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Contractor Extra Charges

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  • 20-10-2023 12:19pm
    #1
    Amik
    Registered Users Posts: 923 ✭✭✭


    Our house renovation is nearing completion and the contractor requested a substantial extra charge that we can't afford.

    We set a price before works began and paid all the instalments. Changes were "requested" by us but we were not informed they would be extra. For example, adding two more electrical sockets to a bedroom. There's nothing in the contract about how many electrical sockets were assigned to each room. 

    He sent a letter that costs were rising a month ago but would not give us a figure. 1K or 3K we could swallow but not this astronomical final figure. We would have stopped works at the time if we knew.

    We're stuck to foot the bill?



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    #2
    Doop
    Registered Users Posts: 1,466 ✭✭✭Doop


    You are in a bit of a tight corner there... have you no specification about what was originally costed?

    Anything extra is obviously going to attract an extra cost... known as a variation. However the applicable cost should be agreed prior to going ahead with extras.

    Adding electrical sockets should not attract much of an extra if you are doing electrical /rewiring works as part of the original scope.

    I would suggest you ask for a detailed breakdown of each and every 'extra' and the unit rate ie ...m2/nr/item. If it still looks excessive consultant an independent QS and try to hammer it out with your contractor.

    His letter about rising costs is not your problem... you (should) have had an agreed (and costed) list of works (BoQ) and contract in place.



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    #3
    DOCARCH
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 17,755 Mod ✭✭✭✭DOCARCH


    Had you a contract in place between you and the builder?



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    #4
    Amik
    Registered Users Posts: 923 ✭✭✭Amik


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121262938#Comment_121262938

    Thanks for the detailed reply @Doop!

    Extra costs for variations should be provided in writing for approval before implementing? That's what I would expect. Can he claim we verbally agreed with him in person?

    QS = Quantity Surveyor? I know labour is expensive but starting to wonder if we've been overcharged in general as we bought a lot of materials ourselves (tiles, flooring, bathroom, kitchen). The detailed breakdown you recommend would be revealing.



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    #5
    Amik
    Registered Users Posts: 923 ✭✭✭Amik


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121263244#Comment_121263244

    Yes, containing the works to be done and the price. Descriptions of the works weren't super precise or detailed. For example, Replace all radiators.

    Post edited by Amik on


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