Money Moral Dilemma: Should I pay to replace the sink I damaged?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

A friend was replacing their bathroom basin and, having recently done the same myself, I offered my (amateur) assistance. I successfully completed all the plumbing and so on, but when it came to fitting the basin, I dropped and chipped it. It'll cost £70 to replace, and while I'm sorry to have damaged it, I don't think it's right that I should be out of pocket for trying to help. Should I pay for it?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. 

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chrisw

You could always go 50/50.

elsien

Pay for it then charge them for the plumbing work that you've carried out. Unless it springs a leak in which case deny all knowledge and cut off all contact.

Alternatively take the sensible option and talk to your friend about a compromise. That's the thing with these "dilemmas" - not enough context to be able to give any sort of meaningful suggestions. 

EssexExile

You broke it, you replace it.

TELLIT01

You offered to do the work and caused damage.  Of course you should pay to put things right.  If the friend had asked you to do the work and is not paying for it to be done they should suck up the cost for being cheapskate.

Barny1979

You dropped it and caused damage, unless you want to finish the friendship off irreconcilably, then don't pay, otherwise pay it from the moral and correct perspective.

JGB1955

I'd pay...but never offer to help them again!  A friend of ours borrowed our lawn scarifier.....( or it might have been a wallpaper steamer, or a jet wash machine..or bread maker..or something else..... we share lots but stop at sharing spouses). They broke it, bought a new one, and gave us the replacement... guess that's a bit tricky to do with a washbasin!

olgadapolga

JGB1955 said:

They broke it, bought a new one, and gave us the replacement... guess that's a bit tricky to do with a washbasin!

I'm sure that washbasins are available to buy in the shops/online 


To the "OP" - you could always offer to fix it - have you seen this?

https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/diy-projects/a27483568/diy-ramen-noodle-sink-repair-video/

Although it may be quicker and easier just to pay for the replacement.

Barny1979

To add, you proffered your help, not were asked, so your choice to help and put at risk any damage you caused.

--Tony--

The first action of any decent person would be to offer to pay for the damage done, anyone wondering if the "should" pay speaks volumes.
Additionally most real and decent friends would not accept the payment anyway.

Peter_Griffin

It feels like a very British answer but ..... my expectation is that you should offer to pay and apologise profusely, they should politely decline your offer, so you ask again and they decline trying to show as much as grace as possible and hide the fact that they are clearly livid and actually want you to pay but can’t say that.  This should continue for some time ....