Cost estimator

What should a tradesperson cost in South Africa?

Pick a service and your province for an indicative price band. Wide ranges — every job's different, but these are the brackets quotes usually fall into. Real quotes from local pros are always free on Handi.

Province affects pricing — Cape Town and Joburg run 5-10% above the national baseline; rural areas can be 10-15% below.

Indicative price in South Africa

Waterproofing

R200 – R450 per m²

labour, materials extra

Per m² of treated area. Flat roofs, balconies and parapet walls are the most common jobs. Mid-range torch-on membrane is the SA default.

Guide only — actual quotes vary based on job complexity, access, materials, and urgency. Always get 2-3 quotes from verified local pros before committing.

Typical waterproofing jobs & what they cost

Concrete examples at the national baseline. Bands reflect normal variation — the same job can sit at the low or high end depending on access, materials, and urgency.

Flat-roof patio (25 m²)
R5,000 – R11,000

5-7 year guarantee with torch-on. Acrylic systems cost half but last 2-3 years.

Parapet wall (15 m²)
R3,000 – R6,750

Often missed in roof waterproofing. Causes seepage that looks like the roof but is actually the side.

Bathroom shower screen seal
R450 – R900

Silicone re-bead. If water has been getting behind tiles for a while, you also need the affected area opened up.

Garage roof leak repair
R1,500 – R4,500

Depends on whether the source is the roof itself or the flashings — diagnosis first.

Balcony with screed prep (8 m²)
R2,800 – R5,200

Includes minor crack-bridging and a primer coat under the membrane.

A note on these numbers

Bands come from rates published in our pricing guides, mixed with what we see Handi-za providers actually quoting across the country. They're starting points — not a fixed price list. Job-specific factors (access, height, asbestos, after-hours, time pressure) all move the needle. Treat this as the first 30 seconds of research before you start collecting real quotes.