I had a contractor look at a job demolishing 6 mobile homes. He gave me a price of 4,000 and I, along with my business partner agreed. After he completed about 80 % of the job, he told me that my bill was up to 6,900. I asked how if he quoted me 4,000 and he said he never quoted me that, he was charging my his time, plus his dumpsters, and the weight of the debris. That is NOT what he said before we decided to hire him. Anyone know how much I owe him, and can I deduct what I am paying someone else to finish the job off what I was going to pay him? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Well a reason to always get all contracts and all bids in WRITING, but I guess you figured that out by now..

You may try 1. get price to finish the rest of the job, and deduct that from the 4000

But then the other man can sue and it will be up to the judge to decide.

As usual, I agree with Fr_Chuck.

First, I hope you've stopped him from continuing work at this point.

Did your business partner witness him stating the $4000 figure? Like, in person, not relayed through you? Do you have any other witnesses?

Have you paid him anything?

I would send him a letter, certified mail, receipt requested, stating the exact conversation you had with him and who all heard it. Tell him that upon completion of the job you will be GLAD to pay him the $4000 on the spot. That way you have proof that YOU attempted to adhere to the agreement that the two of you (3 of you?) had.

I don't feel that the amount he is charging is out of line. For 6 mobile homes and dumpster fees what he has done is pretty much in line with what it truly costs now a days. I work for a mobile home dealer and we have demolished several homes recently and they each cost around $3k to dispose of including demolition/disposal fees. If you disagree with his original quote, you should have gotten several quotes before going with this guy.

Since neither of you have anything in writing, there's technically nothing to say you even hired him, am I correct? So, wheres the problem? If he wants 4 grand, he can finish the job as agreed. Otherwise, verbal agreements are not enforceable in court, and this guy just lost himself some time and dumpster fees.