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Extensions

We had agreed a final account and now the builder says he made a mistake with his calculations.

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.49 PM

We began a single story extension last year. The first few months went well and then problems started to arise. Towards the end of the project, we asked for confirmation of the final sum owed. This was outlined in an email, stating that this was the final account. Due to complications and snagging, part of the money was withheld. Once the snagging was complete, we received an invoice for several thousand more. This was 6 months after the original final account was confirmed. Our builder says that he made a mistake in his calculations and is requesting payment for the full amount. Where do we stand?

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2 Answers

GN Building Services (Stafford) Ltd

Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Stafford
Good grief. You had a quote. The builder stated it was the final account. He is now asking for more. He has no claim. Problem is, many builders rely on the fact that customers are frightened to defend a ludicrous claim in case the builder sues, or does not finish the work. Ask if the builder belongs to a professional body, or a trade association. They always arbitrate. But from the info you have said, do not pay. You may wish to be sympathetic, so ask for a detailed account, he may have made a mistake. But you do not have to pay. Paul Albright
Answered23 April 2014
0

B.W.Mckeown

Rating: 5 out of 5
Oldham
If the builder stated his final account at the snagging stage, I would say he has no claim. If there was a mistake in his calculations he should have provided you with a statement and a valuation summary of where the mistake has been made, and certainly not invoiced it before being agreed. Sometimes mistakes are made in calculations, but this should be notified in writing. I would recommend you ask your builder for a written break down of his calculation mistake and seek the advice of a local quantity surveyor to see if his claim is accurate before looking to arbitrate. Ben Mckeown
Answered1 April 2015
0