Skip to main content

Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Ask a question
Extensions

Builder trying to re-quote for works 1 week before start date

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.47 PM

We received a quote for works and signed a contract that clearly states obligations on both parties in March with a reputable builder. 1 week before the works is due to start the builder has sent an 'updated quote' out of the blue based on latest labour and material prices which has increased the cost by more than 10%. I have explained that there is no clause in the contract that allows them to do this and that the contracted value needs to be obligated. I have also reviewed and advised that none of the termination clauses are applicable for either party at this stage, as they mentioned not carrying out the work if we did not agree. Does anybody have experience of this happening and what was the outcome? Thanks

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

Log in

4 Answers

Anonymous user

As a rule of thumb we as a company always try to stick to any quotes we have given out for up to 6 months. However from a legal standpoint a quote only becomes legally binding after the works contract is started. Due to the constant movement in the price of materials most quotes relating to materials are only valid for 30 days. As such your builder is within his rights to use this as a get out clause.
Answered6 September 2022
5

Anonymous user

If there’s no clause in the contract and it doesn’t state that it can be changed if prices of raised or lowered and the contracts signed then that’s it you can’t change it unles further works need to be added Put that would usually be a separate bill/contract instead of added to the old one
Answered6 September 2022
0

AV Plumbing

Rating: 5 out of 5
Taunton
I will respect the quote given to costemer, and in future I will make sure the quote is valid only 30 days.
Answered6 September 2022
0

Scott's Wood Works

No reviews yet

Fareham
I can only guarantee material prices for 1 month. The price of materials changes (upwardly) every month, therefore the quote for a month ago does not reflect the price when works start. I do not put any profit margin on materials so I only make money on my labour, which doesn't change month to month. Some firms add a %age to materials to account for the rise in prices when work commences so if sufficient time between writing the quote and work starting passes, the material cost could have well gone over the quoted amount and the buffer that was anticipated.
Answered9 September 2022
0