u/Icy_Contribution107

so i am running a small service business and I’ve recently sat down and worked out what I’m actually earning per hour once I include all the stuff that doesn’t go on the invoice like emails, calls, admin, revisions, chasing payments etc.

It’s honestly quite depressing like when I first started, I deliberately kept my prices fairly low because I needed to get some clients and build up a reputation. That worked, and I’ve now got a decent amount of repeat work, the problem is that I’m pretty sure I’ve never properly increased my prices since then.

I’m worried that if I suddenly increase them by a decent amount, I’ll annoy my existing clients or lose some of them but carrying on at the current rate doesn’t really make sense either.
For anyone who has been in this position, how did you handle increasing your prices with existing customers?

Did you increase gradually, do it all at once or just accept your date that you might lose some clients?

We're buying a brownstone floor-through in Park Slope that needs a full gut. 1890s building, original details, layout changes involved.

We've been told to check references, look at portfolios, verify licenses but all of that feels generic. What actually tells you whether a contractor can handle a pre-war brownstone specifically not just any renovation? Any tips would be much appreciated!