More money than signed on the contract

11/30/2015 at 3:16:27 PM

Any decent contractor usually gives you an estimate of cost and if there are any changes from that estimate they should notify you first to get the go ahead before doing anything. I have never heard of 10% managing fee that's outrageous. Some contractors will ask for a deposit. As far as paying him well I'd ask for proof as in the receipts from the rental place before paying anything. Not sure where you live but here in BC as a contractor if a customer does not pay his bill the contractor can put a lean on the property. However if everything was verbal and he has no proof of paying 300 I'd send him packing.

11/30/2015 at 3:16:34 PM

Sometimes in the construction business, there may be certain unexpected expenses that come up. Good work ethic is to tell the customer this and then if something comes up, we talk to the customer before we proceed.

Something you can ask is... How are the extra expenses justified from the original contact? Why were these extra expenses not written in the original price?

You are within your right to not pay anything outside of the contract if it's not justified.

Good luck.

Darlene

11/30/2015 at 3:18:50 PM

If it was not in the contract - you don't pay it.. When we quote a price and it is a lump sum quote and we have no contract povisions for rental of special equipment or management fees then it is not applicable.

Stand your ground.. your contract and agreed upon price will protect you.

11/30/2015 at 4:24:25 PM

Louise,

You did the proper thing by contacting him and stating your case. Everything should be discussed "up front", including added costs. If a contractor has to go over the agreed amount, he should contact you prior to doing the work ... and receive your approval. As to the added Management fees/Profit, that should all be included in the initial quote. A contractor can put a lien against a clients dwelling if payment has not been processed, however in your case it would cost him more than the job to do so. Pay him the first agreed amount and attach a letter stating the added charges were not discussed or confirmed, Keep a copy for yourself. If he approaches you for additional money after that, tell him to go through a lawyer. Chances are that he will back away. You might also mention that you have feedback from other contractors who support honesty and fair pricing.

Regards from Alberta.

11/30/2015 at 5:01:34 PM

Louise,

I've seen this happen so many times. A professional will always have all the costs written up front. A work order / contract is how it's done. Any extra costs should have been amended to the original work order and signed off by you.

This is very typical with contractors low balling quotes to get the job then try and make up for their costs by price gauging the homeowner later.

Don't pay him more then what was agreed upon. If he can't run his business like pro then he shouldn't be in this business. Maybe now these types of poor contractors will think twice and actually get on board.

11/30/2015 at 7:42:48 PM

Hi Louise,

As long as something that was not stated in the contract, you have the right of not paying such extras expenses and the contractor should be responsible for that.

Regards!