I have signed a contract for over $24,000 for the demolition, hauling and repair of a vinyl deck with a new polyurethane deck. The deck is exposed, underneath it there is the swimming pool pump and filter with open access. The vinyl has been removed, and I am asked to pay $43,500 because of rotten wood. I have asked for an itemization of the cost overrun to try to keep this project on budget. I understand that there might be a 10-20% increase, but at almost double the cost of the contract (and we are still at the demolition phase) this seems somewhat too rich. Any ideas?
Edmund.
Edmund, I am totally surprised by the amount the contractor is charging. The wood replace is relatively inexpensive, no where near the extra dollar amount. Requesting an itemized account for anticipated labour and material is totally within you right. I would also contact another "competitor" and request an estimate. For not, I would suggest that you ask the current contractor to stop in his/her tracks and not do anything more until you are satisfied with the evaluation. Not seeing the situation, I can't provide my opinion but double the cost appears to be way out of line. Sorry to hear of your situation. Mark
Edmund,
This sounds to be totally unreasonable and asking for a breakdown for the additional cost is within your rights. You may want to review proceeding with this contractor and get a second opinion.
Good luck with your renovations!
I own a property maintenance company I can repair that for a third a cost depending on material used. Your being taken.
Yup I would stop the work and get a second opinion/estimate. As well look into the option of cost + materials. This is where you purchase the materials and he has his labour charges. I recently did a 22'x36' composite deck and the total cost did not even come close to that price.
Edmund,
You need to stop work immediately, considering your deck was open from underneath the contractor should have given you a very specific number the cost of $24000.00 should have included a 10% cost for the unexpected, what is the size of the deck and what does that work out to be per sqft. Get another estimate.
Hi Edmund,
Can you tell me the square footage of the deck you're building? I'll give you an estimate.
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