No Contract, No Invoice Provided, Price Sent By Text!

[Stuzzy21]

Hi, I had an extension built in 2016. The joinery work/putting up the kit, flooring etc was done by a joiner we had used before, who we knew from previous work. Unfortunately no contract or price was agreed up front. We asked on numerous occasions for how much it was costing throughout the build but were refused each time, with him saying he would tell us at the end (this was payment for labour as we had paid all costs for materials in cash). Two days after he was finished we received a text asking for a ridiculous amount. I called and spoke to him to ask how he got came to this price and he was mad that I questioned him. I continued to ask for a breakdown before he demanded payment with a payment structure which amounted to just over half his text amount. I sent cheques with amounts to pay him I felt were suitable. He has since sent requests for various payment amounts through his lawyer. He has now sent a copy of a writ threatening court action. He has still to this day never provided an invoice. Does anyone know where I stand in this matter as I am concerned that if this goes to court I could be hit with astronomical court fees!! Thanks

[Buenchico]

Under the provisions of Section 51 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, "the contract is to be treated as including a term that the consumer must pay a reasonable price for the service, and no more":
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/51/enacted

If you believe that you've already paid a 'reasonable price', inform the tradesman of that fact and wait to see if he takes you to court.

Ensure that you've established what a 'reasonable price' might be (e.g. by using internet sources or by paying other tradesmen to suggest what they would have charged). Then, if the case ends up before the courts, you can easily discredit the claims of the other guy that you've not paid enough. (You don't need to employ a solicitor; you can represent yourself as, indeed, most people do in the county courts anyway).