Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Apr 19, 2009 10:33 am Just wondering whether it's acceptable to ask for details of variatons that come from the builder, like labour hours and cost of materials? Also do I have a right to see copies of invoices for materials? We've had a number of variations come in from the builder due to the renovations being on an old house. We paid the first even though we thought it was on the high side and to keep relations smooth, but I'm not willing to keep doing this without any details. Our builder also keeps springing these variations on us after they have been done, even though we have asked clearly a number of times to be told BEFORE any work starts. Someone is at home most of the time, so there's no excuse that it would have disrupted work getting permission (which he has used as an excuse once). Any advice would be really appreciated. Re: Variations!! 2Apr 19, 2009 4:39 pm I went to a seminar that covered some of this stuff, so I've very new to it all and can't really tell you more than the very basics I learned, but maybe it will give you some ideas of what questions to ask other people. Check what it says in your contract regarding variations. As I understand it, they shouldn't have any right to do anything that is not in the original scope unless you have a written acceptance / request for the variation that includes a pricing quote. I'm not very knowledgeable on this, but if it is a lump sum type contract (you know exactly how much you will be paying for the work) then you should only have to pay that price unless you accept written approval of additional variations if they are requested by the builder. Maybe get in contact with the Disputes Tribunal and some other organisations that will be able to tell you more. http://www.buildingdisputes.wa.gov.au/d ... ?MenuID=56 There is a good document on here called Resolving Building Disputes, which might help because it sounds like it may turn into a dispute if you are (quite rightly) not willing to pay for stuff you haven't asked for or they haven't let you know about. But the best advice I have received is to deal with it ASAP before it escalates. It is ALWAYS acceptable to ASK for information from builders, but they might not HAVE to give it to you. If they are getting subcontractors in then I don't know if they have to tell you the details of that because it's the builder's responsibility to deal with them, but they shouldn't be doing any work that's not in the original scope of the work as outlined in your contract. I think you have a right to ask the builder for variation requests in writing accompanied by a quote for the work. Then you should accept or reject this in writing and keep all your records. Another important thing I've learned is not to ever agree to anything orally. It must be in writing. It might take a few extra days but it might save you heaps of money in the longrun. My tac-home-ter: Been in 8 months! Re: Variations!! 3Apr 19, 2009 4:55 pm Thanks for the advice annie.s Yes, our contract states acceptance has to be in writing by both parties. I guess we'll just see how the next request for payment goes and whether the variations are witin the range of what we think is reasonable. I take your point on not accepting anything orally. We have been doing that so far, which is why I posted this! Thanks again Re: Variations!! 4Apr 19, 2009 5:51 pm Just tell them (in writing!) that you will refuse to pay for subsequent variations UNLESS they are requested in writing and they have been approved by you in writing. I think it is ridiculous and such bad practice to do variations before telling you about them! My tac-home-ter: Been in 8 months! Re: Variations!! 5Apr 19, 2009 8:42 pm I totally agree. I would never dream of not consulting with a client if any changes were required to my brief (and hence I needed more $$ to cpmplete a job). It seems "common sense" to me, but this has happened before with another tradesperson. It seems very clear to me that your contract states that a security account does NOT need to be established so the answer to the builder is NO. If in doubt find a contract… 1 6363 The fastest thing a builder will do is bank your cheque, those systems work perfectly with lightning speed, everything else is slow burn. Just the way it is. 1 5627 Can someone please offer some advice? Im DESPERATE. Because I'm completely and utterly exhausted. How long are variations taking with other companies at the moment? We… 0 12005 |