Can this issue be reported to fair trading?

SandyKS · Oct 11, 2021 7:48 am

i have an issue with my landscaper

(1) He changed the quote after accepting the estimated quote two weeks later.

From my understanding, the quote valids for 30 days and can't change it after telling him to go ahead but the issue is that he has added this paver quote in the original quote from May.

However, the original quote he gave me only includes deck, lawn and other paver which has totally different name & is different brand.

I have also email from two weeks ago saying that he is updated the quote for new items and the new paver quote was there.

(2) Can he also charge 3 sqm extra if the deck's actual measurement is only 30sqm that is already include the frame, service, side end and the whole structure.

I am told that the ecodeck has to cut to build the size I want and there is extra part that cannot use anywhere anymore so he charged me for that part as well. As far as I know, the quote should reflect all those costs for the part he has to cut & throw away too.

(3) Can this issue be reported to fair trading if we cannot negociate?

Should I report before making final payment (or) Should i pay first and report later.

I would be so sooooo grateful to receive the advice.

bestspecials · Oct 11, 2021 7:56 am

Do you have a written quote from him?
If so, how long between the date on the quote and the actual job start date.
Most quotes are usually only valid for 30 days.

SandyKS · Oct 11, 2021 8:09 am

He gave me the quote 2 weeks ago but he added that quote under the first quote which has given to us for decking 2 months ago.

So the date was more than 2 months ago in the invoice.

Can I still refuse to pay?

May I know where can I report him if disputes is getting worse?

bestspecials

Do you have a written quote from him?
If so, how long between the date on the quote and the actual job start date.
Most quotes are usually only valid for 30 days.

bestspecials · Oct 11, 2021 8:30 am

I am no expert, but would assume that if he didn't advise of any changes to the quote before starting that, that he should be honouring the quote.

Noname · Oct 11, 2021 9:27 am

thats annoying, can i ask what is the total job dollar value difference out of curiosity?

SandyKS · Oct 13, 2021 3:51 am

bestspecials

I am no expert, but would assume that if he didn't advise of any changes to the quote before starting that, that he should be honouring the quote.

The email he sent the updated invoice has date which is two weeks ago though.

If there is disputes, none of his other invoice he sent before 2 weeks ago has included the newly added quote. All the evidence are in the email.

Because It was added only on 2 weeks ago in the quote.

SandyKS · Oct 13, 2021 4:02 am

Noname

thats annoying, can i ask what is the total job dollar value difference out of curiosity?

$1900 which is a lot.

If he overcharged us under $500, we are willing to let go but it is $1900.

Turf he placed is 20sqm but hecharged us for 35.

Deck he built is 30 sqm that has already included frame & the deck he use on the sides too and his rate is $300

30 x $300 =$ 9,000 Right? However, he charged us for 33sqm x $300 = $9,900. So $900 extra, right? When I questioned what is that 3 meter extra for? He said that 3 meter is the part that he cut off & threw away in Bin.

But $900 is not only material price but include installation price. I don't know if he can do that.What do you think?

Noname · Oct 13, 2021 8:34 am

sounds like youre getting taken for a ride. material wastage is usually factored into the pricing. the problem here is you have a written quote that's 2 months old you're relying on. pretty sure the quote you have will mention its good for 30 days, and if it doesnt, there teh argument that that number is pretty standard for all quotes by trades. Its disappointing you've not been advised prior to the price increasing, which sounds like the sus bit. You could always pay the agreed cost and take up the remainder with the local fair trading body. I pay him for work hes done, and dispute the rest. good luck

Mox80 · Jan 30, 2022 11:42 pm

SandyKS

He gave me the quote 2 weeks ago but he added that quote under the first quote which has given to us for decking 2 months ago.

So the date was more than 2 months ago in the invoice.

Can I still refuse to pay?

May I know where can I report him if disputes is getting worse?

bestspecials

Do you have a written quote from him?
If so, how long between the date on the quote and the actual job start date.
Most quotes are usually only valid for 30 days.

The landscape is within his right to amend the pricing if underquoted or there were errors in measurement. You cant expect the Landscape to carry out additional work for free.

SandyKS · Oct 18, 2022 12:50 am

No error in measurement! He just wanted to charged extra at the end of finishing work without informing us ahead. He hasn’t mentioned anything since the beginning or while building the deck.

If underquoted, he should inform us.

The landscape is within his right to amend the pricing if underquoted or there were errors in measurement. You cant expect the Landscape to carry out additional work for free.[/quote]