[Timco]

I fix / install boilers and gas fired equipment and AC. There's nothing worse than being in the midddle of a fix or repair and realizing they need some other part or specialty item that wasn't quoted and is 100% their issue but you've quoted a price. They will either understand or strenuously object and refuse to pay.

All the research in the world won't find the hidden issue or make up for the great feeling of isolation you get when you're up against something expensive you can't do it figure out yourself. Now what do you do? How much is the most you will pay? How much can you afford? $100 has a different value to each person, many here remember that rich kid a few years back....

So, what's fair? We know how long these fixes typically take. There's books on it. I've done your repair. It's not rocket science. I charge $100/hr and need to bill for my time. If there's something unexpected price must go up, but I can't just decide I want to make more on this job because I'm slow and it's a Porsche.

The comment about if you can't afford the repair is a fair one in the good financial sense light. Didn't see the furnace dying coming and need $3k but it's going to really hurt? Everyone needs a home. Same issue with a Porsche water pump? Seems like a fine line.