Builder claiming extras

[flimsyforay]

Hi there I need a bit of help. We are coming to the end of having renovations done. Builder has given us a bill with extras.Most are fine but I have an issue with the windows. To explain; we specified a particular window system to the builder when he priced the job. When it came to ordering windows we actually went with a cheaper window (builder did not revise his quote) but added a door. In the list of extras he's charging for the door despite the fact that even with the addition of door price still less than the original system we wanted (hope that makes sense). We've also paid ourselves for an additional door and he had not deducted this from his bill Builder tells us he had actually based his quote on a bog standard pvc window and hadn't read our schedule of works document properly. Other prices are very reasonable my husband thinks this is where he's making profit but it doesn't sit well with me at all. Any advice?

In his quote did he not list the materials/windows etc? He should have. I generally paid for materials separately and expected the builder to have his profit as part of his quote, not added later.
As you specified a particular window he should have quoted based on that- the fact he didn't is on him. Maybe meet in the middle?

Thanks @Changingwiththetimes, his quote said price for items in the schedule of works with a pc sum give for electrics plumbing etc and stated items not included (landscaping, tarring) etc. Meeting in the middle might be the answer alright but just feels like we taking the financial hit for someone else's oversight. Frustrating.

Why not just ask him and remind him you went for cheaper windows?

@sbplanet I'm pretty sure he thinks his 10k quote was reasonable and wouldn't accept that we put in a cheaper window. He can be very gruff and likes to let us know how little money he's making on this job and how he priced it cheap. I will definitely bring it up will just wait til he's finished the job.

Similar happens to us with a big renovation project. For example we specified we wanted the most powerful Worcester Bosch boiler but the project manager said that in the specs we were quoted for the standard one. When I insisted we got the more expensive type, they added an amount. I don't think it's unusual for builders, architects etc to just quite for the standard in the spec even if you tell me you want something more expensive. I would just let it go if I were you.

Without seeing the actual contract it will be very difficult to give any advice.

Just remind him of the changes made and ask him to update his bill.

@LittleOverwhelmed We did specify a brand and spec of window it wasn't vaguely worded. Husband is an engineer who writes tendors for civil works so it was very detailed!

I think you should have a little bond and go here. Pricing a job is not easy in advance and things do not always go according to plan.

If you are happy with the work and progress, I'd just pay it.

That should read come and go 🥴

@LittleOverwhelmed I'm with you on this. We specified a very particular window system for the job. There are other extras that I could argue over but I won't, the window thing is annoying me because it's worth around 6k.

Not your fault that he couldn't be arsed reading information provided and it will cost him money. My builder was equally feckless and has tried to add in extras and it's been 8 months in snagging too. He's bitter that I ask him to correct things and he's not getting paid for it (do it right then, yes?). Anyhoo, it all started because of him cocking up the pricing on some things.
My builder isn't getting the money and neither should yours.