B
brookshill
Guest
What is the name of your state? TX
I recently requested that a contractor enter my home to prepare an estimate for sheetrock repairs etc. The contractor I chose provided an estimate for the repairs that I required. One thing led to another and I decided to do the repairs myself. Two months after I received the estimate from the contractor I receive an invoice for time spent preparing the estimate. I contacted the individual and he advised that he has to be compensated for his time and because I didn't choose to use his services he felt it necessary to charge for his time. I have written numerous letters to contractor expressing my opinions on the matter and he continues to demand payment. We are not talking about alot of money, but there is a fair amount of principal involved.
FACTS
It was never implied by the contractor, written or verbal, that there would be any charge for estimating.
No contracts were ever signed between the two of us.
DATES
9/12/02 Estimate prepared by contractor
11/19/02 Invoice received from contractor
12/10/02 Past Due Notice received from contractor (threatens to turn this in for collections if not paid immediately)
QUESTIONS
1. Can he charge me for writing his estimate under these circumstances?
2. Can I be held responsible once turned in for collection?
3. Is there any legal action I could take to put this issue to bed?
Extortion comes to mind when I review the facts of this quandary.
Sorry to be so long winded. Any helpful opinions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks In Advance
Brooks
I recently requested that a contractor enter my home to prepare an estimate for sheetrock repairs etc. The contractor I chose provided an estimate for the repairs that I required. One thing led to another and I decided to do the repairs myself. Two months after I received the estimate from the contractor I receive an invoice for time spent preparing the estimate. I contacted the individual and he advised that he has to be compensated for his time and because I didn't choose to use his services he felt it necessary to charge for his time. I have written numerous letters to contractor expressing my opinions on the matter and he continues to demand payment. We are not talking about alot of money, but there is a fair amount of principal involved.
FACTS
It was never implied by the contractor, written or verbal, that there would be any charge for estimating.
No contracts were ever signed between the two of us.
DATES
9/12/02 Estimate prepared by contractor
11/19/02 Invoice received from contractor
12/10/02 Past Due Notice received from contractor (threatens to turn this in for collections if not paid immediately)
QUESTIONS
1. Can he charge me for writing his estimate under these circumstances?
2. Can I be held responsible once turned in for collection?
3. Is there any legal action I could take to put this issue to bed?
Extortion comes to mind when I review the facts of this quandary.
Sorry to be so long winded. Any helpful opinions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks In Advance
Brooks
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