The price I paid was much higher than the estimate, I feel conned!
Generally speaking an estimate does not amount to an offer and is not legally binding, although if the final price is significantly higher than the estimate you can claim a breach of the statutory ‘reasonable cost’ term. You should be clear about getting a quote rather than en estimate, as this will then become the final price as agreed as per contract. However if it turns out that more work is needed as required by law or regulations (e.g. a fire escape to be installed , or adjustments made due to building control requirements), the supplier will be able to recover these additional costs from you. If however, they are outrageous, you can legitimately argue they could and should have been reasonably foreseen by the supplier, and bring a case for misrepresentation.
How can I resolve the situation?
- The job was done as a ‘foreigner’. Do I have any rights?
- How much can I claim in damages?
- Using the Small Claims Court
We have recently appointed a painter. They have completed some of the work, and now that it’s nearing completion they have announced an increase in their labour/time costs of 30%. This increase seems high to me and whilst what they originally provided was ‘called’ an estimate their terms and what this meant were not clearly detailed – i.e. in the event of any changes and percentage of variance. Is there a standard percentage increase beyond which I’m perfectly within my rights to call the supplier on what they’re now saying. Thanks – William
help: I have just signed an estimate for £199 for loft insulation. I would like to know if this is legally binding. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Kathy
Would like to know if once a builder has agreed that a specific sum is paid, can he ask for all the payment to be made before the work is completed, and as he has received £21,100.00 out of the £26,000.00 what can I do when he says that if I do not pay him the balance he is walking off the job?. He has removed the skip and intends taking down the scaffolds, and all the material on site, and has changed the agreement.
Regards
Viv
I had a quote for some granite work tops. I told the company their quote exceeded my budget. They gave me a small discount and I proceeded even though it was still more than my budget. After fitting the invoice left had a grand total 500 pounds more. They added vat, nothing was said that the price excluded vat. I feel this was deliberate especially as I had told them my budget. I intend to pay the original price, where do I stand. Thanks
I have an account with E.On & they sent me a bill for 1,640. When I joined e.on they said I would need a standing order of approx £60.00 a month for my electricity. I was shocked to receive this out standing amount. I queried it & they immediately took £600.00 off the bill. They are now calling me to say I sill owe £1.000 (or there a bouts) I feel very angry about this as when I opened the account, they told me of the direct debit amount that I should pay, which I have been doing so. Now they say they miss calculated it. I am a pensioner & have a tight budget & now feel very unhappy as had they given me the RIGHT direct debit amount I would not have this huge outstanding bill. Please can you advise me.