Quotes for decorating & damages

[Diane]

I have been given a quote from a decorator and a time span in which the work will be finished.

Now they say I did not tell them all that was to be done and they have changed the price. Can they do this?

Also that have broken a toilet seat? Can I deduct the cost of the new one and getting it fitted from the cost of the work or do I have to let them replace it?

[smudge]

Diane - You say you've been given a 'quote' - do you mean a written or verbal one?

[Diane]

Verbal

[andy hughes]

Depends on your circumstances. If you did not get your quote in writing, specifying the work and the timescales involved, then it comes down to your word against theirs. You can do this two ways - soft and hard. The soft way consists of you agreeing to the additional price, and asking them nicely to replace the seat which they have broken. The nasty way - and I vote for this based on experience - is to tell them that you will either pay them the agreed price, minus the cost of the toilet seat, and they can walk off the job now, or they can continue for the same price, and either replace the seat, or you will deduct the replacement cost from their fee.

This is where you have to be as tough as them. Tradesmen are rippped off as a routine, so they tend to try it on if they think they can get away with it. Show yourself to be soft, and they will walk all over you. Time to get tough. Either they will walk - which is no loss because if they stay they'll spin it out for ages, or they will complete for the agreed fee, which means you do not loose money.

They may ask for part of the payment for work done - do not give in! You will pay them up to date, and they finish, or you will pay them oncompletion - it's one or the other, and its not negotiable. Traditionally, british people hate confrontation, and avoid it where possible - but think about it - you don't have to see these people ever again, so if you fall out, it's not going to c ome back on you. If you do resolve for them to finish, they will have a new respect for you - someone who works like they do - and you should get a good job done. Work out in advance what you are going to say, have a friend or family member there for moral support (who will not get involved in the conversation) stay calm, and stick to your guns. Good luck.

[andy hughes]

The other posts came in while i was writing this - i guess you need to opt for the second scenario, based on your verbal agreement.