Almost had a new driveway

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by mcyr

So did I Jeff, quote, contract, policy and the whole works. It's a long story and could not explain all the details.
I am not done with this. I am tired of getting screwed and David should persue it also. Enough is enough, with these type of people just trying to rape you over the coals for their mistakes.
When I make a mistake, it usually and always costs me money. It should not be a one way street.

Agree, and good luck, you're gonna need it!

[Joseph A. Ferry]

Sh*t happens. You could have made a friend for life by saying "Look, I'm in business, too. That's a tough break. How about if we split the difference?"

He would have been bowled over by your equanimity.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by jferry1

Sh*t happens. You could have made a friend for life by saying "Look, I'm in business, too. That's a tough break. How about if we split the difference?"

He would have been bowled over by your equanimity.

Joe, one always makes a friend when you give in to pay for his own downfall of ethical business dealings and honoring his mistake at your expense.
A quote in writing should be honored regardless of the circumvent of material cost increases that are expected daily in the past years.
When one initiates a quote, he is stipulating that it will be executed in a timely fashion upon acceptance by the client. To come back after the acceptance of the quote that was signed and accepted, and request additional funds to execute the work, in my book is unethical construction practices. Walk.
There was a time in life where a hand shake was binding on an agreement to perform work for an equitable payment in return. Wonder what happened to that.

[iniquette]

Originally Posted by mcyr

Joe, one always makes a friend when you give in to pay for his own downfall of ethical business dealings and honoring his mistake at your expense.
A quote in writing should be honored regardless of the circumvent of material cost increases that are expected daily in the past years.
When one initiates a quote, he is stipulating that it will be executed in a timely fashion upon acceptance by the client. To come back after the acceptance of the quote that was signed and accepted, and request additional funds to execute the work, in my book is unethical construction practices. Walk.
There was a time in life where a hand shake was binding on an agreement to perform work for an equitable payment in return. Wonder what happened to that.

AHHHHH, the good ole hand shake. I wonder where those days went as well Marcel.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by mcyr

A quote in writing should be honored regardless...When one initiates a quote, he is stipulating that it will be executed in a timely fashion upon acceptance by the client. To come back after the acceptance of the quote that was signed and accepted, and request additional funds to execute the work, in my book is unethical construction practices.

I agree with you Marcel except the guy didn't seem to request but to demand more money. And it was a contract, per David's first post, that was reneged upon. I'da said no, too.

Originally Posted by dokeefe

Finally I say he can do the job for the contracted price or don't do the job,I'm not paying him any more than that.

[David P. OKeefe]

Originally Posted by lkage

I agree with you Marcel except the guy didn't seem to request but to demand more money. And it was a contract, per David's first post, that was reneged upon. I'da said no, too.

There was a signed contract. Ya, I could of maybe split the difference, but I felt like I was blind sided and he was trying to get more money out of me. I'm only going by what he said, (asphalt prices went up),who knows if this is true or not.

[David P. OKeefe]

Just to let you know, the $300 was an increase of 14% above the agreed to price.

[Paul Pendley]

Did you say they started to unload? Unload what?? Where was the asphalt? If it was already ordered he must have had somewhere else to install it.

[Gary Farnsworth]

I bet he was not licensed, registered, had insurance or education either.

Here is another one, right up your alley.

http://www.kmbc.com/video/index.html

Click on local tab on left, then click on "debris" video.

[Peter C. Russell]

I have had to drop my roofing prices in my area because so many are competing for the same job, while the material continues to go up.
If he wanted the work he would do whatever it takes to get the job and complete it

[Allen L. Catterton]

Get’er done! That has been my motto for 60+ years. When I was still actively building and made a mistake in material estimate costs I ate it, learned a lesson and continued to march. A man—any man (person/ woman) is only as good as their word. I appreciate and respect business people that stand behind their product and word and continue to do business with them and more importantly, recommend them to others. On the other hand, if I think someone is purposely trying to screw me I will spend $5 to keep from paying them a nickel.
BTW Mr. Cyr-file a complaint is small claims court. Usually doesn’t cost but a few bucks to file. The beauty is that they have to pay an attorney to hear and respond to the complaint.

[Russell J. Hensel]

You would still allow this guy in your yard? This guy tries to get 14% more money the day of the job, apparently is a liar, swindler and cheat. There is no way in hell I would let him do the job even BELOW the price he quoted me! What if it isn't done right? Do you think this guy would ever come back and make it right? He will try to cut corners to save that $300 increase. Get rid of this guy like a bad habit, be done with it, get another contractor.

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by dokeefe

Was going to have a new driveway installed at my house today. Contractors show up this morning and start to unload. Boss calls me and says that asphalt has gone up in price and he wants another $300 for the job. He canceled twice on me last week(because of equipment trouble he says) and now wants more money? I don't like it and we get in a little argument,. Finally I say he can do the job for the contracted price or don't do the job,I'm not paying him any more than that. He packed up and left. I think he was trying to squeeze me for more money because it's near winter and I can't get anyone else to do it in time.

Very simple.

1) Did you sign a contract? If so, the price increase is irrelevant. You have a valid, signed contract for a certain price.
2) Did the contract include a service date? If the guy did not show up, at the appointed date, then the contract is void.
3) ALWAYS look over (i.e. READ, IN FULL) any contract with contractors. AND amend it, in writing, with both party's initials at the changes.

Remember, a contract is a CONTRACT.

Had a concrete contractor, a while bacl, who was pouring a slab (for a garage) and wanted to charge more for putting reinforcing mesh in the slab. I told him that a "professional" job ALWAYS had re-mesh in the slab (and supported by hangers!!!).

He told me I didn't know what I was talking about. "No one does it that way".

I showed him the IRC codes and the Carson Donlop illustrations, and explained to him that HE didn't know how to pour concrete.

Then, I ordered him off the site.

He still wanted to be paid for his time.

Then I called my lawyer, who explained to him the law and asked for his lawyer's number.

He had no lawyer.

Go figure

He was off the site and the slab was poured the next day, buy a contractor who kbew his business! (re-mesh, supported, 6 bag pour, plastic covering the slab, etc).

AND, he charged $137 less!

Stand by your guns.'

If you are right (AND do the research to back it up), then you are right.

Don't let the B*ster#ds wear your down.

Hope this helps

[William J. Decker]

ALSO. Make sure the comtractor is licensed and INSURED!

If he signs a contract, I do not care that he didn't sign a contract with his supplier. That is HIS problem.

Old quote from my Dad:

"Sorry,due to the constraints placed upon me by reality, I cannot allow your lack of planning and compitence to become my problem or emergency."

- William Decker Sr.

In other words, If you f**k up and don't run a professional business, and don't honor your written contracts (not to mention your personal word!), then that is your problem that you should really work at fixing that. It is NOT my problem and I, very much, am offended by your attempt to pawn off your problem on me. But, in the final analysis, that is YOUR problem, and I cannot be held responsible for your irresponsible actions.

SO, STICK IT, YOU THIEF!

[Jeffrey Moore]

Could you imagine if we asked a client to fork over more money
after having a signed contract when the price of gas goes up what their
response to us would be.