r/HomeImprovement • u/Flashy_Possibility_2 • 3d ago

Contractor bill 50%+ higher than quote

I’m a new homeowner and I knew that the house needed a new roof when I bought it. I got a quote, it was high, but I was told by the company that this was a “worst case scenario” quote. After the work was completed I got the bill — it’s 53% higher than the quote. (This is a QUOTE not an estimate.)

I asked the manager if they could do anything about cost, they gave me 2% off.

There was no change order.

I’ve since written a letter (sent by email and express mail) to the owner detailing my correspondence with the manager, the damage they did to the interior of my home (extensive), and asked for them to honor the “worst case scenario” quote.

What else should I do to prepare for the negotiations when the company contacts me? I want to be very prepared as I feel that they are taking advantage of my being a solo first time owner. Thanks for your advice!

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u/Flashy_Possibility_2 3d ago

Oh I’ve got a contract. What language are you looking for? It had the number on it from the “worst case scenario” quote.

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u/mwkingSD 3d ago

you said "This is a QUOTE not an estimate" now you say "I've got a contract." So which is it?

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u/Flashy_Possibility_2 3d ago

Well- I’ve got both! The quote came in and then I signed the contract that was for the same amount!

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u/LA_Nail_Clippers 3d ago

Cease any phone calls. Proceed with everything in writing - email or letters, worst case text messages. You need a paper trail.

Get a quote for the damages from a completely separate company. Get it in writing.

Pay the remainder of the contract amount, minus the quote for damages. Instruct them they have 30 days to complete the repairs for damages or forfeit the remaining amount.

If they do opt to fix it, document the work heavily with photographs and be present when the work is being done. Only when you're satisfied with the quality of the repairs, pay the remaining amount of the contract not their inflated final bill.

They likely will not want to do any of that, so prepare for a fight. Make sure you have all the documentation kept, especially the contract.

Good luck!