Altering a quote

TheWoose

Hi all - first post so be gentle!

We're having two new patios in our garden. The guy we've contracted to do the work quoted £4995 for 48m2 of indian sandstone. This was about right given the other quotes we've had so we went ahead.

He's almost finished but now claims that he needs another 3 sq m of sandstone as "it was bigger than I thought". This seems astonishing to me as he measured up in the first place (although according to my wife, he was rather slapdash about the measuring).

My question, then, is whether he is within his rights to charge us extra (around £300), or whether he was responsible for not measuring correctly in the first place, and hence is liable for the costs incurred?

LondonPlumbers

If he's supplied and fitted you with 48m2 of indian sandstone and it requires a further 3m2 to finish the job then that is what I would probably pay him. If on the other hand he has either miscut or broke the slabs then that is his fault as he should have allowed a percentage for this. If you are happy with the work that he has done for you so far and the additional material costs are within reason then I see no reason why he should supply this to to you for free.

Canucklehead

TheWoose wrote: »

Hi all - first post so be gentle!

We're having two new patios in our garden. The guy we've contracted to do the work quoted £4995 for 48m2 of indian sandstone. This was about right given the other quotes we've had so we went ahead.

He's almost finished but now claims that he needs another 3 sq m of sandstone as "it was bigger than I thought". This seems astonishing to me as he measured up in the first place (although according to my wife, he was rather slapdash about the measuring).

My question, then, is whether he is within his rights to charge us extra (around £300), or whether he was responsible for not measuring correctly in the first place, and hence is liable for the costs incurred?

Good afternoon: see here and here.

HTH

Canucklehead

Yooj_2

TheWoose wrote: »

My question, then, is whether he is within his rights to charge us extra (around £300), or whether he was responsible for not measuring correctly in the first place, and hence is liable for the costs incurred?

The answer to your question is entirely dependent upon your contract which you have in place with the builder. If the contract is relatively loose, then you could probably argue with him until the cows come home...

I am assuming that all prices are supply and fit, including the £300 extra...therefore, a possible resolution would be to approach the builder, state your unhappiness with regards to the extra, but as a gesture of good will, you meet him in the middle, and pay for the extra materials - £150, and he gives you the extra labour at no charge to fit the 3sqm of patio.

jackieglasgow

Really useful post Canucklehead.

iamcornholio

Quoting £4995 for any type of building work makes me think that he has not actually worked it out. I've never known such a nicely rounded figure!

Specifically, if he has quoted for the job of laying two patios to the dimensions which you specified, then thats the price it should be. Bigger than he thought or not

Would he reduce the price if it was smaller than he thought? Maybe not

The thing to consider is if other quotes which you may have had, would now become cheaper once this guy adds on his extra £300?

You need to be pragmatic. If this is a genuine mistake and the work is done well then I'd say don't try and screw the guy. If however, this is the latest in problems, then you may not want to be so amenable