I recently had four crawlspaces encapsulated in my condo. We agreed on a specific price that was supposed to cover sealing the barrier to the foundation wall using adhesive only. However, when the contractor got to the site, he discovered that the adhesive wasn't sticking due to dust. As a result, he ended up using mechanical fasteners to secure everything and is now asking for additional charges because of this unforeseen issue. Given that the project has already gone over budget for various reasons, I'm not inclined to pay more. What would you do in my situation?
4 Answers
If he didn’t clear that up with you first, I’d say go ahead and pay him the original price—you didn’t sign off on any extra charges. But if you think you might work with him again, maybe offer to split the difference after seeing the final bill.
Did the contractor do a site inspection before giving you the quote? In my experience, it’s crucial for understanding the project requirements. Often, using mechanical fasteners is the better choice, as adhesives can fail over time, especially if the surface isn’t prepped properly. If you agreed on adhesive and he switched methods without your approval, stand firm on the original price. Your contract should outline what was agreed upon in terms of materials and methods.
Was your agreement formalized in writing or just a verbal promise? It makes a big difference in these situations!
First off, you need to clarify if your agreement was based on a formal contract or just a handshake. A legit contract usually includes details about change orders—those should ideally be in writing and approved by you beforehand. If this contractor has a proper license, you might have some options for recourse. But remember, it also depends on your relationship with him. Was he generally easy to work with? If he values repeat business, he might be willing to negotiate if he made a profit on this job.'
Also, consider if the extra costs were due to unexpected issues that popped up during the job. It's smart to communicate with the contractor about change orders as they arise so both parties understand the added costs. And maybe plan a bit of a budget cushion for surprises next time!
Lastly, think about whether his fee is reasonable compared to what you’d pay someone else to fix the issue. Sometimes contractors try their best but run into unexpected challenges.
Exactly! If he didn’t approve the changes before starting, stick to what was agreed. And preparing surfaces properly can make a huge difference.