What to do if contractor asks for more money after the job is done?
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What to do if contractor asks for more money after the job is done?
Our contractor wrote in his estimates “Paid in Full”. We paid him labor and material, but we also bought some material from our kitchen and floor renovation. Now, after agreeing, he wants to recalculate everything and, thus, more money. What should I do?
Asked on November 9, 2010 under General Practice, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
It depends on the circumstances. If the contractor can show that there was a simple miscalcultion or clerical error, but that the amounts he's requesting should be due under the terms of the contract (e.g. the agreement by which he worked required you to pay for all materials; he didn't add them up properly), you'd almost certainly have to pay. Or if he can show you ordered materials after the payment, so it wasn't part of what you'd paid, you would have to pay. In short, if it's a proper charge, regardless of whether "paid in full" was written, he can probably force you to pay (suing you if necessary); if it's not proper (e.g. not authorized under the agreement, estimate, terms, etc.), then you'd have good grounds to not pay.
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