The figures below are indicative guidance only, not a fixed price list. They give you a sanity check so you can spot a quote that is wildly high or suspiciously low. Prices vary by region, specification and market conditions, so always get at least three quotes for any job over R5,000, and treat a quote far below the others as a warning sign, not a bargain. Use these ranges to start a conversation, not to settle one.
How to read these figures
These are estimates gathered from the South African market in 2025 and 2026. They are not what your job will cost, and they are not a schedule of rates you can hold a contractor to. Their value is comparison: if a quote sits far outside the range, ask why. A price well below market often means cut-rate materials, no insurance, or unlicensed workers, all of which cost you more later.
Certificates of compliance
A certificate of compliance (CoC) is proof that regulated work was done correctly. Indicative costs:
- Electrical CoC (inspection plus certificate): R800 to R2,500, depending on the size of the installation.
- Gas CoC (inspection plus certificate): R600 to R1,500 (estimate), via a SAQCC-registered practitioner.
- Electric fence EFC (Electric Fence System Certificate): R800 to R1,600 for a residential certificate, excluding repairs.
- Plumbing CoC: R150 to R500 (estimate) for the certificate itself. The inspection may cost extra.
Labour and trade work
- Handyman (hourly): R400 to R800 an hour, with a call-out fee usually charged on top.
- Flooring installation (luxury vinyl plank or laminate, labour only): R60 to R120 per square metre (estimate). Subfloor preparation is extra.
- Kitchen or cupboard install (labour only): R200 to R450 per linear metre (estimate).
Bigger projects
- Pool, fibreglass, installed: R75,000 to R150,000, excluding decking and fencing.
- Pool, concrete or gunite: R200,000 to R700,000.
- Pool maintenance (monthly service): R1,000 to R3,000 a month.
- Borehole (drill, pump and full system): R50,000 to R150,000. This is highly dependent on your location and the depth needed.
- Residential construction (new build): R6,500 to R20,000 per square metre, from entry-level to high specification.
- Electric fence wall-top, 6-strand (per metre, installed): R105 to R135 per metre, excluding the energiser.
Common mistakes
- Taking the cheapest quote on price alone. A quote far below the rest usually means corners are being cut somewhere you will pay for later.
- Getting only one quote. Get at least three for any job over R5,000 so you have a real range to judge against.
- Treating these figures as fixed prices. They are estimates only. Your region, specification and site conditions move the real number.
- Forgetting the extras. Call-out fees, subfloor preparation, decking, fencing and waste removal are often quoted separately, so check what is and is not included.
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