Quote me (unhappy!)

[_lk_]

I am wondering if there people prepared to give me a quote for some work, which I feel I have been over charged on. I recently had 6 recess lights fitted in my dinning room, and 9 fitted in the hallway as a strip. The guy used a special cutter which meant no floorboards needed to be dragged up. To do the lights, he wasnt at my house for more than a short day. I dont want to mention the quote, but would like to know what people would *expect* to pay for such work.

Many thanks

LK.

 

[pna]

Sounds like the work has been done but you are talking about quotes

If the charge was approx £30 per hour, would this make you happy or unhappy ?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If you weren't happy with what he quoted you before you gave him the job, why did you give him the job without at least getting some alternative quotes?

 

[_lk_]

The work was done by an acquintance, as if for a favour. The original discussion involved a rough price of around 250 per room (as a favour). Because of this relationship, it didnt seem appropriate to ask for an itemised quote. The conversation went something like,

LK: "Yeh, I'm thinking of having downlighting put in here and here."
S: "That shouldnt too expensive. I could do this for you, I can get the lights for a very good price and it doesnt take long to knock them up. Dont go paying a sparky to do this when I can do it for you."
LK: "Are you sure?"
S: "Yeh ofcourse I am sure. I can get all of the products for good prices, and I wont charge anything other than the cost of them." Looking me in the eyes from a friendly perspective.

The point is, yes I should have gotten a quote, but it wasnt the normal job where I get someone in, he does the work and then I pay. The relationship is completely different, which is making it awkward now, give the price quoted is just under £1000.

 

[pna]

Normal downlighters can be bought for less than £10 each.

Perhaps you need to remind him about the conversation and ask why the price has doubled, or ask for an itemised invoice.

Legally, I don't think you have much recourse - an estimate isn't binding, whereas a quote is.

 

[Big_Spark]

£1000....man that is a criminal price.

Are the downlighters Gold plated and personally signed by Tommy Hilfiger?

From a wholesaler...

15 recessed 12V 50W Dichroic Downlighters. (Aurora) £151.80 +VAT
15 60W Aurora wire wound dimmable Tx's £91.65 +VAT
15 20A 45mm diameter JB's £18 +VAT
100m 1.5mm T&E £8.78 +VAT

Labour @ £25.90 per hour x 8 = £207.20 +VAT

Total = £477.43 + £83.55 VAT = £560.98 all inclusive.

And that is a contractors price, so your so called mate robbed you.

 

[t4msy]

Some mate I just installed downlights for a friend of a friend in every room of his house. Including hallway. 40 downlights, got a mate to help me and charged him 250 quid labour plus i supplied the cable, connectors, sleeving etc. We were there from 8.30am till 6pm.

 

[_lk_]

Many thanks for all of your replies - it is really appreciated. I kinda felt like the price was a "little" on the steep side. Thanks for filling me in with just how much.

LK.