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Contractor billing for unauthorized and unexplained "extra" work

Business 2 views 1 answers
Hello, I am trying to wrap up a home improvement project. For the most part I have been satisfied with the contractor, and he has alerted me in the event of any additional charges required (I was very clear with him that my budget was limited and that I could not exceed it.) All was going smoothly until I received his latest bill. There was one line item that I had not approved and had never been done. He has not removed it from the invoice but is not insisting on payment. He HAS added an upcharge for unspecified "extra plumbing and electrical work in the walls and floor" amounting to $1250.00. -- an increase of 15% over his estimate. This was not listed as a line item but tucked away in a "note" at the bottom of the invoice -- but it was included in the total due. My problem is that nobody discussed the need for extra work and I did not authorize it. He is saying that the pipes were old and rusted and full of sediment (is that really a surprise in the renovation a 90 year old bathroom?) -- he is not explaining the electrical work. He says that he is willing to waive the charges for electrical but wants payment for the plumbing, which means only a 10% increase. I don't think that I should have to pay for "extra" work that I did not authorize and that he cannot prove was necessary or even performed. What are my options here? I don't want a lien on my house but I don't want to be overcharged either.

Attorney Answer

1
Neyah Bennett ·
I would start by looking at what your contract with the contractor states about change orders or additional work. Do you have a contract? Typically, change orders or additional work is required to be agreed upon by both parties and in many cases in writing. I would also look at it from a practical stand point aside from the legality of it. Did you need the extra work done? Was it done to your satisfaction? Of course, you should have been notified and agreed to the additional work before your contractor went ahead. On the other hand, you should also factor in the quality of the extra work and whether it was actually necessary versus the aggravation and cost of a legal dispute with the contractor. You shoud also look at whether the contractor was licensed in both areas, electrical and plumbing. You can look up any contractor for complaints and licensing information on the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website. If you feel unfairly charged for the services, you should continue to try to work it out informally with the contractor. If you cannot work it out fairly, consult an attorney with litigaiton experience.
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