If I was given an original estimate of work to be done and upon receiving the final bill it was more that twice the quoted “worst case scenario”, am I liable to pay?
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If I was given an original estimate of work to be done and upon receiving the final bill it was more that twice the quoted “worst case scenario”, am I liable to pay?
Asked on December 29, 2011 under Business Law, Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Was the estimate soley an estimate that was later reduced to a written contract? If so, then the written contract for the actual work that was to be done for you would control. The estimate is solely a belief of what the cost of the work would be and has no binding effect unless within the document the estimate becomes an actual contact upon your signing of the document.
I suggest that you carefully read the estimate to see if it becomes a contract upon signing. If so, then the estimate is the amount to be charged and paid by you. If you signed a contract later on for a stated amount, then the subsequent contract would control the price paid for the work.
I would also speak with the person who invoiced you the amount that is double the written estimate to try and resolve the payment issue.
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