chat

You can always ask them, just make sure they know the deal and see what they think is fair. They might be willing to do it for not much just because they like you, and coming in real high might make them feel like they're obligated to do more than you're actually asking.

If it's literally just "we want someone in the house in case they fall, and to keep eyes on when they're doing something dangerous/occasionally flip breakers" that's definitely something most people would do for beer money/dinner/IOU especially if they had no other plans.

Coming in with a big hourly offer can definitely make someone feel weird depending on the work and their relationship with you, but that's between you and them.

Depends on how attentive they'd have to really be. If they've really gotta be there watching then like $50 seems in the right range. If they're just there to be someone else around in case they hear a loud thump or lights flickering and can just kinda duck around, I dunno, I would leave em a couple beers and some weed and then make them a meal after. To be clear I'd throw the $50 on top of the beer weed and meal cause that gets a bit past favor territory and into real ass work. If they just need to be there and can entertain themselves that's less of a thing, but 5-6 hours is a good bit of time, so yeah, booze drugs and a meal seems appropriate

I owe you one, mate (~3-4h equivalent) and a dinner (for pushing into 6)? Or just ask them, if you want monetary relations (or a nice hobby gift)

Are they intended to be an actual safety, like eyes on me while im doing some dangerous shit or just to make sure if they get cut or something falls and knocks them down someone is there to assist and maybe occasionally snag a tool for them? if the former, maybe 25-30 an hour? Thats about what a 4-5 year plumber here makes. Maybe 20 an hour if the latter? Thats apprentice plumber wages here.

Are those too high? Too low? Im not sure what would be appropriate..Are they expecting compensation, or were you just trying to do them a solid? Have you considered telling them you’d like to give them something fair for their time but you’re having a hard time coming up with something realistic to give them? Maybe their input will give you somewhere to go from there? My answer probably isnt much help, so, sorry.

Idk if my friends asked me to house sit or dog sit I wouldn't expect compensation. I feel like a bit would be appreciated but idk your relationship.

A pizza and a sixer. same as if they helped you move.

Amingus

Honestly, I feel like the correct answer depends as much on your ability to pay as anything. Among my friend group, I wouldn't expect any money to change hands, but if one or more of us was significantly wealthy, that expectation might be different.