How much can a contractor raise their bid after completing a project?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How much can a contractor raise their bid after completing a project?
A contractor quoted me $500-$1000 to do some electrical work. I said get started. Then sent me a bill for $4200, never once mentioned to me it was going to be more. Then took me to court and won, judge sided with him because he had a invoice.
Asked on August 14, 2011 California
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
In California, licensed contractors are required to submit a written contract setting forth the specific amount of the work of improvement as well as the contractor's license number and reference to California's State Contractor's Licensing Board in Sacramento, California when the work of improvement exceeds $500.00.
The contractor cannot legally send you an bill for $4,200.00 when you never were submitted the required contract to sign. If you have time to appeal the award, assuming it was a small claims court award, you should do so. The specific code sections to assist you are in California's Business & Professions Code around section 17200.
You might consider contacting the California State Liecensing Board In Sacramento, California about the contractor who charged you $4,200.00 without a written contract signed by you and make a complaint against him or her.
As to the award against you, I suspect the "judge" was some attorney acting as a judge "pro tem" who really does not understand California law regarding requirements of written contracts by licensed contractors signed by their customers.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.