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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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A non COVID related question
If you're getting a quote for something (in my case it's work done on my house, but it could be anything) and then the actual cost is much higher than the quote or the job wasn't done to completion, do you speak up?
I ask because I've had the following things happen to me in the past week:
A handyman gave a timeframe of 2 days after coming in person to see the jobs, starts said jobs (there are literal holes in my house) and then then says it will take a week. They are charging a daily rate so the actual cost will be more than double.
A landscaper charged us $250 for cleanup and did not clean anything. They mowed the lawn (a separate charge) but didn't clean. Response was "yes we did."
A carpet company sent me an invoice for $500 more than I was quoted. There were no changes made on my end. Response was "yeah, sometimes the quote isn't accurate."
Upon questioning each, I was looked at like I had 5 heads. Like I was the first person to ever question why I was told I'd be charged $1000 and then found out I'd be charged $4000. Am I nuts? Difficult? Cheap? I'm dying to know.
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Posted 7/26/20 10:01 PM  |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: A non COVID related question
Not nuts, difficult or cheap. I would be a basket case for all of those situations. Unfortunately if people can take advantage of a situation, they will.
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| Posted 7/26/20 10:56 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: A non COVID related question
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Not nuts, difficult or cheap. I would be a basket case for all of those situations. Unfortunately if people can take advantage of a situation, they will.
I was going to the say the same. It sounds insane but not because you’re crazy!
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| Posted 7/27/20 12:54 PM |
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LittleDiva
LIF Adult
Member since 9/11 1284 total posts
Name:
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A non COVID related question
Do you have the quotes in writing? I’d refuse to pay for anything not in writing.
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| Posted 7/27/20 7:17 AM |
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SLPRunner
LIF Adult
Member since 12/13 1101 total posts
Name:
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A non COVID related question
I always make sure I have contracts exactly in writing before completing any work. With the handyman, that one is tough because they started the work and now you are kinda stuck. If you are home to supervise, you could see how efficiently they are working. Unless they always underestimate the amount of time just to get the job. With the carpets, I would ask why the quote wasn't accurate, I wouldn't accept the answer that sometimes quotes aren't accurate. That's just BS. If there is a legitimate reason then maybe.
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| Posted 7/27/20 8:33 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: A non COVID related question
That is NOT normal.
We had wood flooring put in and as soon as we agreed to the quote, he sent me a payment schedule- this much now, this much day one of install and this much at completion. It was the EXACT amount of the quote I just agreed to, divided by 3. Not a penny more.
When I got my quote for the kitchen, same thing, except with a kitchen, you never know until walls come down- for example, they found a pipe that wasn't up to code and causing an issue in my sink so yeah, that was more money, but that was to be expected... things come up that they didn't quote for once walls come down etc.
But to just be that much over an estimate- sounds shady.
People have budgets- you can't just be like 4 grand over your quote and shrug your shoulders like- well shitt happens.
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| Posted 7/27/20 8:35 AM |
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ap123
LIF Infant
Member since 10/10 268 total posts
Name:
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Re: A non COVID related question
For the landscaper, I would have walked around the yard and pointed out all of the things that I considered incomplete, and I’d pay him since he addressed them.
The handyman is more difficult. I’d want specifics of what changed to increase the timeframe but not much you can do once their are holes in your walls.
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| Posted 7/27/20 8:49 AM |
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tray831
Dee-licious!
Member since 3/06 5355 total posts
Name:
His Baby
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Re: A non COVID related question
We recently had work done on our house and the price he quoted, is what he wrote down on the "contract". And every time I paid, I made sure the amount was deducted and signed by him.
There was work on the outside that he did that looked awful, so we made him re-do it. I obviously didn't pay him a portion of what I owed him until it was completed. And he came thru, thankfully.
Do you have any pricing in writing or text?
If you are not satisfied with what was done, I wouldn't pay them a penny more. Especially if they don't have anything in writing either.
Can't stand people who try to pull a fast one! Makes my blood boil.
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| Posted 7/27/20 9:16 AM |
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tray831
Dee-licious!
Member since 3/06 5355 total posts
Name:
His Baby
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Re: A non COVID related question
To add:
If your handyman didn't start the job, I would get other quotes and not have him to do the work.
If he did start, I would mention the quote was for 2 days work, and if he can't finish the job in 2 days, then you wont' be giving him any more money since the quote he gave you is what you agreed upon.
Landscaper: Walk the yard with him for sure and point out what he didn't do.
Carpet company: The quote I am sure you must have in writing or an email somewhere. That should serve as your proof as you didn't agree to pay for anything more. I would 1000% fight that.
