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AIBU?

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AIBU or is a quote subject to increase once work begins?

30 replies

GardenFrustrationAGGHHHH · 11/05/2016 12:29

So, got a quote a few months ago to have my garden transformed from a sloped jungle to a flat gravel paradise.

This would include levelling of the garden, replacement of patio and a fence between me and the neighbours.

Guy said he could blitz it over 2 days and quoted me £1,700.

Booked him in and a few days prior to arrival said that he had found a quote "on his computer" for £1890 which I agreed would be okay.

So, he gets a skip and is busy disposing of the fuck tonnes of earth coming out of my garden and on Day 2 tells me that there's frankly too much earth and what they'll have to do is get some sleepers and have one part flat and the other raised, to which I agreed.

A few days later, now that the patio has been redone and the flat part has been gravelled etc, they tell me that there's not enough earth left to build up the raised area and so it'll need another 2 tonnes of sand to level and and they're also another 2-3 tonnes of gravel short.

I've always been very clear that I only have what he quoted saved up and he thinks that if they were to come back again to finish off when I've had chance to save again, it'll cost another £5-600 to finish.

I'm very annoyed about this because it's very obviously, literally, half a job.

WWYD?

Sorry to post in AIBU but I feel like a need a Viper's perspective!

OP posts:
GardenFrustrationAGGHHHH · 12/05/2016 09:14

Just received a further message - they are coming today to finish it off! Grin

OP posts:
DoItTooJulia · 12/05/2016 09:18

If you're feeling generous )which I doubt after the whole 'I'll rip out what I've done) you could split the difference?

Either way, I hope you're happy with your garden and he's out of your life asap!

GardenFrustrationAGGHHHH · 12/05/2016 09:33

You see this is the thing, they've been coming on their weekends and so I was planning on buying all of their wives some chocs to say thank you for lending me their DHs when they should be having family time and some beers for the lads who have been working very hard and giving up their weekends with their wives and children - as I really appreciated them doing that in order to get my garden done.

It was obvious from quite early that they were just fitting me in around other jobs and I was very thankful for that - but I feel like they've been treating me like a MUG in doing such a half job and asking for more money and then adding materials onto a list that they had under-estimated and their refusal to buy more underlay or to accept that disposing of earth that they now need was their error and that I should not be liable for that.

He's also demanding the owed monies today which I have said that I am happy to pay once work is completed

OP posts:
leelu66 · 12/05/2016 09:46

I was screwed over by a builder. I think I was too nice and he took advantage.

I've tried to be assertive with builders since. I do wonder if he would have pulled the same move with a man?

Well done for sticking to your guns!

GardenFrustrationAGGHHHH · 12/05/2016 14:04

I've just received word that It Is Done.

Looking forward to getting home, seeing it and seeing if it's been done properly.....

He of course wants his money, which I have ready to send once I've checked the garden later.

Thank you to everyone for their support and encouragement. So pleased that I questioned them and spoke to you and to a solicitor!

OP posts:
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