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Message
re: Final Bill dispute with a Contractor (Plumber)
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:30 pm to magildachunks
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:30 pm to magildachunks
Went to install gutters and my gutter guy was showing me where a good portion of my fascia was rotten so I paid someone to replace in kind. I didnt really think the labor would be that much. 1 day job ended up being 2 days apparently.
2
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:36 pm to J Murdah
Have you paid him any? If the answer is no, I would probably hold out. I think offering 9k is a very fair offer assuming you gave us all the details. I would make him sign a lien waiver before you pay him anymore money.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:46 pm to magildachunks
quote:
He's claiming the invoice may be wrong
In mediation he'll be saying the (written) invoice differs greatly from the (written) quote. Even if you include the first verbal part, the written quote and the verbal adjustment still differ greatly from the written invoice.
You're an idiot.
This post was edited on 8/11/26 at 8:47 pm
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:46 pm to magildachunks
quote:I learned a long time ago, burden is on the person who drew up the contract.
Because he's the one who is questioning the accuracy of the invoice.
The burden of proof is on the accuser, not the defendant.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:55 pm to Skippy1013
So you got an estimate, not a contract.
He did the work. Are you satisfied with the quality?
I’m not sure what supporting docs he would need for the lien.
You could always complain to the licensing board and BBB. Leave a bad online review.
He did the work. Are you satisfied with the quality?
I’m not sure what supporting docs he would need for the lien.
You could always complain to the licensing board and BBB. Leave a bad online review.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:55 pm to jasonbr1975
quote:
However, he should have given you a heads up during the work. Most people will understand as long as it’s communicated during the job and not the surprise after.
Did you read the OP.
Estimate: $6200. Cool, start the work.
Job begins: It’s actually going to take more time and materials. Contractor requests additional $2000. Cool, go ahead.
Final invoice: $10k+.
Assuming the OP is forthcoming with all details, the contractor should not have gone above the additional $2k without further authorization. He can’t hide behind “it was just an estimate,” to bill $2000 more than the approved overage.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:56 pm to J Murdah
quote:
Went to install gutters and my gutter guy was showing me where a good portion of my fascia was rotten so I paid someone to replace in kind. I
Ok, carpentry. You can do what you did with that.
Can't really do it for HVAC, electrical and plumbing work. There's certain supplies that can only be purchased by a licensed technician. These are things that you will not be able to find at Lowe's.
quote:
1 day job ended up being 2 days apparently.
That's normal and trust me on this: they were more annoyed and angry that they couldn't get it done in 1 day than you could ever be.
That means that shite went awry, they ran into complications that most likely were ridiculous and the fault of whoever worked on it before them, and now they have to adjust their schedule for the week to come finish this job.
quote:
I didnt really think the labor would be that much
I used to pitch about my company charging labor all the time. If I went to install a new pool motor, the customer got charged $150 for labor automatically.
I didn't get paid that $150 for my labor on that job, I got paid $18/hr.
It's bullshite.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 8:59 pm to stout
quote:
this is why Im glad Jeff Landry and the state is making it easier to become a licensed plumber
PLUMBERS SAVE MORE LIVES THAN DOCTORS!
--FB plumbers.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 9:04 pm to magildachunks
quote:
I used to pitch about my company charging labor all the time. If I went to install a new pool motor, the customer got charged $150 for labor automatically.
I didn't get paid that $150 for my labor on that job, I got paid $18/hr.
At least you've confirmed our suspicions about your lack of business acumen.
Again, you're an idiot.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 9:47 pm to LCA131
Are people in here actually arguing that a signed Change Order is not necessary when a labor and/or materials estimate is going to be exceeded?
If a contractor exceeds the estimate and doesn't tell me, I just go ahead and thank them for the free time and materials.
If a contractor exceeds the estimate and doesn't tell me, I just go ahead and thank them for the free time and materials.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 9:55 pm to Obtuse1
quote:just have to paint the broom orange and black and say it’s a Klein broom
something electricians actively work to forget.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 9:56 pm to Rouge
Should have hired an attorney to draw up the $2k change order
Posted on 8/11/26 at 10:12 pm to Skippy1013
$6200 is that is all that is is writing.
Posted on 8/11/26 at 10:30 pm to billjamin
quote:
Report him to the licensing board before he files the lien.
They can't do anything but enforce licensing laws and violations. They won't care about a civil dispute
Posted on 8/11/26 at 10:32 pm to stout
quote:
They can't do anything but enforce licensing laws and violations. They won't care about a civil dispute
No but if he fricks around in the future or has existing strikes they definitely might put him on probation or yank it. And he knows that.
It will also help if there’s any litigation needed for either resolution or lien removal.
This post was edited on 8/11/26 at 10:33 pm
Posted on 8/11/26 at 10:43 pm to Skippy1013
Just pay the $8200.
Posted on 8/12/26 at 5:15 am to Skippy1013
AI ain’t replacing plumbers anytime soon, so they def have/keep their leverage.
That said, if you ever run across a an honest, capable, hard-working professional plumber, give them respect because they are hard to come by.
They will add value and this type of contractor will provide fair-market pricing (which is not the same as ‘cheap’)
Just my experience…
That said, if you ever run across a an honest, capable, hard-working professional plumber, give them respect because they are hard to come by.
They will add value and this type of contractor will provide fair-market pricing (which is not the same as ‘cheap’)
Just my experience…
Posted on 8/12/26 at 6:24 am to Skippy1013
What services did he perform so we can tell if it’s reasonable
Posted on 8/12/26 at 6:28 am to Tedorgeron
quote:
What services did he perform so we can tell if it’s reasonable
This. Most plumbing materials are inexpensive. Did he have to replace major parts like pumps?
For a full days of work you are looking at around $150/ hour so $1200/ plumber. Lot of them use an assistant that’s cheaper and not licensed.
If he told you $6200 was for 3 days, and he’d need one more day for $2000 and then it took him 2 more days that’s somewhat fair but also on him.
It would be one thing to over run by 10% so maybe an extra $600-1000 but over $10,000 on a $6,200 estimate should have involved a frick ton of communication by the plumber.
ETA: texting ain’t hard and the plumber should know: “it’s going to take an extra day so probably about $2000 more is that ok” - “sure just do it”
This post was edited on 8/12/26 at 6:30 am
Posted on 8/12/26 at 6:37 am to Skippy1013
Since you offered him $9,000 I’d write a check for $9,000 and not a penny more. Bet he cashes it. It’s done as soon as he does.
If he says anything about the $9k being short, offer to write him a check for $8,200 if he is unhappy with the $9,000
If he says anything about the $9k being short, offer to write him a check for $8,200 if he is unhappy with the $9,000
This post was edited on 8/12/26 at 6:38 am
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