AIBU to want a written quote?

[drearydeardre]

I need the outside of my house painted - cannot do it myself as I have vertigo on ladders.
Asked a tradesman to quote and he came up with a figure after walking round the house assessing what needed to be done.
I was expecting a quote with a final figure (inclusive of vat) in writing so I know exactly what has been agreed. Having been ripped off in the past I think this is reasonable.
He has agreed since I requested one - but I would always expect this as a matter of course (or am I being over picky)

does anyone have an opinion on this? - or do I just assume I am being a bit unreasonable?

Yes get everything in writing. YANBU.

I would also get a couple more quotes to compare. Sometimes I've gone with the higher quote because the person seemed more trustworthy.

I think it's only the norm with big companies as they pay vat, when it's just one guy who makes under 80 grand a year the only vat they pay is on materials, so is included in the quote, at least this is what I understand from DB who's a tiler.

Deffo get a quote in writing. My dad was self employed in the building trade, mostly just him on his own but would occasionally outsource stuff to electricians/plumbers and he always gave clients a written quote. Shouldn't really matter how big/small a business it's, it's still a business.

My comment about bigger companies was more about the vat, of course small ones can do a written quote, just maybe don't do it automatically.

YANBU as long as a handwritten signed one on memo pad suffices.

still waiting on the written quote.
I get the feeling he was a bit miffed at the request and probably thought I mis-trusted him.
If it does not materialise he has lost the job as far as I am concerned.

Why do they do this to women on their own - I am not a 'stupid female' and expect to be treated the same as a man