Why a “Simple Job” Costs What It Does – And Why It’s Worth Every Penny

As a property owner, you know how important it is to keep everything running smoothly from pristine housekeeping to quick, quality maintenance. But every so often, a quote lands in your inbox that makes you pause. You might think, “That seems a bit high for a few hours’ work!”

It’s a natural reaction. After all, when you don’t see the full picture behind the price, it can be easy to underestimate the value that professionals bring to the table.

At Short Let Space, we work with a network of trusted contractors, housekeepers, and tradespeople who keep our managed homes in top condition. And over the years, we’ve seen firsthand that the best professionals aren’t just selling their time, they’re providing peace of mind, reliability, and expertise that protect your property and your guests’ experience.

Here’s a short story that perfectly captures why professional work is always worth the investment.

The £1,500 Lesson

A customer once asked a tradesperson how much it would cost to complete a job.

“£1,500,” came the reply.

“£1,500?” the customer frowned. “That seems a bit pricey. I reckon it should only be about £800 – it looks pretty simple.”

The tradesperson smiled. “For £800, why not give it a go yourself?”

“I don’t know how,” the customer admitted.

“No problem,” came the reply. “For £800, I can teach you. You’ll save £700 and learn a new skill.”

The customer thought about it and agreed—until he heard the next part.

“Of course, you’ll need some tools: a welder, grinder, drill press, safety gear… Shall we say £300 to hire mine?”

The customer hesitated. “I don’t have those tools, and I can’t buy them for one job.”

“Fair enough,” said the tradesperson. “I’ll lend you mine and show you how to use them. We’ll start Tuesday morning.”

“Oh, I can’t do Tuesday, I’m busy then.”

“Well, I’m booked for the rest of the week,” came the reply, “so Tuesday it is.”

The customer sighed. “I suppose I’ll have to take the day off.”

“Exactly,” said the tradesperson. “And don’t forget the extra costs: fuel, insurance, taxes, admin time, and everything else that goes into running a business.”

After a long pause, the customer finally said, “You know what? I’ll just pay you £1,500.”

The True Value Behind the Quote

And that’s the point.

When you hire a professional whether it’s a cleaner, housekeeper, or maintenance contractor, you’re not just paying for a few hours of labour. You’re paying for:

• Knowledge and experience
• The right tools and equipment
• Professionalism and reliability
• Time and punctuality
• Insurance, training, and compliance
• Safety and peace of mind
• Accuracy and accountability
• Right-to-work and immigration checks (for subcontractors)
• A fair, living wage for skilled professionals
• And yes, all the overheads and taxes that come with running a legitimate business

So next time a quote makes you raise an eyebrow, remember, you’re not just buying a task. You’re buying trust, skill, and expertise. And that’s worth every penny.

Why This Matters for Property Owners

At Short Let Space, we understand that your property is a valuable investment. That’s why our Client Success Team carefully vets every contractor, housekeeper, and maintenance provider we work with.

Before assigning any job, we make sure they meet all the standards above and more. Our years of experience mean you can relax knowing the people looking after your property are professional, trustworthy, and fully compliant. Because when it comes to property care, cutting corners can cost far more in the long run.

Need help keeping your property in top shape?

Our Client Success Team is here to take the stress out of maintenance and management. Speak with us today to find out how we can protect your investment and keep your property running smoothly.