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Message
What is standard operating practice for additional costs incurred in home repair
Posted on 4/22/16 at 7:56 pm
Posted on 4/22/16 at 7:56 pm
You get a quote for a job. During the job they ask if you want an associated thing done (moving something out of the crawl space), you say yes, and extra cost is never discussed. When you get the final invoice, the total cost is inceased 25%. An increased cost was never discussed. Included extra costs are things like the above, "extra" things they said they did but I don't remember told me they did, and I don't even know if they did it or not, and extra things that seem to just be ancillary things incurred during the fulfillment of the original agreement.
I am also upset of the damage to some of my walls during the job, the poorly finished molding with space b/t wall and molding, and threshold they broke, then replaced, that wasn't properly glued and has already broke.
I paid half up front, now they are asking for the second half plus about 25% more.
Is this normal? If not, recourse?
I am also upset of the damage to some of my walls during the job, the poorly finished molding with space b/t wall and molding, and threshold they broke, then replaced, that wasn't properly glued and has already broke.
I paid half up front, now they are asking for the second half plus about 25% more.
Is this normal? If not, recourse?
9
Posted on 4/22/16 at 8:30 pm to Stingray
Hard to say without being there, but this is kinda like those that complain about paying for an extra side or condiment. You hired someone to do a job and they offered more work you agreed to, and they did it.
Did it take 25% more time or work? If so there's nothing to argue. I've been in the situation before also, but you need to remember these weren't your friends looking to help you out they were contractors up selling you on more work.
Did it take 25% more time or work? If so there's nothing to argue. I've been in the situation before also, but you need to remember these weren't your friends looking to help you out they were contractors up selling you on more work.
Posted on 4/22/16 at 8:49 pm to Stingray
Pay them what was agreed and tell them to piss off about the rest. 25% seems like they're trying to make you a sucker.
Posted on 4/22/16 at 9:04 pm to Stingray
quote:
extra cost is never discussed.
You shouldn't just assume somebody is doing something extra for free. But the contractor should have let you know. There has to be transparency for anything over an agreed upon cost. Small things can be verbally agreed upon but major changes needs to be signed off.
I'd ask for line item cost for each additional task performed and review with that person and have them explain what exactly it is that they did. Then point out where you are displeased about damage and give them a chance to remedy.
Do not pay anything else until both parties are content. I can't imagine someone just sticking an extra 25% on any fee without providing a list of services with costs. remember, it serves you just as well to be fair with the contractor but you also need to expect a job done to at least your satisfaction.
This post was edited on 4/22/16 at 9:11 pm
Posted on 4/22/16 at 9:20 pm to Cdawg
I have been there.
There was no meeting of the minds so you have a little bit of leverage. On their side, a court could find that you do owe something.
Crap shoot for either side. No one knows what a court will do.
Here is what I did: compromise -- you will give them a good recomendation, ONLY IF 1) find one additional item for the contractor to complete; 2) the first job was shoddy; it must be cleaned up to your satisfaction 3) pay the 25% upcharge.
And, you have learned a valuable lesson.
There was no meeting of the minds so you have a little bit of leverage. On their side, a court could find that you do owe something.
Crap shoot for either side. No one knows what a court will do.
Here is what I did: compromise -- you will give them a good recomendation, ONLY IF 1) find one additional item for the contractor to complete; 2) the first job was shoddy; it must be cleaned up to your satisfaction 3) pay the 25% upcharge.
And, you have learned a valuable lesson.
Posted on 4/22/16 at 9:41 pm to Stingray
Sounds like this is a lesson learned. You can't plead ignorance. Sure don't pay them and fight it. It may hit your credit, cost you legal fees, etc, but is it worth it? Of course not. Never expect anything for free and always get everything in writing.
Always get references for work to be performed. At least try to be somewhat knowledgeable in the service you are having performed or seek the assistance of someone who does. Sounds like they saw a sucker and took advantage. Don't be a sucker
Always get references for work to be performed. At least try to be somewhat knowledgeable in the service you are having performed or seek the assistance of someone who does. Sounds like they saw a sucker and took advantage. Don't be a sucker
Posted on 4/22/16 at 9:47 pm to HeadyMurphey
Thanks for the advice.
I will compromise, there is no way I will pay their full amount.
ETA: I wish I could post their email with the invoice. It was a very aggressive and almost accusatory summary of some issues. This tone really came out of left field and made my blood boil. It makes me assume that this is a company that always has to fight with dissatisfied customers come collection time.
I will compromise, there is no way I will pay their full amount.
ETA: I wish I could post their email with the invoice. It was a very aggressive and almost accusatory summary of some issues. This tone really came out of left field and made my blood boil. It makes me assume that this is a company that always has to fight with dissatisfied customers come collection time.
This post was edited on 4/22/16 at 9:52 pm
Posted on 4/23/16 at 10:15 am to Stingray
quote:
You get a quote for a job. During the job they ask if you want an associated thing done (moving something out of the crawl space), you say yes, and extra cost is never discussed. When you get the final invoice, the total cost is inceased 25%. An increased cost was never discussed. Included extra costs are things like the above, "extra" things they said they did but I don't remember told me they did, and I don't even know if they did it or not, and extra things that seem to just be ancillary things incurred during the fulfillment of the original agreement.
I am also upset of the damage to some of my walls during the job, the poorly finished molding with space b/t wall and molding, and threshold they broke, then replaced, that wasn't properly glued and has already broke.
I paid half up front, now they are asking for the second half plus about 25% more.
Is this normal? If not, recourse?
Was the contract based on a time and materials basis? If so, you're SOL, and the original quote was an estimate, not an agreed upon price.
OTOH, if the job was based on a lump sum that was specified in his proposal, then you can tell them to pound sand and give them the agreed upon price without 25% extra. Read the contract, it should be spelled out there.
Posted on 4/23/16 at 11:25 am to Stingray
What does the contract stipulate? Do people not utilize contracts with these fukstick residential contractors??? If so, it will likely cover how change orders are to be handled. If not, you're going to learn a lesson on this one.
Posted on 4/23/16 at 11:58 am to Stingray
My contractor gave me change orders for each of the additional items that weren't included in the detail scope of work we initially signed.
Sounds like you played this a little too loose and may get burned. Hopefully the lesson didn't cost you too much.
Sounds like you played this a little too loose and may get burned. Hopefully the lesson didn't cost you too much.
Posted on 4/23/16 at 3:14 pm to Waffle House
How much is 25%
Was it a substantial add on?
Was it a substantial add on?
Posted on 4/23/16 at 11:21 pm to Stingray
you say yes, and extra cost is never discussed.
in writing next time.
spell it all out. contingencies too, if you can think of some.
in writing next time.
spell it all out. contingencies too, if you can think of some.
Posted on 4/25/16 at 10:20 am to Stingray
Without knowing the specifics of the additional work they provided, it seems fairly clear you should expect to pay for that work.
Contractor probably should have been more upfront about the costs, it is also on you to be engaged with what they are doing.
If anything you could ask them to itemize the additional costs and not ballpark estimate it 25%.
Contractor probably should have been more upfront about the costs, it is also on you to be engaged with what they are doing.
If anything you could ask them to itemize the additional costs and not ballpark estimate it 25%.
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