I'm in a bit of a bind with a landscaping job that didn't go as expected. My house is up for sale, and I hired a landscaping crew to clean up my 3/4-acre yard based on a quote of $2500-$3000. No contract was signed, and I went with the cheapest option (which I regret). On the first day, they showed up late and seemed more interested in hanging out than working. They left a whole side of my yard untouched, and when I got the invoice, it was for $3600—$600 more than the initial estimate. They claim the job took longer than expected, but they barely worked. I had to hire another crew to finish the job for $600, which included a tip. So, what are my options? Am I obligated to pay the higher amount despite the unfinished work? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially since I'm juggling moving and a kid during the summer!
2 Answers
I feel for you! If you have photos showing the unfinished work compared to what the new crew completed, send those along with the new invoice to the original landscaper. I'd suggest offering to pay them what the second crew charged you instead, and just move on. It's a valuable lesson about choosing contractors, but don't let it stress you out too much!
Check your quote for any legal language. If there are terms and conditions on that estimate, you might have agreed to them by accepting the work. If nothing's in writing, I’d just pay them for the work they completed and inform them you won’t be covering the extra since the job wasn’t finished. Sometimes it’s best to just cut your losses and move on.
I did that too! I sent them before and after photos, and they still refused to lower the price. Such a headache! ?