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Asking for more money after job has started

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elc

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Indiana

We were given an estimate for stone patio to be done. We called the contractor over to go over the estimate, and we all agreed on everything to make sure we were both on the same page. Everything was fine. The work started and the contractor is now half way done, and is asking for more money? He said he has gone over budget, but yet nothing has changed from the original agreement and he has even acknowledged this. There was no contract, just the original estimate. We only both verbally agreed to everything. Is there anything I can do? Is it our fault that he did not estimate properly or has now figured out that this is more than he figured on to begin with?
 


S

shell007

Guest
elc said:
What is the name of your state? Indiana

We were given an estimate for stone patio to be done. We called the contractor over to go over the estimate, and we all agreed on everything to make sure we were both on the same page. Everything was fine. The work started and the contractor is now half way done, and is asking for more money? He said he has gone over budget, but yet nothing has changed from the original agreement and he has even acknowledged this. There was no contract, just the original estimate. We only both verbally agreed to everything. Is there anything I can do? Is it our fault that he did not estimate properly or has now figured out that this is more than he figured on to begin with?
Is there ANYTHING in writing?

If not...this is a case of he said/she said, and you will probably lose!!!
 

elc

Junior Member
I have the original estimate with the company name, owners name, and the signature from the individual spelling out work to be done.
 

PghREA

Senior Member
elc said:
What is the name of your state? Indiana

We were given an estimate for stone patio to be done. We called the contractor over to go over the estimate, and we all agreed on everything to make sure we were both on the same page. Everything was fine. The work started and the contractor is now half way done, and is asking for more money? He said he has gone over budget, but yet nothing has changed from the original agreement and he has even acknowledged this. There was no contract, just the original estimate. We only both verbally agreed to everything. Is there anything I can do? Is it our fault that he did not estimate properly or has now figured out that this is more than he figured on to begin with?

es·ti·mate ( P ) Pronunciation Key (st-mt)
tr.v. es·ti·mat·ed, es·ti·mat·ing, es·ti·mates
To calculate approximately (the amount, extent, magnitude, position, or value of something).
To form an opinion about; evaluate: “While an author is yet living we estimate his powers by his worst performance” (Samuel Johnson).

n. (-mt)
The act of evaluating or appraising.
A tentative evaluation or rough calculation, as of worth, quantity, or size.
A statement of the approximate cost of work to be done, such as a building project or car repairs.
A judgment based on one's impressions; an opinion.

I have highlighted the important words. An estimate is an approximate amount. It can be higher or lower.
 

BL

Senior Member
While estimates are an approximate amount , The contracter can - not charge an amount grossly over the estimate .

What is the estimate and how much is He asking ?

If the contracter grossly under estimated the job , He/She/The Co. , can request a resonable amount over the estimate but should eat the rest .

That part of doing business and keeping a good reputation in the community .
 

BL

Senior Member
Is the Co. licensed , a member of the BBB , a comunity Co . ?

If so try to compromise a resonable end price . If agreed , get it in writting .

If this is a shadetree outfit , they could probably up and walk away and get away with it .

You may end up taking them to Court if you can't come to an agreement .
 

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