Plumber Did Job Without My Supplying Key

[dmosk4]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Delaware
I had a plumber come by for a quote. They sent me a proposal which I signed. The proposal was just a price quote to do work, not an authorization to enter my premise. In asking one question the person heading up the work was very rude. Disturbed by this, I never sent them my key to do the work, and played phone tag to give myself time. In the interim I had other plumbers come by who gave estimates at ½ of their price ($2750 vs $1200).

I agreed to the $1200 quote on Sunday. To my dismay the other plumber asked my HOA president for a copy of the key and got it from him. (The HOA president is next door neighbors with the owner of the plumbing company). Now I found out that they did the work last week.

-Is it normal for a plumber to call someone else when they can’t reach you for access to your home?
-Can the HOA president grant the key (as it was a key for an emergency)
-Do I have any recourse?

It’s a beach home so I won’t be able to look at any work till Sunday.

 

[Zigner]

Apparently, you authorized the work.

Be more careful about what you sign.

 

[swalsh411]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)The proposal was just a price quote to do work, not an authorization to enter my premise.

Is this what you believe you were signing or what you were actually signing? Did you read what you signed? Did you get a copy?

 

[Dave1952]

What reason is there for signing a quote or proposal if not to indicate acceptance and authorization?
I'd raise some hell with the HOA for letting strangers onto your property.

 

[LeeHarveyBlotto]

What reason is there for signing a quote or proposal if not to indicate acceptance and authorization?
I'd raise some hell with the HOA for letting strangers onto your property.

Not uncommon at all for the HOA people to let in contractors with signed work orders at vacation-type properties. In fact, one could argue it's part of their job.

 

[Dave1952]

"Not uncommon at all for the HOA people to let in contractors with signed work orders at vacation-type properties. In fact, one could argue it's part of their job. "
Good point.