Shim Book

Side work, levelled in thin wedges

Shim the quote until it sits level

Headline pay sits proud. Fees, admin and tax are the wedges you subtract before judging the job.

A quoted amount looks flush until the hidden costs show the gap.

ItemIllustrative example
Quoted job155
Fees−14
Materials−16
Tax set-aside−22
Remains103
Hours including admin6
Real hourly17.2

If that hourly is below your minimum, the joint is still low. Raise the price or skip the job.

Educational content only. Not financial, tax or legal advice; talk to a qualified professional about your situation.

Keep reading