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| Posted 7/27/20 9:24 AM |
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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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A non COVID related question
When I had floors put in and my house (interior painted) the quotes were what I paid. There were some extra things that the painter pointed out, told me how much it would cost and then did them if I agreed. Same thing with the floor guy.
Last time I hired a a=handyman to do something, he quoted me an hourly rate and about how many hours it would take. I asked what would happen if it went over a certain number of hours and he capped the cost at a certain amount of time, that I agreed to. the project did take longer, so I was really glad we had agreed on a capped amount
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| Posted 7/27/20 9:42 AM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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A non COVID related question
I was able to cancel the carpet, so that's not a big deal.
The handyman is a huge issue and I'm absolutely fuming. He started EVERY job and finished none of them. I have wires hanging all over my house, my fireplace has holes in it, the trim on the room isn't done and there is primer all over the floor. One wall in my master bath is now a giant hole. Had he done one freaking job at a time, I wouldn't be forced to deal with this. DH asked how much longer he thought things would take since he had initially said 2 days and he came back and said a week. So DH said "we didn't budget for a week" and the guy flew off the handle and said he won't work for people who can't afford him and to stop crying. I'm beyond floored.
ETA lesson learned to NEVER accept a daily rate. Rate per job only.
Message edited 7/27/2020 9:45:25 AM.
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| Posted 7/27/20 9:44 AM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: A non COVID related question
Posted by LuckyStar
I was able to cancel the carpet, so that's not a big deal.
The handyman is a huge issue and I'm absolutely fuming. He started EVERY job and finished none of them. I have wires hanging all over my house, my fireplace has holes in it, the trim on the room isn't done and there is primer all over the floor. One wall in my master bath is now a giant hole. Had he done one freaking job at a time, I wouldn't be forced to deal with this. DH asked how much longer he thought things would take since he had initially said 2 days and he came back and said a week. So DH said "we didn't budget for a week" and the guy flew off the handle and said he won't work for people who can't afford him and to stop crying. I'm beyond floored.
ETA lesson learned to NEVER accept a daily rate. Rate per job only.
Honestly I would never hire a handyman. They are not experts at anything. And most times not even licensed. You might be better at firing him and getting an actual contractor in. You might pay more but work will be done correctly.
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| Posted 7/27/20 9:52 AM |
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tray831
Dee-licious!
Member since 3/06 5355 total posts
Name:
His Baby
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Re: A non COVID related question
Posted by LuckyStar
I was able to cancel the carpet, so that's not a big deal.
The handyman is a huge issue and I'm absolutely fuming. He started EVERY job and finished none of them. I have wires hanging all over my house, my fireplace has holes in it, the trim on the room isn't done and there is primer all over the floor. One wall in my master bath is now a giant hole. Had he done one freaking job at a time, I wouldn't be forced to deal with this. DH asked how much longer he thought things would take since he had initially said 2 days and he came back and said a week. So DH said "we didn't budget for a week" and the guy flew off the handle and said he won't work for people who can't afford him and to stop crying. I'm beyond floored.
ETA lesson learned to NEVER accept a daily rate. Rate per job only.
What a fkn prick to even say that to a customer? Have you paid him anything at this point?
In his mind, he wants to make as much as he can get away with. Can you pay him for what he did do and hire someone else to finish his job? I wouldn't even want him in my house at this point.
Take pics of what was done so you have them and pay him for what you think is a reasonable amount and not have him come back again.
Stupid question here, but did you research this guy? How are his reviews?
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| Posted 7/27/20 9:53 AM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: A non COVID related question
Posted by LuckyStar
I was able to cancel the carpet, so that's not a big deal.
The handyman is a huge issue and I'm absolutely fuming. He started EVERY job and finished none of them. I have wires hanging all over my house, my fireplace has holes in it, the trim on the room isn't done and there is primer all over the floor. One wall in my master bath is now a giant hole. Had he done one freaking job at a time, I wouldn't be forced to deal with this. DH asked how much longer he thought things would take since he had initially said 2 days and he came back and said a week. So DH said "we didn't budget for a week" and the guy flew off the handle and said he won't work for people who can't afford him and to stop crying. I'm beyond floored.
ETA lesson learned to NEVER accept a daily rate. Rate per job only.
He can go F himself. Honestly.
Cut your losses and hire someone else that comes recommended by a lot of people. I hate to say it, but even if he finishes, they’ll probably be issues with his work. Live and learn - move on to someone else. Ask your neighbors, Check FB referral Group, etc and find someone else.
