Builder adding 'extras' as we go? What is reasonable?

phil_b_2

Hi all,

I'm having a massive amount of building works done to a renovation property. Most is a specified value, e.g heating, rewire, extension, loft conversion, plastering etc.

As we progress, the builders have needed to do small little extras to achieve the desired outcome. For example, run a couple of extra plastic heating pipes to a location for a radiator which was missed off the plans. Other small bits include having to fix some extra lats in order to plasterboard a section of wall etc.

I have a received a list of said extras with associated costs, which adds up to several thousands. Some of which seems very unreasonable for the task specified. Some of the jobs were done months ago, and I don't get informed the costs are racking up along the way. Does this sound right?
Is it not expected that a bit of extra work here and there will be required on a large scale renovation? I'm sure it balances out in the end.

At this rate I will be crippled by these extras hitting the budget.

I'm thinking about how to challenge the builder on some of these points but it's tricky as I'm not in the position of power here. If they walked off the job I'd be up the creak.

bris

It's reasonable not to get ripped off, sounds like that's whats happening.


You need to challenge them now or they will keep taking you for a mug. Get them to justify the extra work. I wouldn't be surprised if some of it, like the plasterboard for instance shouldn't be done in the first place.

teneighty

Extras can be a contentious issue so whoever is managing the project needs to keep on top of them and understand when they can be charged and how to value them.

The fact that you have let some of these extras slide for several months has probably given the builder the impression it is open season and he can charge whatever and whenever he likes.

You need to go through them in detail and decide if they are actually legitimate extras and whether the amounts claimed by the builder are reasonable.

Risteard

Of course you have to pay for all extras. It is wholly unreasonable and wrong and invalid to believe that these are accepted as part of doing a project. If things are added that weren't priced for initially then of course you must pay for these (and it could be at a higher rate than the initial work as it may now be more awkward etc.).

moneyistooshorttomention

Depends on whether the price OP was given is a "written quotation" or an "estimate". If it's an "estimate" OP could be stuffed - but should still do what they can to keep an eye on things.

If it's a "written quotation" - the builder has to stick to agreed cost.

I had that on my first house - had a load of electrical work done and a "written quotation" price given. Come the time - he tried to charge me and the excuse was "It was one more light than I'd bargained on". I asked which light that was - and it was one I had seen him mentally counting as he walked round the place assessing it prior to doing that "written quotation" - so he had included it, but was trying to use it as an excuse (hoping I'd not seen him mentally go "Light no x" as he walked round - but I had....).

I paid him the price he'd stated and thanked goodness I'd specified it was to be "written quotation" and not "estimate".

comeandgo

Who is project managing this? If there are the wrong details on the drawings that's not the builders fault so you need to pay the extra. The rates for extras should have been agreed at start of contract.

Risteard

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

If it's a "written quotation" - the builder has to stick to agreed cost.

A quotation is only valid for the works agreed. If extras are added then these are extra - they don't have anything to do with the existing quote.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

phil_b wrote: »

For example, run a couple of extra plastic heating pipes to a location for a radiator which was missed off the plans. Other small bits include having to fix some extra lats in order to plasterboard a section of wall etc.

I have a received a list of said extras with associated costs, which adds up to several thousands.

Can you post a list and prices? You should expect to pay for extra work but it's not really possible to say if the rates are fair based on the limited info given.

pmartin86

phil_b wrote: »

As we progress, the builders have needed to do small little extras to achieve the desired outcome. For example, run a couple of extra plastic heating pipes to a location for a radiator which was missed off the plans.



Is it not expected that a bit of extra work here and there will be required on a large scale renovation? I'm sure it balances out in the end.

So presumably in your line of work, when your boss approaches you at 4Pm on a Friday and says


"Sorry pal, I didn't tell you this but we have "3 hours of work" that needs doing by 8am tomorrow, can you get it sorted? I know you have your kids birthday to go to, but it all balances out right?"


Thats ok with you? If extras are needed that were missed in the spec you have 2 choices, you pay, or you go without. You haven't specified WHAT you were being charged so we can't judge if the costs are proportionate, but assuming that the builder will "cover it" is frankly ridiculous.

skintandfat

OP

It may be helpful to check if the builder has given you information relating to the cooling off period

You should have had a written contract which detailed the cooling off period
If this is not done then the builder cannot enforce ANY invoice, never mind one for extras

Ask him to break down the extra works with more detail - labour and materials.

This may shift the balance of power- he will be shocked, stunned and then nice when he figures he has fluffed up.

littlerock

this happened to a friend of mine. To stop it happening she had to ask for a list of planned work in advance each week and for 24 hours notice of any additional work to be approved in advance. she also made regular site visits to inspect and approve any significant changes builders said were needed.