He's already done the work
I think you've missed part of the puzzle
I think I did, oops. In that case I am going to do a 180 and say that's probably a reasonable course of action
Builder invoicing over estimate - what would OCUK do?
- Thread starter EvilRob
- Start date
I think I did, oops. In that case I am going to do a 180 and say that's probably a reasonable course of action
Was it an "estimate" he initially provided or a quote? What was the initial agreement? Did he identify "tbc" on the materials aspect?
2 weeks does not represent a change in supplier pricing
Builders can ask merchants to mark up on receipts material costs
I understand an "estimate" on a 20k extension but not on a small amount of fencing.
Poor show from the builder but really depends on what the verbal/written agreement was as frankly its a really small cost.
2 weeks does not represent a change in supplier pricing
Builders can ask merchants to mark up on receipts material costs
I understand an "estimate" on a 20k extension but not on a small amount of fencing.
Poor show from the builder but really depends on what the verbal/written agreement was as frankly its a really small cost.
To those that asked, yes it was an estimate rather than a quote. I can understand materials being a little out based on that, but not 70%. It was a straight forward job - we are talking fencing panels, posts, concrete etc nothing that would have been difficult to estimate.
The same builder did a smaller job for me in the past and there were no issues then.
I think I am going with my original impotent plan of reiterating my dissatisfaction and paying the man. At the end of the day he did the work to a good standard and provided receipts. I think those who say he lowballed materials to make the quote seem cheaper and get the job are probably right.
The same builder did a smaller job for me in the past and there were no issues then.
I think I am going with my original impotent plan of reiterating my dissatisfaction and paying the man. At the end of the day he did the work to a good standard and provided receipts. I think those who say he lowballed materials to make the quote seem cheaper and get the job are probably right.
Soldato
- Joined
- 19 Jan 2006
- Posts
- 4,692
Did the estimate break down material cost too? Was this material costing not vastly different to the other estimates obtained?
You've confirmed he was accurate on his labour charges, so I'm curious as to whether you chose this tradesman due to cheaper material costs alone.
You've confirmed he was accurate on his labour charges, so I'm curious as to whether you chose this tradesman due to cheaper material costs alone.
How much fencing was done and what style, all wood, concrete bases and uprights etc? And where abouts in the UK?
Yes, they do, why?
In this case I did not get any other estimates - I had used him before and been happy with the work, and I have to admit the estimate was lower than I had expected and so I was happy. If it had been higher (more like what the final invoice was), I would have got other estimates.
6 lap panels, palisades, wooden posts, a wooden gate and a small fence repair. All wood. South London.
Deleted User 298457
Deleted User 298457
That's a decent amount of work for under a grand including vat. Pay up.
I would expect any decent tradesman to report cost adjustments to me before doing the work. Eg started the work and discovered an unforeseen issue that needed to be addressed at z amount, happy to sign off? or the merchant increased material cost so it's going to be X more, you still want me to go ahead?
The under estimating without ever muttering a word until after sounds like a deliberate in ploy. Out that behaviour in a negative review or see if he'll settle to avoid that
The under estimating without ever muttering a word until after sounds like a deliberate in ploy. Out that behaviour in a negative review or see if he'll settle to avoid that
I would also just do this.
Agree, I never thought I had been ripped off but disliked the lack of comms and potential underhanded element.
He might be reclaiming that VAT so it might not be the actual price he pays.
But I would pay up as you happy with the work and leave the bad review.
Get away with what exactly? Ensuring he can pay his bills? His prices went up due to increased costs, prices are volatile at the moment, it wasn't a quote, it was an estimate.
His estimate was at best incompetent and at worst deceptive.