What to do about a contractor’s bid work that wasn’t necessary?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What to do about a contractor’s bid work that wasn’t necessary?

We had a rooter/plumber look at our sewer line from our home to the street with a video camera (we were not present but our property manager was) and he stated the entire line needed to be replaced for at least $10,000. I got a 2nd estimate from another plumber (licensed) and he did the work for $6,855. The 2nd plumber does not do video inspections of sewer lines but since his estimate was better and he seemed more professional, we went with him. However, when he dug a trench and began the process of replacing the old line, he said it was fine and did not need to be replaced.

Asked on October 18, 2011 under General Practice, California

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

It is not clear which bid you are talking about. If it is the first rooter/plumber bid, then even if it was for unnecessary work or was excessive, since you did not take it, there was no loss to you and therefore not cause of action.

If you're talking about the bid from the second plumber, who began the work but then discoved the line did not need to be replaced, the issue is what was said to you prior to your agreeing to have them do the work. You say he does not do video inspections...if he never lied or misrepresented about his inspection or the source of his knowledge, but, for example, gave you a bid based on what you told him or the inspection by the first plumber and you agreed to the bid on that basis, then he probably did nothing legally wrong (even if he later turned out to be mistaken): he disclosed the basis for his bid to you and you accepted it. If he did lie in some significant way, that, though, may give you grounds for  a lawsuit, based on the misrepresentation.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption