If a contractor is hired to do work on your house, and you ask him to see a detailed break-down of the costs, labor, supplies, etc. Is he required by law to do so? Aren't businesses required to provide you with a receipt of some type?
2006-08-04 04:21:45 · 11 answers · asked by Ron M 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It depends on the state regulations. If you want a breakdown and that contractor will not give you one, then tell them you will find someone else that will, because you want to know what you are paying for. Normally the thought of losing business over a matter like this, will get them to give you one.
2006-08-04 04:29:49 · answer #1 · answered by sunflowerlizard 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it is not requiered by law in NY or MASS.they have to provide a receipt of the work done,but it dont have to be itemized.your state may be different.at the beginning of the job your are given an estimate therefor a itemized bill cannot be done.most contractors will add 10-20% to the top of material costs to cover thier exspenses such as gas and time at the lumber yard.things like this are hard to break down in a detailed fashion.if you trust the contractor then you should not have a problem either way.if not,then maybe that company aint the right one to do the job for you.be careful and get at least three estimates and references.follow thru on checking out the references.when it comes right down to it,they write out the receipt so they can fudge the numbers anyway.good luck
2006-08-04 04:27:33 · answer #2 · answered by jitterbugjims 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a contractor in Kansas city and no it is not required by law. If you ask it should be provided. A rule of thumb is materials X 3 that should be close to the price. Some things are More labor intensive, but Materials times 3 should get you close.
2006-08-04 06:41:48 · answer #3 · answered by mike67333 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the thing is that for obvious reasons, if he does a break down of the costs, laber, and supplies, you will see how much money he is making out of this work,....and so, is not a requirement...since you are asking for the service and he is the one that knows how to do it...and sometimes, they are subcontracted by an architect, so the architect, get his % from him, and the contractor get from you the % that he gave to the architect and then he gets from you also his %, so you are paying for the architect recommendation and the contractors doing your job...so everything goes around.....everybody is trying to make money....write back at israelmoya20@yahoo.com....mil_millones_vivir@yahoo.com
2006-08-04 05:11:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, he is not required to give you that breakdown after you have contracted him. You could have asked for that up front, and used that as a decision point as to whether or not you hired him. Again, he still did not have to give you his cost breakdown, but you could decide if you wanted to use his services or not.
2006-08-04 05:49:40 · answer #5 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yee sir! I worked for a General Contractor and we did that for our customers anyways! Be careful of who you hire to do work on your home!!!!
2006-08-04 04:26:34 · answer #6 · answered by Nikki B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first window estimate wouldn't give me a breakdown, but then I called someone else & he did.
I don't think it's a requirement.
2006-08-04 04:26:51 · answer #7 · answered by lynn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you dont want to get fleeced I wouldnt let them do anything till they do. If they refuse get someone else. Your house is your biggest investment.
2006-08-04 14:56:07 · answer #8 · answered by Dave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
as your paying the bill
2006-08-08 04:12:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
2006-08-04 04:24:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