no further work is done or parts aren’t needed.
It’s not universal (some larger jobs or quotes might waive it, and a few companies advertise “no callout fee” but bake the cost into higher hourly rates or minimum charges), but the vast majority of independent plumbers, electricians, and similar trades include one.
Typical amounts in the UK (as of 2026)
•  Standard daytime callout (normal hours, non-emergency): £40–£120. Many charge £60–£100, and it often includes the first 30–60 minutes of labour or diagnosis. 
•  Emergency/out-of-hours/weekend callout: £100–£250 or more (sometimes 1.5–2x standard rates). Average around £110 for emergency plumbers.

Ricky · Answer

If local the cost is £45+VAT for (for a survey and deducted from final invoice if our company carries out the work). Location based if further away from office address you are looking at £95+VAT

Callout fee 1st hour for all areas £95+VAT
£50 per hour after

Lee · Answer

If it's a call out tradie £100 for the first hour they need to allow for travel time and the fact it generally takes 3 hours worth of time to provide that first hour on site.

Scott · Answer

There is a call out fee of £80 for the first hour but you would expect the issue to be solved or atleast priced from there if more work is needed. A fault investigation is not a charity, it's what electricians do for a living.

Luke · Answer

If the tools come out there's Normally a charge. Personally quotes are free but if you working then you have to earn something.

What are typical callout charges for tradesmen?

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