Builder Invoice

[vaketraucrauwa-3700]

We have verbal agreement with builder to do extension work. We are not happy with his work and so many delays and quality is substandard. We decided to terminate this contact even though there is no written contact. Now he claims that we need to pay for more and claims that he already done the work and will be issuing the invoice. Need some advice on how to handle this as we have only verbal agreement. This will be his word against to mine. He never produced any invoice for previous payments. If i don't pay, what will happen?

 

[diy_fun_uk]

A verbal contract | The terrifying truth

A verbal contract can prove much more hassle than its worth for employers and employees in the UK. Know your rights with a verbal contract.

herries-smith.co.uk

 

[HERTS P&D]

What was the total quote.
How much of the work has he done.
How much have you paid him.
How did you pay.

Also, any pictures of the work.

Andy

 

[Murdochcat]

Do nothing until he sends you a detailed invoice

Then you’ll know what he thinks he Is owed for

 

[^woody^]

A verbal contract is exactly the same as a written one, just less easy to prove what was agreed.

The builder must be paid for work done, and for his associated costs in carrying out the works. If you have no schedule of rates/charges, your problem is determining what amount is due as with this type of work costs and work done are not related to time - Ie 50% work complete or time spent on site does not mean 50% of costs have been expended.

You'll need to see what gets invoiced and agree what charges you think are fair. If you can't agree, you can make an offer and see if that is accepted. Or you can get an independent person to value the work done and you both abide by that. Alternatively you can pre-empt the invoice and get the work valued before you get the invoice.

If work is substandard, you can either allow the builder to correct it, or you can pay less - but you should not pick a random amount, and you can't penalise the builder with deductions. The amount needs to be calculated and the basis of the calculation given to the builder. The costs of correcting work are deductible in addition to not paying for the work in the first place.