I’m sorry. It’s like you set your money on fire at this point.
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| Posted 7/27/20 10:07 AM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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A non COVID related question
Never ever pay by the day -- this happens all the time.
Get a flat rate in the future.
Sorry this is happening to you. The stress of home remodels is the worst.
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| Posted 7/27/20 10:08 AM |
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RainyDay
LIF Adult
Member since 6/15 3990 total posts
Name:
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A non COVID related question
I would have spoken up. We were quoted 250 to do some work for our pool. After they charged us 800. We spoke up and they knocked of $50. There turned out to be other issues while they were doing the work but they shoukd have communicated the additional expense.
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| Posted 7/27/20 10:55 AM |
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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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Re: A non COVID related question
Posted by LuckyStar
I was able to cancel the carpet, so that's not a big deal.
The handyman is a huge issue and I'm absolutely fuming. He started EVERY job and finished none of them. I have wires hanging all over my house, my fireplace has holes in it, the trim on the room isn't done and there is primer all over the floor. One wall in my master bath is now a giant hole. Had he done one freaking job at a time, I wouldn't be forced to deal with this. DH asked how much longer he thought things would take since he had initially said 2 days and he came back and said a week. So DH said "we didn't budget for a week" and the guy flew off the handle and said he won't work for people who can't afford him and to stop crying. I'm beyond floored.
ETA lesson learned to NEVER accept a daily rate. Rate per job only.
Honestly, if you haven't paid him yet, I wouldn't. Take pictures and document EVERYTHING - including how much extra you will now have to pay to fix the messes he left. Let him sue you - worst case scenario you have to pay him what you would have anyway. And post reviews everywhere!
Message edited 7/27/2020 12:44:20 PM.
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| Posted 7/27/20 12:43 PM |
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7790 total posts
Name:
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Re: A non COVID related question
Posted by LuckyStar
I was able to cancel the carpet, so that's not a big deal.
The handyman is a huge issue and I'm absolutely fuming. He started EVERY job and finished none of them. I have wires hanging all over my house, my fireplace has holes in it, the trim on the room isn't done and there is primer all over the floor. One wall in my master bath is now a giant hole. Had he done one freaking job at a time, I wouldn't be forced to deal with this. DH asked how much longer he thought things would take since he had initially said 2 days and he came back and said a week. So DH said "we didn't budget for a week" and the guy flew off the handle and said he won't work for people who can't afford him and to stop crying. I'm beyond floored.
ETA lesson learned to NEVER accept a daily rate. Rate per job only.
What a f@cker!!I would be furious. Who starts a new project before finishing one? Sounds like a scam to me. He knew how long it would take to do all that work. You are going to be stuck with him now; otherwise you have to live in a construction site for so long. I would probably try to see if he would agree to split the difference. If not, after all was done, I would complain to BBB, yelp and every freaking mommy group there is complete with pics.
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| Posted 7/27/20 1:37 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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A non COVID related question
The handyman is a lunatic. I wish I knew how to post pics. My house is a disaster. He was supposed to come today but never showed up so his tools are scattered all over the house. It’s ridiculous. We paid him for the 2 days.
He has done work on my step MIL’s house for over 20 years so it’s not like he’s some rando we found on yelp.
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| Posted 7/27/20 3:36 PM |
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Jenn79
One more?
Member since 2/12 2410 total posts
Name:
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Re: A non COVID related question
I would literally pack up his tools put them on the porch and call him to come get them and not come back. I would rather pay someone else for the few days it’s going to take them to clean up his mess! That sounds like a complete nightmare.
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| Posted 7/28/20 9:14 AM |
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M514
Hi
Member since 8/10 6011 total posts
Name:
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Re: A non COVID related question
Posted by Jenn79
I would literally pack up his tools put them on the porch and call him to come get them and not come back. I would rather pay someone else for the few days it’s going to take them to clean up his mess! That sounds like a complete nightmare.
I would do the same. Don’t let him back in your house and don’t pay him anymore money. Take pictures and document everything he has done so far.
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| Posted 7/28/20 9:31 AM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: A non COVID related question
Posted by M514
Posted by Jenn79
I would literally pack up his tools put them on the porch and call him to come get them and not come back. I would rather pay someone else for the few days it’s going to take them to clean up his mess! That sounds like a complete nightmare.
I would do the same. Don’t let him back in your house and don’t pay him anymore money. Take pictures and document everything he has done so far.
I would get someone else in for an estimate.
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| Posted 7/28/20 10:53 AM |
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