Being told, i'm the winner on this job and my builder will be out of pocket.
Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.12 PM
Hi guys.
I'd like some advice please on what the right thing to do is.
I am having some work done which was to take off the front wall of my garage to install a new window and replace the old bricks. The work also includes an inner block wall and a new warm roof on a 2.5x1.5m area.
He has told me today the work is taking longer than thought as some of it has been fiddly, i.e. the brickwork has taken 2.5 days when he thought it would be a day. he has also said he will be out of pocket.
He has been working between my job and another in the area and has said this is the main reason he could do the job for the price quoted.
We agreed on a fixed fee up front, and he has done an excellent job so far. Obviously I don't want him to be out of pocket, but what is the right thing to do?
He knew exactly what was needed when he took the job on, the only addition has been to add an extra course of bricks under the window and an internal concrete lintel.
Should I offer to pay for this as a good gesture or is it his responsibility as he quoted a fixed price.
Thanks
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hi,
If it were myself doing the works I would expect and discussed the additional material required with yourself if it has been any sort of alteration to plans.
Otherwise really it's his own fault for being incompetent and missing things which is unfortunate. It's down to your own personal feelings really...
As a tradesmen if I give a fixed price or a price per Mt and I have seen the job I would stick to it.
I think it unprofessional and wrong to try and get more money out of a customer because I misjudged how long it would take.
If the customer added or change a detail on the job then a new price should be agreed for this change.
Perhaps your builder should have had a few less cups of tea or worked a bit harder.
Answered31 March 2015
1
Anonymous user
As he quoted a fixed price and did not allow for any oversights I.e. brickwork taking longer than planned, it is his responsibility.1 course of bricks and a lintel should not take 1.5 days to be totally honest.
Answered31 March 2015
1
Anonymous user
A reasonable discussion is always best. If your builder has simply under priced the work then that's unfortunate but down to him.
If there have been alterations or additions to the work then additional cost should be agreed before it was done.
The fact that the job has taken your builder longer than he though is again his problem. Some builders will under cut costs just to get the work and then add costs as the works progress. I am not saying this is the case here. We certainly do not cost work this way which some times makes our quotes more expensive. We believe always to show the true cost and explain it in detail to the customer.
Best have a cup of tea and a chat. If you feel he is building reasonable I am sure you can come to an agreement. If though you do not feel that way you are not obliged to pay more. I does not sound like he is asking for more money but having a moan!
