How bad is this overcharging for materials to elderly mother

AnnieQ

I'm not quite sure what to think about a builder overcharging my elderly mum who lives on her own. She wanted a sink and tap replaced in her fitted kitchen. It was a like for like replacement of size so required little or no cutting out of the work top. There was also less than 3 square metres of regrouting. The builder invoiced her for two days work, which seems a lot.

More cut and dried is that he charged her £285 for materials which I can pick up for £86 in b and q - I am certain that they are the exact same. It's a 14 quid tap which wobbles so I expect it will not last long. He has stated in my hearing that he does not EVER add on his cut for materials.

The builder has been doing jobs for my mum for over a decade, including roofs. She is getting a new bathroom in the next few weeks.

Is this acceptable behaviour? I am really upset. I dont know if I should talk to my mother about it. She has had really bad experiences in the past with cowboys who have left her with roofs which leak, toilets that werent fitted correctly so leak, cut wiring leaving potentially dangerous live wires or simply left with a deposit and never seen again. This builder is slow and pricey for the area ( a northern town) but my mum is comfortable and hes always left things well done. I dont know how many thousands hes overcharged her over the years tho - this is the first time I have seen a receipt.

iMayne

Simple solution, ask for an itemized invoice. I am not in the building trade so I know little about their materials.

AnnieQ

Well, yes, I agree. And get a quote upfront. As I mentioned it is my mother who had the work done. I feel that my mother has been lied to and defrauded by someone she has contracted regularly over more than a decade. But I dont know how other mse boarders would feel about it, or if I should try to interfere, especiallyas my mum is about give him a few grand for a new bathroom.

iMayne

The elderly are too kind and that's why most tradesmen abuse that kindness. I personally think he is overcharging. You should intervene or ask what exactly that money will be used for. Or get another quote regardless if you have used him for years.

AnnieQ

Thanks. I know my mum feels comfortable ith him, and that does have a value. But perhaps its not worth doubling the cost of Labour and tripling the cost of materials. She already paid this bill for this small job. I dont want to see either my mum or the builder embarrassed, just want to not have to worry about her getting ripped off for years to come.

Mojisola

iMayne wrote: »

The elderly are too kind and that's why most tradesmen abuse that kindness.

Very unfair comment. Most charge the going rate; quite a few will do jobs at a cheaper rate for the elderly.

iMayne

The word most plays a vital part in what I have said. And yes, most people use other people's kindness for weakness.

Mojisola

iMayne wrote: »

The word most plays a vital part in what I have said. And yes, most people use other people's kindness for weakness.

I'm glad I don't live in your world.

iMayne

I am pleased you do not.

AnnieQ

Well that escalated quickly. Watching my mother's experience with tradesmen, however, they have exploited this widow living on her own more times than they have not. I think she gets visibly overwhelmed and looks an easy target. Thats why I have been upset that one my mum has relied on for so long lied to her face and about taking a cut and overcharged her so significantly. I know there are good people out there, but its often hard to tell who is who on first sight.

phill99

The problem is the builder is at liberty to charge what he likes for materials. There is a business justification for marking up materials. The item has to be bought, then invoiced, accountants have to be paid to deal with the receipt etc. However blatant extortion is morally unjust. My late mum was the same though and used tradesmen that used her as a Christmas bonus. But she was comfortable with them in her house and that counts for a lot with the elderly.