Estimate Increase for Work I Thought Was Included

GreenSaints

Hi all,

Long time since I posted last, but I'm hoping you can help me please.

Long story short, got a new kitchen from IKEA and had stone worktops so had to use their fitters, which was fine. When they came to do the survey I asked them to price for all the other stuff (plastering, electrics etc)

They sent me an estimate (key word) with a load of work, not very descriptive, so I specifically asked for a breakdown of the electrical works as it seemed high. They then sent an email with the breakdown which stated 6 sockets.

I got a final invoice from them stating they wanted paying for 3 sockets as this wasn't on the estimate. I emailed them to say why are they charging me for 3 extra sockets when that's always been the number and they said it was an administration error in the estimate. I said that because they broke it down, I deemed it was included and would not be paying.

I received another letter today from the boss saying he was frustrated and saddened I wasn't paying for this.

I don't feel an administration error is my issue to pay for. Am I right?

Thanks in advance

stator

If you have evidence it was included in the original estimate then that's what you paid for. See you in court etc

missile

Good for you, having the foresight to clarify their estimate in advance.

tacpot12

While an estimate is usually revisable, because your query and the response was so specific, I'd say you have a good case.

glasgowdan

I'm sure the boss will survive through his sadness. Move on.

Furts

An estimate is not a quote, nor is it a contract. Mistakes happen - we all make them- and the estimate could be erroneous. The outcome is simple - how many sockets were in the kitchen? OP has not told us, but these should be paid for.

missile

Furts wrote: »

An estimate is not a quote, nor is it a contract. ....

Yeah right. I am sure IKEA would have given OP a refund had the work cost less than their estimate. :A

[Deleted User]

GreenSaints wrote: »

Hi all,

Long time since I posted last, but I'm hoping you can help me please.

Long story short, got a new kitchen from IKEA and had stone worktops so had to use their fitters, which was fine. When they came to do the survey I asked them to price for all the other stuff (plastering, electrics etc)

They sent me an estimate (key word) with a load of work, not very descriptive, so I specifically asked for a breakdown of the electrical works as it seemed high. They then sent an email with the breakdown which stated 6 sockets.

I got a final invoice from them stating they wanted paying for 3 sockets as this wasn't on the estimate. I emailed them to say why are they charging me for 3 extra sockets when that's always been the number and they said it was an administration error in the estimate. I said that because they broke it down, I deemed it was included and would not be paying.

I received another letter today from the boss saying he was frustrated and saddened I wasn't paying for this.

I don't feel an administration error is my issue to pay for. Am I right?

Thanks in advance

Sorry a bit OT here but how have you found the actual kitchen and who fitted it? I'm getting an IKEA kitchen and waiting on tradesmen to quote I do have their fitting quote for comparison (without tiling or finishing).

Thanks.

stator

Furts wrote: »

An estimate is not a quote, nor is it a contract. Mistakes happen - we all make them- and the estimate could be erroneous. The outcome is simple - how many sockets were in the kitchen? OP has not told us, but these should be paid for.

If the number of stockets installed was the same as included in the details of the estimate then they have been paid for.
Otherwise what would stop the company deciding that the estimate included nothing and everything has to be paid for on top?

GreenSaints

Hi all,

Sorry for the late reply. I didn't get any email notifications to say anyone responded!

The number of sockets we asked for was 6, 6 have been installed.

So the estimate detailed electrical work but it wasn't really specific. It had separate lines for work and next to sockets it said 3. Arguably, it didn't say number, each, hours anything - so you could say it wasn't explicit.

When I emailed to ask a breakdown for the electrical works, that's when they said there was 6. They have said in the letter that it's the customers responsibility to check to make sure everything is required and correct. Since I asked for clarity, I'm ok, right?

missile

I would say yes.