Are quotes binding?

charlottejones_2

I'm sure this has been done to death elsewhere but wondered if anyone could help me.

We have had a quote for preparing our floor and laying amtico. We agreed the price and paid a deposit. The fitter has been today and says that it needs more screeding so wants an extra £180. (It was the salesperson who priced the job, not him)

We're a bit annoyed about it, as feel the quote was for the job and if they needed extra then that should have been included in the price in the first place. £180 in the scheme of things isn't that much, and we do need this floor doing so will probably end up paying, but it does rankle. Should we be paying it, or is it the company's problem?

LandyAndy

Does it say Quotation not Estimate?

Is there any small print regarding variations resulting from matters that come to light in the course of works?

macman

Quotes are binding, estimates are not. If it's the former it's their problem, not yours.

ormus

quotes are only binding for the work quoted for.
ie if no screeding was included and is then required later on, then its an extra.

charlottejones_2

Just had a look, it says quotation

ormus

ps
i used to itemise all my quotes and put a time limit on them.
ie
this quote is valid for 30/60/90 days. esp in the days of high inflation.

charlottejones_2

screeding was included

macman

Then IMHO the supplier has to honour the quoted price once you accept it. If the salesman priced it up wrongly that is an issue for him, not you.

charlottejones_2

Just had another look at it - specifically says the cost includes any additional screed work - getting more annoyed!!

danofessex

I generally count quotes as binding and estimates as a likely price.

If it's a small amount of money on a job i usually take the hit from my wallet.

I would as a customer want to speak to the manager
and at least get a discount on the £180, as a quote should be honoured. If his staff don't agree on what needs doing it should only be a estimate to start with.

thats quite a difference on screed, so one of thems wrong and the company should realise it.

On larger jobs If i give a set price, i write a job description of what is included in the price. here's a shortened version.

job description for Mrs appletree: removing wallpaper & painting the bedroom.

remove old wallpaper in bedroom, clean surfaces and minor filling plus a couple of repairs to blown plaster.

*if walls are not sound in a few places after removing wallpaper i would recommend they are replastered. Replastering not included in the price, we can give you a quote for the plastering if required.

if the walls are fine 2 coats to ceiling, walls and woodwork.
with a sand and wash down between coats.

*if replastered a mist coat will be needed. x amount on top of the price shown, this will include any extra paint required.

price includes materials and labour.


total £xxx

danofessex

if it says includes any additional screed, dont pay it.