Builder invoicing over estimate - what would OCUK do?

[EvilRob]

I needed some fencing and a gate replacing. Fairly simple job. Got an estimate of just over £700 from a builder, who then invoiced around £950. This represents a 70% increase in cost of materials over the estimate (no change in labour). Was not informed of this increase prior to work being completed.

There were no unexpected additional materials required. When queried, builder says materials prices have gone up massively recently. However, the estimate was only 2 weeks ago.

What would OCUK do?

The builder has provided receipts for materials so I will probably just pay, however have expressed my unhappiness with his inaccurate estimate. That feels a little impotent though - should I be making a fuss that the estimate should have been more accurate and I should have had the opportunity to approve the increase?

 

[chrcoluk]

I got no idea legally where you stand, but I do know back in the day when my dad ran his gardening business, he never ever charged differently to what he estimated.

It seems like he under estimated with the chance you had multiple quotes so he would get the job.

 

[Kill_Phil]

Best just suck it up. If you've seen the receipts too you need to ask yourself is it worth the hassle kicking up a stink, when they're not likely to budge?

I'm guessing the other quotes were around the 950 mark too?

As above poster says probably just tried to underprice to get job in the first place which is a douche bag move.

 

[montymint]

Pay then leave a negative review. Explain the uplift in costs were withing 2 weeks of the estimate, rather than months.

It is worth noting prices are going up fast, but not that much I don't think.

 

[thenewoc]

Isn't an estimate different from a quote? Surely an estimate is going to be a rough guide and when it comes to doing the job the cost of materials may have changed or more materials were required.

 

[koolpc]

Did he do a good job?

 

[tom_e]

Surely the clue is in the word "estimate"?

Although I'd definitely not be happy that he didn't at least mention the fact that it's going to come in nearly £300 more expensive, even a quick call while he was at the suppliers would have been nice although it sounds like he didn't want to lose the job so went with forgiveness over permission.

 

[200sols]

Prices have not risen 70% in the last 2 weeks. He's having you on, probably shown you his pre discount invoice from the merchant.

 

[Reuben klang]

It’s an estimate not a quote. They’re always lower in order to get the job.

You have to ask yourself has he done a good job? If so, pay the man his money and move on.

 

[200sols]

It’s an estimate not a quote. They’re always lower in order to get the job.

You have to ask yourself has he done a good job? If so, pay the man his money and move on.

Its 35% higher than the estimate, not acceptable.

 

[peige]

He should have told you that his estimate was out due to being out on material costs, at best as he was about to buy the material, at worse before he sent in the bill.
From my own work I know its hard to keep up with material costs and doing a material quote for every single job isn't really practical, you go by what you were last charged but that falls down if you don't buy that material often. Most trades people estimate in the evenings and work in the day so tough to juggle all the balls. I'm sympathetic to both sides on this but it definitely could have been handled better, he has been happy to show material costs though so I don't think he's pulling a fast one.

Were there another quotes that was better by what he's ended up costing? if not then nobody has lost anything. Pretty shoddy and I guess I would pay but leave a negative review stating what has happened.

 

[Participant]

Tell him you'll either split the difference or go to dispute. Being so far away from his estimate is his fault not yours.

 

[Deleted User 298457]

I thought this would have been some complicated extension or loft conversion. Not being able to give an accurate quote for a fence is nonesense. Unfortunately if you didn't get a proper quotation (I assume that is why you are using the word 'estimate' then I guess you are SOOL).

 

[Rroff]

Lesson for next time (and something I need to keep in mind) - good idea to get a quote once you've narrowed down your choices with estimates. While I wouldn't consider it a reasonable increase without being agreed in advance I've seen much worse :s

 

[Adam]

Pay then leave a negative review. Explain the uplift in costs were withing 2 weeks of the estimate, rather than months.

It is worth noting prices are going up fast, but not that much I don't think.

That's cowardly. If you have an issue with the quote then a) raise it with him or b) decline the work and find someone else if you think the pricing is excessive.

To accept the invoice with the intention of tarnishing somebody's business regardless of the standard of job they carry out is wrong.

 

[Deleted User 298457]

That's cowardly. If you have an issue with the quote then a) raise it with him or b) decline the work and find someone else if you think the pricing is excessive.

To accept the invoice with the intention of tarnishing somebody's business regardless of the standard of job they carry out is wrong.

Providing a vastly incorrect estimate on such a simple job is the sign of a muppet. The world should know what to expect with this individual.

 

[Adam]

Providing a vastly incorrect estimate on such a simple job is the sign of a muppet. The world should know what to expect with this individual.

It wouldn't sit well with me and I'd use that as a sign that he isn't the right person for the job. We are talking about fencing where these companies are in plentiful supply.

I don't understand why you'd agree to the work with the intention of leaving a negative review. Do you think that's reasonable?

 

[Deleted User 298457]

It wouldn't sit well with me and I'd use that as a sign that he isn't the right person for the job. We are talking about fencing where these companies are in plentiful supply.

He's already done the work

I don't understand why you'd agree to the work with the intention of leaving a negative review. Do you think that's reasonable?

I think you've missed part of the puzzle

 

[Martynt74]

It wouldn't sit well with me and I'd use that as a sign that he isn't the right person for the job. We are talking about fencing where these companies are in plentiful supply.

I don't understand why you'd agree to the work with the intention of leaving a negative review. Do you think that's reasonable?

That's not what's happening though. The work has already been carried out.

 

[bloodiedathame]

I'd probably say that it's a lot more than the estimate and ask to meet in the middle.