GUIDE

How many hours can I honestly bill a client?

Q: How many hours can I honestly bill a client?

You should only bill for the time you are actively performing the contracted work on-site. TradesTimer helps you separate your jobsite 'stops' from your driving 'trips' so you can provide clients with an honest, accurate breakdown of labor versus travel.

The Contractual Limit

The number of hours you can bill is strictly defined by your agreement with the client. If you agreed to an hourly rate for labor, you cannot unilaterally decide to include your commute or travel between jobs in that rate.

Always review your scope of work before invoicing. If you are charging for 'service calls,' you may include a flat fee for the visit, but the hourly portion should reflect time spent performing the actual service.

The Danger of Overbilling

Overbilling even a few minutes of travel time as 'work' can damage your reputation. Clients often check their own records or security footage. If they see you arrived later than billed, you lose their trust.

Using a tool that distinguishes between stops and trips allows you to see exactly when your work time began and ended, providing an objective audit trail that protects your professional integrity.

Handling Disputes

If a client questions your hours, do not guess or rely on memory. Having a precise log of your arrival and departure times from each jobsite allows you to defend your invoice with data.

An accurate log shows you are a professional who tracks their time with precision, making it much harder for a client to dispute your legitimate labor hours.

FAQ

Can I charge for the time I spend setting up tools?

If setup is part of the on-site labor, yes; however, it should be included within the 'stop' duration rather than billed as a separate travel fee.

How do I handle travel time in my pricing?

Many tradespeople charge a separate, flat 'service fee' for travel to keep their hourly labor rate transparent and easy for the client to understand.

Last updated 2026-06-08.