Home improvement contractor over-charging (how much, attorney, house)

[jeffnj]

We are running into some problems with a home contractor we used, where by a number of new charges - not formerly agreed to in writing - showed up at the end of the job.

Has anyone else run into this sort of thing?

How did you handle it?

(Has anyone run into a similar problem with a contractor who's name starts with J in Northern NJ) Curious to know if this is a pattern by this contractor. Thanks.

[EANJ]

Originally Posted by jeffnj

We are running into some problems with a home contractor we used, where by a number of new charges - not formerly agreed to in writing - showed up at the end of the job.

Has anyone else run into this sort of thing?

How did you handle it?

(Has anyone run into a similar problem with a contractor who's name starts with J in Northern NJ) Curious to know if this is a pattern by this contractor. Thanks.

I haven't personally run into this problem, however, did you withold any money or "retainage" for final inspection(s), satisfaction, etc.? Did these extra charges just pop up out of nowhere or was there some sort of advanced warning or infererence/reference, etc. (even though they weren't agreed to, were they hinted at)? Not that it matters.

So, how much, percentage wise, above the original, agreed upon total are the extra charges? After all this, if you have this in writing, and it was substantial dollars (relative term of course), I would consider speaking to an attorney to see where you stand. Good luck!

[stevemorse]

I actually had this happen , the guy totally underestimated the job. I split it with him but by no means paid the whole extra.

[MoorestownResident]

I just did a 16 X 10 addition and no extra charges. In fact they are getting $500 less because they left small debris in the main sewer line and that 's what it cost me to get it out.

[brad stevens]

Everyone should be aware that charging costs not agreed to in writing prior to execution is Consumer Fraud according to NJ Home Improvement regulations. Don't pay anything your contractors didn't put into writing. To read more:[url]http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/brief/improve.pdf[/url] http://www.hmmlaw.com/pdf/fraud.pdfhttp://blog.njeifs.com/2007/11/ (broken link)

[Roselvr]

Originally Posted by jeffnj

We are running into some problems with a home contractor we used, where by a number of new charges - not formerly agreed to in writing - showed up at the end of the job.

Has anyone else run into this sort of thing?

How did you handle it?

(Has anyone run into a similar problem with a contractor who's name starts with J in Northern NJ) Curious to know if this is a pattern by this contractor. Thanks.

Hate to say this but stuff happens.
The last house we had, every time we did something, it was like opening a can of worms.

What type of job did you have them do?
What were the extra charges?

[DeFinisGroup]

I am a licensed contractor, the way we handle this is anything that is not specified in the contract is considered an extra so we present them with options, if they agree on it we have a written change order which both parties sign so they can see the money trail...To present someone with all extras on a job at the completion of a job does not seem very professional.

[FlyersFan]

The State has a licensing program for all home improvement contractors and provisions to settle problems....if that doesn't work you can take him to arbitration at a very minimal cost.