Revising A Builder Invoice - Am I being Unreasonable
Discussion
Recently had a conservatory fitted by a local builder.
After a couple of days of no progress I decided to work from home so I could keep an eye on them.
It was obvious they had no idea how it went together & kept asking me to go & help. I had to explain basic trigonometry, amongst other basic things that a builder should know.
It basically cost me around 20hrs where I could not invoice Bloodhound for work done.
So my question is, am I being unreasonable in reducing the amount I pay the builder by 20hrs at my hourly rate, I think not, but was interested to see what others thought?
After a couple of days of no progress I decided to work from home so I could keep an eye on them.
It was obvious they had no idea how it went together & kept asking me to go & help. I had to explain basic trigonometry, amongst other basic things that a builder should know.
It basically cost me around 20hrs where I could not invoice Bloodhound for work done.
So my question is, am I being unreasonable in reducing the amount I pay the builder by 20hrs at my hourly rate, I think not, but was interested to see what others thought?
I would ask yourself firstly would the job have got done anyway if you hadn't have been there, I've no doubt the answer would be yes.
The fact you were willing to give them a hand is you're choice really unless you made them aware from the first instance you were going to charge them for your time!.
The fact you were willing to give them a hand is you're choice really unless you made them aware from the first instance you were going to charge them for your time!.
CedGTV said:
Just to indulge me, the basic 'things' that he should of known, what were they ?
And the trigonometry, would be what ?
Basic things.....And the trigonometry, would be what ?
Replacing structural M8 bolts at the ends of alumnium extrusions with self tapers into the plastic.
The stickers on the glass that say "this side out" being on the inside.
Trigonometry was required to work out the height of the wall plate as they fitted it 3" too low, despite me telling them the height as they could not work it out, they still fitted it too low, requiring it to be refitted, under my supervision.
Despite numerous calls to the owner to come to site, he avoided coming.
What you describe would be a contracharge, and is reasonably common in the building industry.
If the owner confirmed at the time that they would compensate for any time lost then I'd say you're perfectly entitled to deduct this from your payment after making the appropriate notification.
If the owner confirmed at the time that they would compensate for any time lost then I'd say you're perfectly entitled to deduct this from your payment after making the appropriate notification.
From experience (both sides of the fence) I'd never get involved in the construction or design. I'd stand back let them install it and if I wasn't happy I wouldn't pay for it until it was sorted. Getting involved involved opens up a can of worms with regard design and warranty so not worth getting your hands dirty!
If youre happy with the install now I'd ask for a discount I wouldn't think that's unreasonable but if you hadn't got involved they would have had to seek help from their boss and it would have got done.
If youre happy with the install now I'd ask for a discount I wouldn't think that's unreasonable but if you hadn't got involved they would have had to seek help from their boss and it would have got done.
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