estimates

[winsome]

recently had work done on gas boiler. gas fitter told me system needed cleaning. asked for quote . got written estimate of 56.00 pounds. asked them to go ahead.when i came home wife said he had fitted magnet to keep system clean. looked up on internet to see part was 110 pounds. realized they must of made mistake with estimate. now got invoice for 560.00 pounds. any advice. ? would not of gone ahead with work at what there asking for. (key board pounds sign not working)

[enquirer]

Re: estimates

Householder asked for quote, received estimate. Householder agreed to CH system flush, price £56.
Plumber carried out agreed work and then fitted additional magnetic filter, value £110, without agreement of householder.
Householder receives invioice for £560.

Quotes are binding, estimates are not, although any difference must be reasonable. Although there might have been a slight price rise due to unforeseen difficulties, a tenfold price increase is not reasonable.

There was a contract for a CH system flush, nothing more. Fitting a magnetic filter (which is entirely optional, although increasingly common), did not form part of the contract. If the plumber thinks one is necessary, then given the expense, he must speak to you first. He cannot arbitarily fit one and expect to be paid for it.

It is difficult to see, even if the part cost £110 (it is unlikely to have cost that trade), where another £394 comes from. Does the invoice provide a detailed breakdown, including VAT?

The invoice cannot be justified and would be very unlikely to stand up if examined in Court. You could simply pay the £56 and tell him to remove the unwanted filter. Alternatively, you could point out that he has no case ... and then negotiate to a position that leaves you with the filter at a very reasonable price.

Finally, on a more cynical note ...

If he is VAT registered, you might care to check if his number is genuine.

That the job jumps exactly from £56 to £560 is suspicious. Someone in a hurry, or someone else writing the cheque, could easily overlook this. Speculative 'mistakes' on invoices are commonplace.

[meellis]

Re: estimates

Two things, I am in the trade and I could understand the work being this much but without enough info of time and materials used I couldn't say for definite. I do reckon a mistake was made on the quote because I feel the plumber forgot to write the last nought and I feel you probably have an inclination of that in hindsight. Before going down any legal route do you feel the plumber has tried to rip you off or do you feel that it could be a mistake on their part that has cost you. If you feel it is a genuine mistake then see if you can come to an amicable solution between yourselves because if they are aware of the situation they might feel bad themselves. If you feel they have done this on purpose though then after a quote or estimate you do have a 7 day cooling off period which was brought in to stop aggressive door step selling so if there wasn't 7 days between acceptance and the work being carried out you do have some rights for your money back. I know I am biased but if the plumber seems genuine and realises it is a mistake then try to sort the problem out between yourselves first because they have to make a living too so it is in both of your interests. Chasing a big national company over rip-off fees is different than a one man band who has genuinely made a mistake.