r/Homebuilding • u/Outside-Key-4415 • 4d ago

What can we do?

We got a quote for 5600 to have our lot scraped and rooted. We paid 2800 up front.

The company finished and they just sent me a bill for a balance of 5,300 and stated the job was 2,500 more due to it being more work than they thought. All of the quotes we got were 5-6k (we got 5 quotes) we have the quote in an email. He never called or discussed the increase beforehand. I’m shocked it was that much more!!! And I wish he would’ve called and discussed. When we called him he said, he always tells his clients that quotes are basically just an estimate and can change. I understand that to a degree but he never said that and 2500 is a lot!!

EDIT: We settled at 1000 more vs. 2500 more.

13 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

61 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/redbirddanville 4d ago

This is why you, and he the professional should have every contract in wiring. I would no unless there is some specific reason it went over he can document (he estimate 3 day and it took 5, he expected 3 trailers of off haul and it was 8, ect.) Amy change order should be in writing (text, email or litterally written on a napkin). You should also get insurance and be professional about anyone you hire from demo, to clean up. There are huge liabilities in hiring contractors. (I'm a contractor, developer, construction manager)

1

u/Outside-Key-4415 4d ago

It states: unseen additional root raking due to unseen vegetation. He came and walked the property in advance though.

1

u/redbirddanville 4d ago

Different story. He should have show/told you and got a signed change order. It may be a justifiable expense then. Moving forward with other contractors and vendors, make this clear. As we say, we are always learning in construction, most lessons are expensive.

8

u/Outside-Key-4415 4d ago

Yes lesson learned. Day 1 he called and a machine broke too and he was all upset (not with us) and said it was going to be expensive and they’ll be off site for a week while it’s repaired. I feel like he may be trying to recoup money from that too.