Contractor has underquoted

Mike307

I’m in the process of having some gutting and fascias replaced on my house.

Apple Panels Ltd today say they have under quoted – they forgot about the cost of scaffolding – and want to charge me more .

The contract was signed on 23 July and I’ve paid a deposit by cheque, which has been banked by them

I'm not too sure how to handle this - should I try and hold them to the signed contract?

PasturesNew

If you've signed a contract.... legally they have to oblige. Having to pay for the scaffolding out of their own pocket might make them turn up on time and do a full day's work for a change.

One of the criteria HMRC state for being a business/self-employed is that you stand the chance of making losses on your transactions. Hey, good news, they just qualified.

warwicktiger

Was it a quote or an estimate?
If an estimate it means nothing, they can bill a different amount.
If it was a quote does it say e and o excepted? (errors and omissions)

If a written quote without e & oe then hold them to it!

Mike307

It's a signed contract - "Total cost £592 inc VAT" are the words used , signed by me and their rep,

Also since the rep siged this, they have surveyed the house and a second rep has been to my house with paperwork - so three "professionals" from their side have been involved

Looksguywalker

Mike307 wrote: »

I’m in the process of having some gutting and fascias replaced on my house.

Apple Panels Ltd today say they have under quoted – they forgot about the cost of scaffolding – and want to charge me more .

The contract was signed on 23 July and I’ve paid a deposit by cheque, which has been banked by them

I'm not too sure how to handle this - should I try and hold them to the signed contract?

Is gutting (above) an honest mistake?

Mike307

That's my mistake - guttering it should read

pinkshoes

We've just had our fascia boards and guttering replaced, and it cost £900 (including scaffolding).

The scaffolding was £400 for as long as they wanted it.

Your quote sounds quite cheap! You could insist they do it at that price, or if you wanted to, I guess as you have a contract, then if they refuse, then you could get someone else to do it, and bill them for the difference in price.

I'd be worried they'd do a shoddy job at that price, as they'd be making a loss I think!

TonyMMM

Yes, if the contract is signed (and it says nothing about errors, omissions etc.) you could insist they honour the quote ....they may then decide to:

1) Refuse to do the work, and you will have to employ someone else, and then pursue this company though the small claims court for the difference. You may or may not ever get the money back.

2) Grudgingly do the work, but would you want to be worried about the standard they are going to work to knowing they are losing money on the job.... and maybe having to chase them after to put things right.

3) Hold their hands up and bear the loss and do an excellent job.

If you think 1 or 2 above will apply, I would come to some arrangement with them through negotiation....I would think , if they have messed up they will be willing to offer some sort of discount on the total cost.

Auntie-Dolly

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews188880.html#Summary

Get your deposit back - you might have had a lucky escape. I wouldn't expect any company to do a good job while making a £400 loss.

Takeaway_Addict

Mike307 wrote: »

That's my mistake - guttering it should read

That was the posters point, if it is an honest mistake then maybe even though you signed a contract you should pay the extra. If you feel they are trying it on then you could refuse.

Also if you add the £592 plus the scaffolding cost together and it comes above another quote then maybe use that other quote as the maximum u shud pay