Quoted price for a job increased since agreeing to get work done - are we committed?

fezster

If you agreed to proceed on the basis of a quote, rather than an estimate, then the onus is on the contractor to get agreement from you on any increased costs.

I'd argue that if a contract was signed, then the contractor is bound by that quote, regardless of any increased costs. In reality, it'd be very difficult for him to proceed with a job if making a loss.

twopenny

I employ a small  firm of plumbers. Only 2 of them and one part time. 
They still give a detailed quote in writing. Agreement is - agreed, in writing ie email.
You still have the potential 'i didn't realise it was that bad' or the unexpected to raise the price again.

Thrugelmir

Rather than waste the contractors time and allow him to take on additional work only fair that you cancel now. Little point in dithering.  Business is business. No one will take it personally. 

sghughes42

fezster said:

If you agreed to proceed on the basis of a quote, rather than an estimate, then the onus is on the contractor to get agreement from you on any increased costs.

I'd argue that if a contract was signed, then the contractor is bound by that quote, regardless of any increased costs. In reality, it'd be very difficult for him to proceed with a job if making a loss.

If we wanted to get awkward with him we haven't actually signed any contract. Back in May he sent quotes over for the two options and said he'd provisionally booked us in. We never actually confirmed this with him at the time, although I guess when he asked us recently we did confirm the date was OK, but no agreement what work we were wanting him to do.

So, with no agreement exactly what work was being done and only a provisional booking he's ordered and paid for materials...

fenwick458

seems the contractor has jumped the gun ordering materials, which is their fault, not your problem....

or, maybe they haven't but just don't want to lose the job and are using the "materials already ordered" to try and force you to go with them?

I'm fairly certain you could just ignore them forever and nothing bad will happen, but (to play it safe and save wasting their time) probably best to let them know that you had not accepted the quote so therefore are under no obligation..