We had a guy come around on the weekend to offering an estimate for our driveway. He was very nice/not at all pushy. We were on our way out so he measured while we were gone and tried to call several times that night but we didn't get back until late. He gets a hold of us yesterday and gives us a quote-$800. We ask him to come out and remeasure because we forgot to mention that we wanted the driveway widened by six inches on both sides and brought up to the height of the garage. He comes out and takes a look and says thats fine and he will still do it for $800. We start to get a weird vibe from this guy and he goes and gets a contract from his truck and asks us to sign. The contract is not filled in except for the agreed upon price and "no deposit required" written in the deposit field. I say that we are not signing a blank contract and he says all we are doing is agreeing on the price and the rest is a verbal agreement. My gut tells me I was taken. Does this sound normal?
2007-07-23 07:28:53 · 9 answers · asked by silent j 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Beware - Get everything in writing. Everyday at lunch I watch "The Peoples Court" and most of the court issues deal with Contracts that are Verbal vs Written.
Without a written contract or something in writing, you have no defense against anything that might go wrong or against something that wasn't done.
Doe's this guy even have a legal mailing address? Or does he only have a PO BOX number?
Contact that person and say you do not want him to do any service for you.
You should find out if he is Licensed to do the work. Get References and actually go talk with those people. I'm not sure but I think there is a place to find out if that person or company has any legal issues following them for previous shotty work.
If you want your driveway done, the best way to do it is call someone that you are familiar with. OR... If you see someone in your neighborhood getting their driveway done, talk with the contractor doing the work and ask them to give you an estimate.... again, with everything in writing.
Get a few estimates from different contractors.
2007-07-23 07:35:20 · answer #1 · answered by Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont necesarily think you were taken, especially if you haven't given him any money. But be sure to check license, insurance and references. Also demand nicely that the contract be specific before any work is to start. It is also a good idea to get two other bids from reputable companies to see if the pricing is competitve. Too low or too high should make you concerned.
Will - General Contractor
2007-07-23 15:43:07 · answer #2 · answered by twogreeneyz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately that's fairly common practice - i had a similar situation with a pool contractor - in the end I simply didn't pay them until it was the way we had agreed - i would recommend sending the company a letter - verifying that (state the specifics) will only cost $800 - ask them to reply in writing - if it's a legitimate business they will comply - if not make sure you stand over them while they do the job - make sure the guy that you talked to is there when the work is getting underway - don't let them do anything until you know they understand what is supposed to be done - make sure you stay there and watch the whole time - they may get annoyed but it's the only way to make sure
2007-07-23 14:36:07 · answer #3 · answered by lancej0hns0n 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only if you gave him any money and the work was not done. Your gut was right, never sign an incomplete contract, and get references, check licenses, insurance etc.
Home improvement scams are rampant. Do your homework before handing over the dough, and holdback a percentage until you are completely satisfied with the work.
2007-07-23 14:35:07 · answer #4 · answered by Tom S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a great idea, but it's just as bad for him as it is for you. As long as you haven't already paid him, you will be fine. Just refuse payment until the driveway is done the way you verbally agreed.
2007-07-23 15:07:25 · answer #5 · answered by Brenda T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AAAAAHHH Not a good idea to sign a blank contract.
If you already have, you can now make your own contract with the specified type of concrete, length of installment, disposal of all debris, etc etc. If he refuses to sign it, then you better a lawyer.
2007-07-23 14:56:05 · answer #6 · answered by TillieDillie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in these circumstance's fill it in yourself either by putting a line through it or write down what the sales persons say then let them sign it after all its only a contract but its filled in
2007-07-23 17:55:46 · answer #7 · answered by wotaclot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This doesn't sound right... Why is this person just wandering around looking for work? Call another company and get a bid from them.
2007-07-23 14:36:18 · answer #8 · answered by Dana H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT DO IT> DO NOT DO IT> I REPEAT> DO NOT DO IT.
2007-07-27 13:49:32 · answer #9 · answered by oldtimer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