$11000 over the Estimate

[dcamp]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

Situation; I just recently purchased a modular home. With Modular Homes you actually have two contractors; 1. The company you purchased the home from, 2. The contractor that will complete: foundation, Garage, well, septic, porch etc... This is my dilemma; everything is complete, and my family is actually moving at this time. In order to get my mortgage, I had to receive the price of the house from the Modular company and the construction estimate from the contractor. I just received a bill from the contractor for an additional $11000. I am not one to try and dishonestly cheat someone out of whats owed to them. However, at no time was I told there would be such additional costs. I was informed there would be additional costs in one area; that area is approx $2000. To further add wood to the fire, I cannot do anything about it due to I am currently deployed overseas. My wife is having to deal with this horrible situation. I just feel that some way we are getting taken advantage of. If this type of business is legal for the contractor, I will pay and just mark it as a lessons learned. If this is not right (dishonest/bad business); can I do anything? I am completely at a loss****************************

Very Respectfully

[JETX]

Originally Posted by dcamp

I am completely at a loss

So are we. You provide NO information about what the $11k is for, how it came about or even if it is accurate or not.
Absent that... the only answer you can get is.... it might be correct. If so, you have no recourse but to pay it. If it is NOT correct, then don't pay it and present your defense in court if/when they sue.

[dcamp]

The 11K is added to the contractors Estimate. Some of the items are: Well; the estimate included a 60ft Well, contractor had to dig 180ft, Septic System and Leach Field; contractor estimate included a 1000 gal. tank and 150ft field, actually put in a 1250 gal tank and 300ft field. I not disputing most of the items on the bill, what I am disgruntled about is the fact he gave me not warning on the additional cost. In my simple mind I look at this situation as the same when you take your car in for repairs. If the mechanic finds out he has to replace or repair additional parts, he will call the owner prior to doing the work. I believe the contractor should of done the same**************....I understand a couple of hundred or even one or two thousand, but 11000K? How does the contractor even know if we have that kind of money******************************************..

[jhlwstdnt]

I used to be in the Navy, I wasn't married, but I know what it is like to try and take care of things at home when you are away. You can consult with the JAG and they may help you.

The contractor should have submitted change orders, for your approval, prior to doing any "extra" work. However, he may be entitled to some (not all) additional costs, if he ran into harder soil, or the aquifer was deeper than the general area. Do you know if he ran a test to check the depth of the aquifer?

Also, does the jurisdiction that you moved to require that septic system designs be approved/permitted? I am almost certain they do because I found NY has APPENDIX 75-A to Public Health Law, 201(1)(1) NY STATE WASTEWATER TREATMENT STANDARDS - INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD SEPTIC SYSTEMS. From looking at the chart they use, you would not need a 1250 gallon tank unless you have a 4 bedroom house. The leach field is determined from the perc test (soil permeability) and your flow rate (based on the fixtures you have).

Hope this helps.