Austin local service prices

[Yuvaraj Vimawala]

Hi,

I am a local investor in Suburban Austin area. I usually do make ready (paint, carpet, fence, toilets, fixtures etc.) on an acquisition before renting out.

I intend to offend no one by this post. I am sure there are some reasons behind these prices. However, I am appalled by some of the prices/estimates I have been receiving.

People are charging:

$200/ hr fence work

$90-100/ HR handyman (fixture install, toilet repair)

$300+ - pressure wash driveway

I was just charged $1300 for a 3-4 hr HVAC installation only. So that's like $325/hr.

$200+/hr plumbing (water heater replacement)

These are quotes from Craigslist & thumbtack - I am not even talking highly professional companies. Not even immediate service. No one is interested in free estimates, repairing or diagnosing: they just want to replace stuff. I dont get it, gas prices are also low.

What I'd like to know is are the prices just as high in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio markets? Is this something that is Austin specific? I've gotten work done for lot cheaper few (3-4)years ago.

Any good contacts / companies people use for make ready here?

Thanks in advance