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Dispute decorators costs

2 replies

Donkdonkgoo · 25/11/2018 07:09

I had a quote from a decorator to paint small kitchen walls ceiling and skirting on one wall and fill cracks first, and also woodwork paint in hall and upstairs which I had already painted and some other bits in the hall like loft hatch. The quote itemisation was incorrect and things included that shouldn't have been and also some things missed off so i replied to the email listing the work that I wanted doing. He never replied and I chased him a few times but I know the guy and he said he would do mates rates so presume there wouldn't be a problem. Anyway he has done the work and he was there a max of 4 days (I was at work but I called him and knew when he was there and not there) the bill was £920 for 4 days so that's £230 per day!! I've been told by a prof tradesman the going rate is £110 to £130 in my area. I've explained to the decorator the bill is too high for 4 days work and I asked him how much his day rate usually is he response was (after a pause) £160. I've replied to him via email to say I would pay him £160 per day, he isn't happy but he never replied to my numerous requests for a re quote before the work. I think I have been more that fair paying £160 per day when the top local rate is £130. He's said a quote is a quote I've told him £230 per day isn't fair or mates rates!!! Obviously the friendship is ruined (not a close friend and not seen him for 15 years) do you think I am being reasonable?

OP posts:
namechangedtoday15 · 25/11/2018 18:47

I think you're in a difficult position. What was the original quote - did it include a daily rate or was it a fixed cost I.e. for the job? Did it include materials?

It doesn't really matter what the going rate is for other professionals. You contracted with this particular tradesman after he provided a quote and you let him start work without agreeing what he would charge.

I would pay what you've said you'd pay and then the ball's in his court to decide whether he escalates it to chase you for the balance.

wowfudge · 25/11/2018 19:06

You shouldn't have let him start work without re-quoting. I don't think you've a leg to stand on. You've said yourself you added some things as well as changing/removing others. If he didn't actually give you a price then a vague "mates' rates" conversation was a ridiculous thing to base an assumption it would be cheap on.

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