My parents got a quote of around 15000 to get the roof done. My mother put a down payment of 500 and my father, who has dementia, signed something, she is not sure what. 10 days or so later, she gets a letter in the mailbox from the contractor saying that he forgot the hst and so the total is much higher near 18000. She doesn't want to go ahead with the work as it is much higher than she thought. All she has is a receipt for the 500 she put down. Can she back out of it?
Depending on how the contract was worded. Price quoted is what he gets paid for. If price changes to $18000 then no deal . There may be some additional cost for rotted sheeting but this should be stated in the contract with a price.
I believe if dad has dementia that he legally couldn't be held accountable.. price seems high but if place is large and high possibly. I think she is out the 500.
Your mom should clearly say thank you for you quote I assumed the cost was $15000.00 that's why I gave you the deposit I assumed it was the total cost and included HST, as we can not afford the $15000.00 plus HST please refund my deposit. Please and Thank you, send it registered mail that requires a signature, As no work has take place and no materials have been delivered she should not have an issue.
Another point I would like to make is most contractors clearly state in the contract the Price is $15000.00 plus HST, sometimes contractors leave this out to get the job receive a deposit that say Oh by the way that price didn't include HST when it really did
Search the TrustedPros directory and discover the best contractors in your area.
Find your home service pro