I've run into a situation where my contractor has added several items to the final invoice that weren't included in the initial bid. Some additions seem ridiculous, like charging extra for doorknob installation when it was assumed they'd be included with the door installation. Other items feel like genuine misunderstandings, such as materials for a bathroom remodel that I thought were part of the original agreement. I'm also unsure about how to deal with instances where the contractor has mismeasured and the resulting changes have cost me extra money. What's fair in these situations? Do I have to pay these unexpected costs, or does the contractor bear some responsibility?
1 Answer
You should really check what your contract says about bids and changes. Most contracts include a clause that requires any changes and their costs to be agreed upon in writing, which is often referred to as a 'change order.' Without that, you might not have to pay those extra charges.
Yeah, my partner who's been a contractor for years always says those change orders are crucial. He learned the hard way to get them agreed upon upfront; otherwise, issues can arise when it's time to settle up!