House Clearance

JoshuaUK

Just asking for some advice. Got a quote from a company for house clearance. One month later they've got back to me asking for more money as it's a bigger job that they first thought (they only cleared two and a half rooms so far). Can I hold them to their original quote?

Flugelhorn

did they come and look at the work before they quoted?

Silvertabby

Are you sure they gave you a 'quote' and not an 'estimate'?

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that a quote is a fixed contract for a fixed price whereas an estimate is just that - the final bill could be lower or higher depending on problems encountered/time taken.

Uxb1

Agree with the previous replies - and just to add
Are there any clauses in their T&C's which allow them to vary the price: which is common in say doing building work on old houses where unexpected issues may suddenly be discovered once work starts.

JoshuaUK

Yes, they came round for a look first. Yes it was a quote and not an estimate.

unholyangel

Uxb1 wrote: »

Agree with the previous replies - and just to add
Are there any clauses in their T&C's which allow them to vary the price: which is common in say doing building work on old houses where unexpected issues may suddenly be discovered once work starts.

There are very few circumstances where price variation clauses are permitted in a consumer contract. Particularly if its discretionary variation. Because you cannot have a contract that is binding only on one party while allowing the other unilateral variations.

unholyangel

JoshuaUK wrote: »

Yes, they came round for a look first. Yes it was a quote and not an estimate.

How did you enter the contract?

Did you call them? Visit their premises? Email? Website?

If the contract was formed as a distance or is an off premises contract - under the consumer contracts (information, cancellation & additional charges) regulations - then they should have given you certain information before the contract was binding on you in a durable medium. Part of that info is the total price inclusive of taxes etc. If the price cannot be calculated in advance then they must tell you how the price will be calculated.

A change to any of that information - before or after entering the contract - is not binding unless its expressly agreed (aka in writing).

JoshuaUK

Phoned them up, organised a visit so they could come round to look at the house. Got a quote from them as an email a day later. Accepted their quote. They asked for the money in advance (I know big mistake). Now one month later they're asking for more money to finish the job (they've only cleared 3 rooms so far ).

GDB2222

Paid with credit card?

Incidentally, I had to clear a garage and I was dissatisfied with all the quotes I got. I hired a van, and I found that it was far, far more work than I had anticipated. Of course, a professional firm ought To be able to estimate rather more effectively than me!

Tom99

Unless you hid things they could not see I would tell them they must stick to their quote. I am sure there are other jobs which turn out easier than they thought but I doubt a refund is offered.
But the fact you have already paid them, which shows they type they are, points to them not coming back.