Money Moral Dilemma: Our floor fitter says he'll absorb unexpected extra costs - should we chip in?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks…

We got two quotes from the same floor fitter based on how much work would be needed once the old floor was up. It turned out extensive work was needed, so we agreed to the higher quote. Some unforeseen issues have since cropped up, requiring additional materials. The fitter said he'll cover the costs, but mentioned they're not cheap. It's left me feeling awkward - we agreed to the higher quote, so the price should stand. But I don't want to be unfair if he's genuinely taking a hit on things he couldn't predict. Should we stick to the agreed amount, or offer to make a contribution?

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horsewithnoname

ask him what the extra amount is, and maybe go halves? He should have a profit margin but I’m sure you wouldn’t want him to lose money?

gothvixen

I would pay the costs myself. It's the morally correct thing to do.

keithyno.1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996221#Comment_81996221

Exactly what I was going to say! 👍

Just_An_Opinion

If the cost of materials came it at half price do you think the worker would give you it for half price? My guess and probably everyone else's guess is that they would pocket the savings themselves.

You got a price, its gone over thats their responsibility not yours.

irishflojo

I would ask for info on the extra work and how he prices it eg materials and cost and labour.

Has he done a good job to date? Do you know anyone he has done work for?

I would consider going half with materials with no labour fee, just to be fair

Jemma01

It really depends on what the problem is, if for example he lifted one area and found it rotten and he totally didn't anticipate that because it is not near doors/windows were water can leak, then I would totally understand the extra effort needed for time and material, and pay it in full. But if it is something he (from experience) should have guessed as a potential problem, then I probably wouldn't bother because you had ALREADY agreed to the higher cost (which should have been the worst case). I don't appreciate it when I'm taken for a ride. Ppl have budgets for a reason.

I'd also be very nervous that now he'll try to cut corners in doing the perfect job I'd like him to do 😕 because it is apparently out of pocket.

One quote is never enough, you need 3 independent quotes.

john_evmk

This is a really common (and slightly awkward) situation, and your instinct to balance fairness with sticking to an agreement is a good one. 

The key principle: what did the quote actually cover? 

You agreed to the higher quote specifically to account for uncertainty once the old floor came up. That’s important. 

In most trades: 

• A higher “worst-case” quote usually includes contingency for hidden issues 
• The contractor takes on some risk in return for a clearer, capped price for you 

So from a purely contractual/fairness standpoint: you are entitled to stick to the agreed higher quote; and you are not obliged to pay extra for unforeseen issues, especially if the quote was explicitly meant to cover that scenario. 

But there’s also the human side…. 

It sounds like: 

• He didn’t try to upsell you after the fact 
• He’s proactively said he’ll absorb the cost 
• He’s hinted (without pushing) that it’s expensive 

That generally suggests good faith. 

A balanced approach might be worth considering. 

Three reasonable options: 

 Option 1 — Stick to the agreed price (perfectly fair) 

You could simply say: 

“We agreed the higher quote would cover unexpected issues, so I think we should stick to that.” 

This is completely reasonable and not unfair. 

Option 2 — Offer a goodwill contribution (nice middle ground) 

If you feel uncomfortable and want to acknowledge his position without reopening the contract: 

• Offer a partial contribution, not full cost 
• Frame it as goodwill, not obligation 

Example: 

“I really appreciate you handling the extra issues — I know we agreed a price, but I’d be happy to contribute something towards the additional materials as a gesture.” 

This keeps: 

• The original agreement intact 
• The relationship positive 
• You in control of how much extra you pay 

Option 3 — Ask for clarity before deciding 

If you're unsure how significant the extra cost is: 

“Out of interest, what sort of additional costs are we talking about?” 

This lets you: 

• Judge whether it’s minor (e.g. £50–£100 — probably worth covering) 
• Or significant (hundreds — where you may stick to the agreement) 

A practical rule of thumb 

• If the extra cost is small relative to the job contributing is a kind gesture 
• If it’s substantial the original quote should stand 

My honest recommendation 

Given everything you’ve said: 

 You are fully justified in sticking to the agreed higher quote - but offering a small goodwill contribution (if you can afford it) is a classy move that helps maintain goodwill. 

This also increases the chances of: 

• Better finishing touches 
• Willingness to fix any snags later 
• A positive working relationship overall 

One last thought:

Tradespeople often remember reasonable clients — and that can pay off in responsiveness or future work. But fairness cuts both ways, and you already accepted a higher quote to cover risk, so don’t feel pressured. 

emsi_b

Something in addition to what others have said- do you have other work in the future you might want this person to do for you, and do you actually want them in your house? I have removed perfectly reasonably priced traders from my personal vendor list as I just didn't like them or want them in my home. It's not MoneySaving, but if I have to have people in my home when I'm by myself, then they have to pass the vibe check!

If you like them well enough, and can see that there's more work for them in the future, then have a serious conversation with them about how you portion the extra costs.

theonetruedom

I've been in this situation with a roofer, who similarly suggested he'd absorb the cost. I happily paid the cost of the additional, unforeseen materials, as they were unforeseen, and I didn't want him spending his labour costs on materials.

VT82

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996519#Comment_81996519

Imagine going to the bother of asking ChatGPT for a response to the MSE weekly money moral dilemma 😂