How much does a handyman cost on Bonaire?
· By Andres
With me, a job costs USD 25 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours. An AC service costs USD 45 per AC. Materials are extra. Below you'll read what that means for common jobs, and what to look for when you hire a handyman on Bonaire.
I'm Andres, a plumber, electrician and handyman on Bonaire. I believe you should know in advance what you'll pay. That's why my prices are right there on my website, and that's why I'm writing this post.
How handymen on Bonaire charge
On Bonaire you'll see a few ways of charging. It helps to know them when you compare prices:
- Hourly rate. You pay for the time the job takes. Fair for jobs where it's not clear upfront exactly how long they'll take.
- Minimum. Many tradespeople charge a minimum, because they also have to drive and prepare. Mine is 2 hours.
- Fixed price per job. For standard work, like AC maintenance, a fixed price is easier. Then you know exactly where you stand.
- Materials. Materials are almost always charged separately. On Bonaire materials are often more expensive than in Europe or the US, because everything is imported.
- Call-out fee. Some tradespeople charge this separately. Always ask about it when you compare prices.
My rates
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | USD 25 per hour |
| Minimum per job | 2 hours (USD 50) |
| AC maintenance | USD 45 per AC |
| AC offer until 15 November 2026 | 2 ACs USD 80, each additional USD 35 |
| Materials | Separate, you hear the cost in advance |
Small jobs, shorter than a day, are paid in cash on the spot.
Examples of common jobs
Below you'll see how long common jobs usually take and what the labour cost is. This is an indication: the real time depends on the situation. Materials are not included.
| Job | Usually | Labour |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a tap | 1 to 2 hours | USD 50 |
| Fix a running toilet | 1 to 2 hours | USD 50 |
| Replace a toilet | 2 to 3 hours | USD 50 to 75 |
| Replace a sink | 2 to 3 hours | USD 50 to 75 |
| Add a socket | about 2 hours | USD 50 |
| Connect an induction hob (circuit in place) | about 2 hours | USD 50 |
| Hang a light or ceiling fan | 1 to 2 hours | USD 50 |
| Mount a TV bracket or cabinet | 1 to 2 hours | USD 50 |
| AC maintenance | per AC | USD 45 |
Send me a photo of your job and I'll give you an estimate upfront.
How to save on your job
1. Combine jobs
Because of the 2-hour minimum, it's smart to have several small jobs done at once. A leaking tap and a light that needs hanging often fit together in those 2 hours.
2. Send photos in advance
With good photos I know what to bring. Then I don't have to come twice and you don't pay for extra time.
3. Do maintenance on time
An AC that's serviced on time breaks down less often. A small leak fixed quickly costs less than water damage. For example, read: High water bill from WEB? How to find a leak
4. Explain the problem precisely
What does the appliance do, since when, and what have you already tried? The better I know, the faster I can fix it.
What to look for in a handyman on Bonaire
- A clear price upfront. You should know roughly what you'll pay before the work starts.
- Reachability. Tradespeople on Bonaire are often busy. Choose someone who replies quickly.
- Honest about what he does and doesn't do. A good tradesperson tells you when a job needs a specialist.
- Photos of the result. Especially useful if you're not on the island yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you charge a 2-hour minimum? I have to drive, pick up materials and prepare, even for a small job. The minimum keeps my hourly rate low. So feel free to combine several jobs.
Do I get a price in advance? Yes. Send me photos and a short explanation, and I'll give you an estimate. If I run into something during the work that needs more time, I tell you first.
How do I pay? Small jobs, shorter than a day, are paid in cash on the spot. For bigger jobs we agree upfront how you'll pay.
Do you also do big jobs? Yes, together with my team. We also do painting, interior carpentry and complete new builds.
Do you speak English? I speak Spanish. For English and Dutch I use a translation app, and that always works fine.
What will your job cost?
Send me a WhatsApp with a photo of the job, a short explanation and your neighbourhood. Then you'll quickly hear roughly what it costs. I work all over Bonaire.
Questions or a job? WhatsApp Andres directly
Send a WhatsAppRead also
Low water pressure on Bonaire: how your water pump works and what you can do
Little water coming out of the tap or shower? How to find the cause, and how the water pump many homes on Bonaire have works.
Read more →Buying a house on Bonaire: technical checklist for the viewing
Pipes, breaker panel, ACs, roof and termites: what to look for when you view a house on Bonaire.
Read more →