Intro
On most jobs, the headline items get all the attention. But sometimes the small add-ons do the most work. A £12 valve, a £4 bead, or a £15 bracket can stop leaks, prevent cracks, and cut callbacks. This guide shows which add-ons matter, how to price them, and how to sell them without pressure. You’ll see simple steps, real timings, and clear results you can use today.
Quick Answer
Sometimes the small add-ons do the most work because they prevent the common failures: leaks, cracks, noise, and wear. Add-ons cost little, take 10–45 minutes to fit, and often remove 1–2 future visits. That protects your margin, keeps clients happy, and saves hours each month.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Small add-ons (often £4–£25) remove 1–2 callbacks per 10 jobs.
- Install time is usually 10–45 minutes per item; plan the order.
- Aim for materials under 3–5% of job value, with clear options.
- Use photos, simple tests, and guarantees to win fast approval.
Why Sometimes the Small Add-Ons Do the Most Work
The weak link is rarely the main kit. It’s the seal, the bracket, or the connector around it. Sometimes the small add-ons do the most work because they handle movement, water, heat, and vibration. These are the forces that cause 80% of site headaches.
- Water finds gaps. A ÂŁ4 silicone bead with a ÂŁ2 backer rod stops capillary leaks.
- Vibration loosens fixings. A ÂŁ12 locking nut or M12 anchor holds weight safely.
- Heat expands materials. A £15 expansion joint avoids 2–3 cracking points.
- Power spikes trip circuits. A ÂŁ20 RCD socket can prevent nuisance trips.
Actionable test: List your last 10 callbacks. You’ll likely see 6–8 linked to small missing parts. Fix those points first. That’s why sometimes the small add-ons do the most work.
High-Impact Small Add-Ons by Trade
Plumbing and Heating
- Isolation valves (15 mm/22 mm): 5–10 minutes each. Future swaps take 30 minutes less.
- Water hammer arrestor: 10–15 minutes. Cuts banging on fast-close taps.
- PTFE tape and paste combo: Better seal on ½" and ¾" threads first time.
- Check valves on mixer feeds: Stops hot/cold crossover and client complaints.
- Condensate trap heater or lagging (25 mm): Prevents winter freeze-ups.
- Scale filter on 15 mm cold feed: Extends tap and boiler life in hard water.
Electrical
- RCD-protected spur or socket (13 A): 20–30 minutes. Safer upgrades on appliances.
- IP65/IP68 glands outdoors: Keeps moisture out; stops 3–6 month failures.
- Wago-style connectors: Faster, safer joints in tight spaces.
- Cable clips with stainless pins: Last outside; no re-clipping next season.
Carpentry, Drywall, and Finishes
- Backer rod (6–12 mm) + silicone: Deep joints done right; no sinking.
- Corner bead with primer: Straighter corners; fewer re-touches.
- Soundproof tape at stud tracks: Cuts flanking noise by a clear margin.
- Adjustable feet on cabinets: Level in 10 minutes; no door rub later.
Roofing and Exterior
- Drip edge/over-fascia vent: Moves water away; protects fascia for years.
- Lead replacement flashing with sealant: Faster, cleaner, and corrosion-safe.
- Stainless fixings (A2/A4): Avoids rust streaks; 316 on coastal jobs.
- Gutter outlet strainers: Stops blockages; 5-minute fit saves a call each autumn.
HVAC and Ventilation
- Anti-vibration pads: Reduce noise transfer; happier neighbours.
- Condensate pump check valve: Prevents backflow and smells.
- Fire-rated sealant around penetrations: Meets regs and protects life safety.
Sometimes the small add-ons do the most work because they solve the quiet problems. They’re small, but they carry the load your client never sees.
How to Price and Present Add-Ons Without Upselling
You want clarity, not pressure. Sometimes the small add-ons do the most work, so show them as protection, not extras.
- List the risk in plain words.
- Example: “Noisy pipes likely without an arrestor.”
- Offer a named solution with a fixed price.
- Example: “Fit water hammer arrestor: £45, 20 minutes.”
- Show proof.
- One photo or a 10-second video of the same fix on another job.
- Use optional lines in your proposal.
