Company has done work on house with no permission or contract?

MrScotty

Where do I stand when a compnay has carried out works to my property that was no authorised either verbally or written. There was no contract in place for them to do any work, in fact, all I had requested a s quote a few months back, which I never received.

Work has been completed, well, 90% of it.. and they are wanting me to pay for it... This work did need to be done, but Id not given them any permission to do it, and I had lined someone else up.. However, I dont see that this has any bearing of waht they did...

From advice I have taken, it seems clear cut.. as there was no contract for them to do any work, I dont really owe them anything.
Ive aksen them what they intend to do to resolve things, and they are seeking legal advice... Do they have a leg to stand on?? I may be happy to negotiate with them if they complete the work, but this surely must be on my terms? I dont owe them anyting....

jdturk

depends on what it is and how much for as to what I would do

MrScotty

depends on what it is and how much for as to what I would do

Im not really asking what people would do, Im trying to find out from a legal point of view where I, and they stand....

The_Hallowed_Way

MrScotty wrote: »

Im not really asking what people would do, Im trying to find out from a legal point of view where I, and they stand....

Consult a solicitor then.

Paul_Varjak

How did they manage to do 90% of the work, without your knowledge? What was the work and how much time did they spend doing it? I guess it could be argued that if they did the work with your knowledge then there is some sort of 'implied contract'.

If you agree they can finish the work then, I think, it must be on 'reasonable terms'. If you cannot agree what the 'reasonable terms' are then you may have to let a court decide.

MrScotty

They had been given the worng address, and did the work without my knowledge when I wasnt there!!

There is simply no contract, implied or otherwise!!

Im about to see a solicitor, but thought I would use these forums to get a bit of free info... CAB was useless!!!

Hintza

They obviously think they have a contract.

MrScotty

Er no, as I said, they were sent to the wrong address and did the work on my house, rather than someone elses.. as crazy as this sounds, its as simple as that!!!!

Optimist

If as you say there was no contract then they will find it difficult to enforce a judgement against you in court. Whether you have a moral obligation to pay them for the work done when as you say the work needed doing and you were going to have it done anyway is up to you

aeb_2

My mum arrived home to find her whole drive dug up to the depth of about 9". The contractor had missread **5 for **3. They should have been working nextdoor.

She used her house insurance and the builders insurance to get it all sorted. Luckily the contractor was a big firm with an excellent reputation in the area so they were fully insured. Her house insurance, however, insisted on using one of their companies to finish the job. (Something to do with preventing some sort of scam) Anyway that firm was good too, so, although she no longer has the weathered drive which suited her house it is all sorted. Not sure if this helps, good luck!

MrScotty

Im not saying I wont pay, but Im not paying what they have asked for. I had already agreed the work to be done with someone else, who has agreed to do more work, for less money, they were recommended, so I know they are trustworthy.

I need to find the balance between what I owe the person meant to be doing it, for materials.. etc.. and the people who have done the job without my consent...

Ive heard of this happening, companies who have little or no work, conducting work they have not been told to do, then billing for it... weve all seen rogue traders!!!