Is an Estimate Legally Binding?

snapyou

Hi There,

I'm getting a lot of work done in my flat so thought the easiest option would be a contractor who would then organise all the workmen needed.
I received estimates by email and the work was due to begin next week.

However,in the mean time I've not been too happy with their communications and service and so got a few individual tradesmens quotes.
For the work I was looking for the Contractor was looking for £12,000
but when costing it with tradesmen the total came to £6000 AND the individual tradesmen provided much better communication and service.

Before I email the Contractor(basically to say,no thanks now) ,am I within my rights to do this and do they have any claim for recompense?

Thanks in advance!

sandiep

An estimate is an estimate provided to you to allow you to make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with a project. It is not legally binding.

However, if you have instructed the contractor, and there is a written agreement in place, that could be legally binding.

My final point though is if the contractor is project managing, and partic acting as foreman that can make a real difference to the project speed and smooth running. Are you happy to pay half the cost if the project takes twice as long to complete? I know that when I had building work done, 2/3 of the total work was done on the 1/4 of the days that the foreman was on site.

Do you have the knowledge to schedule the tradesmen to be on site in what order? Do you have sufficient knowledge to ensure that the tradesmen work is up to the standards you require for signing of building warrants etc (partic the electrical certificate).

The mark up that you are seeing is at the top end of normal.

snapyou

Hi Sandiep,
Thanks for your advice.The work isn't too complicated:kitchen/dining room to have new flooring/decorated/ventilation.Hall:new flooring/decor Bathroom:ventilation.
No building work.
Really no need for a foreman onsite.
I have had the Contractor round twice ,he was here only 5minutes each time whereas the tradesmen have stayed much longer,been much more friendly and helpful,answering all questions.
The contractor has made several errors too e.g. sending us to their hard flooring stockist to pick the wood we'd like then to be told that it wasn't suitable even though the stockist saw the requirements.
We were also sent to their soft floor stockist where there were no samples to be seen and they really didn't have a clue about anything.I told the contractor when he visited two days ago that because of this we would no longer go with them for the soft floor and would need a much more detailed quote for the wood flooring.He said he'd do this by email.However,the email did not give us any more details about the hard flooring and ignored what I said about the soft flooring(i.e. still stating what work they would be doing re the softfloor!)

In addition,all the other tradesmen have given me really detailed quotes with a breakdown of labour costs etc. Something sorely missing from the contractor's quote.

I have not signed anything so do you think I'm ok to tell them where to go?(in the most polite way)

thanks and and look forward to hearing from you

ormus

tell him youve got no money.
he wont be starting work then.

fluffymuffy

Just say that due to a change of circumstances you find you have to put the project on hold for the time being.

jakem_2

An estimate is not legally binding, it is what it is, an estimate.
You need a quote, and if there are any extras they must discuss with you, and if you agree to a price have that in writing also.

Just be warned though that if your having different tradesmen in, it might not run as smooth as you want.

Tiler might say I cant do this cause this hasnt been done, plasterer might say I cant do this cause so and so hasnt done this, Electrician might say I cant chase this in cause etc, floorer, decorator and so on.
Then they might say, well I couldnt get on cause so and so didnt finish this, and I have lost a days work, so need to charge you, as i will have to come back to do it.
Just be warned that this does happen quite a lot.

You have to organise the different trades so that each one has finished thier bit, then the next trade can come in and do thier job without running into hold ups.

27col

Just tell him that you have changed your mind and do not want him to go ahead. The whole arrangement sounds as if you are wide open to getting seen off. I would expect a hell of a lot of work to be done for £12000. His communication skills leave a lot to be desired. It was only an estimate and I doubt that any contact exists between you. For that sort of money there should be a watertight contract that specifies exactly what is being done.

snapyou

Thanks to everyone who advised.Have informed the contractor so now going with individual tradesmen for the vast majority of the work.