- Main scope stands alone. Add-ons appear as tick-box options.
- Get fast approval.
- E-sign saves 1–2 days of back-and-forth.
Practical tip: Use tools like Donizo to capture site notes by voice and photos, drop add-ons as optional lines, send a branded PDF, and collect e-signatures. When accepted, convert to an invoice in one click. Clean, simple, and professional.
Internal link opportunities:
- If you’re also refining professional proposals, see our guide on "professional proposals".
- This pairs well with understanding "change orders" to protect your margin.
- For faster billing, check our tips on "invoice templates" that save time.
Site Workflow: Install Order That Saves Time
A smooth order keeps labour under 45 minutes per item. Sometimes the small add-ons do the most work when installed at the right step.
- Prep and marking (5–10 minutes)
- Mark joints, fixings, and penetrations before cutting or drilling.
- First-fix support (10–20 minutes)
- Fit brackets, noggins, or M12 anchors before heavy kit arrives.
- Services in place (15–60 minutes)
- Pipes/cables run and clipped; add isolation valves and glands now.
- Seal and protect (10–25 minutes)
- Backer rod, silicone, fire foam, and weather seals before finishes.
- Second-fix and testing (15–45 minutes)
- Fit trims, arrestors, RCD spurs; test flow, load, and alarms.
- Photo log and client walk-through (5–10 minutes)
- Show the add-ons. Keep photos for records and future service.
Sell the Value: Show, Don’t Tell
Clients say yes when they can see it. Sometimes the small add-ons do the most work, so prove it in seconds.
- Photos: Before/after of a wet sill with a proper drip edge.
- Simple tests:
- Clamp meter load test on an RCD spur.
- Tap test after an arrestor; noise drop is clear.
- Hose test on flashing; dry interior after 60 seconds.
- Guarantees:
- “No water ingress at this joint for 24 months.”
- “No pipe bang on fast-close taps for 12 months.”
- Plain language on the quote:
- “Stops banging pipes.”
- “Prevents rust streaks.”
- “Keeps cabinets level.”
Track Results and Cut Callbacks
Measure so you can improve. Sometimes the small add-ons do the most work, but you need the numbers.
- Record callbacks per 10 jobs.
- Aim to drop by 2–3 within 8 weeks.
- Track install time per add-on.
- Keep it between 10 and 45 minutes.
- Watch material spend.
- Target 3–5% of job value for protection items.
- Note client feedback keywords.
- “Quiet”, “dry”, “solid”, “no smell” are wins.
- Update your standard kit list quarterly.
- Promote the 5 top performers; drop poor ones.
Internal link opportunity: If scheduling slips cause extras, our advice on "project timelines" helps you plan add-ons early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which small add-ons give the best return?
Isolation valves, water hammer arrestors, RCD spurs, stainless fixings, backer rod with silicone, and drip edges. They cost £4–£25, fit in 10–45 minutes, and prevent the most common callbacks: leaks, bangs, cracks, and rust marks.
How do I explain add-ons without sounding pushy?
Tie each add-on to a simple risk and a clear benefit. Use one photo and one line of text. Offer it as an optional line on the quote. Let the client choose. That feels helpful, not salesy.
What margin should I put on small add-ons?
Price the part fairly and protect your labour. Many contractors add standard labour in 15-minute blocks, plus a reasonable handling margin. Keep materials under 3–5% of job value overall.
Are any of these add-ons required by regulations?
Some are. Fire-rated seals at penetrations and RCD protection in certain circuits are common requirements. Always check current local building regulations and wiring rules on each project.
How many add-ons should I offer on a job?
Keep it focused. Offer 3–5 that truly fit the site risks. Too many options slow decisions. Prioritise the items most likely to stop a callback within 30–60 days of handover.
Conclusion
The clever wins are often small. Sometimes the small add-ons do the most work because they stop the problems that eat your time. Start simple: 1) Pick five add-ons by trade. 2) Add them as optional lines with photos. 3) Measure callbacks for eight weeks. Tools like Donizo help you capture notes by voice, send clean proposals with e-sign, and invoice fast. Do the small things right, and your jobs run smoother, margins hold, and clients call you back for the next project, not for fixes.
