Is it wrong to charge friends for doing work for them?

Question

My friend bought a house as in investment, to rent out and collect rent every month. It was a foreclosed house, so it needed a lot of work. I'm an electrician, and I spent about 50 hours total doing all the electrical work. He already paid me back for all the money I spent for materials. I agreed not to collect any money for the labor until it passes inspection by the city (this coming Wednesday).

I assume it will pass inspection. Would it be OK not to collect any money for labor, because he's a friend of mine? When he asks, "How much do I owe you", I was going to say "nothing at all".

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

"firecoal" has a good idea with the discounted rate.

But here's a further idea for that... take the money he pays you and pay for his electric bill or something like that. Or buy a gift card at Wal-mart in that amount for him, and anonymously send it to him so he can use that money for other purposes.

You are very kind hearted and generous! Rare indeed and to be congratulated!


Have a polite day.
Etiquette takes over where laws end.

Answer 2

That is perfectly fine, and really nice. It is also perfectly fine to collect what you are owed. Since you made it clear that you would be collecting as some point, it is okay to do so. The only circumstance when it would be rude is if you did not make it clear in advance that you would charge for the job.

If, when the time comes, you tell him you don't want to be paid, he insists on paying, graciously accept payment, but give him a discount on the labor. Some people want to be clear on the boundaries of a professional relationship and a friend relationship and would rather pay for work than feel a debt in the friendship.

Answer 3

I'm with Firecoal on this. Give him a discount if you want, but charge something. If you tell him "nothing at all", then he, and everyone he tells that you did this, will expect the same in the future, every time.

Answer 4

Just charge 'mates rates'. Basically, you just charge him less than you would charge a regular member of the public.

Everybody wins.

Answer 5

I would offer him a discounted rate, but you shouldn't work for free.