Invoice double the estimate ??

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

2 minutes ago, startledtreefan said:

Thanks. Twice the estimate doesn't seem reasonable to me. Was thinking along the line of a twenty percent update in what he estimated me. On the basis that at a ten percent tolerance (standard practice in IT projects) he should have let me know there was a problem. Double that on the basis of measure of good will. 

That would likely be considered to be a very reasonable approach to take if the matter were considered at SCC.  On the other hand, justifying a final invoice at 2x the estimate would be a very difficult case to argue (assuming you've presented us with a full and accurate scenario....) 

[startledtreefan]

1 minute ago, kevinjohnsonmbe said:

That would likely be considered to be a very reasonable approach to take if the matter were considered at SCC.  On the other hand, justifying a final invoice at 2x the estimate would be a very difficult case to argue (assuming you've presented us with a full and accurate scenario....) 

I'll see what he comes back with. But from my perspective that does seem reasonable. Cheers. Off to read the rest of the forums now : ) 

[maybelateron]

Any "service provider" who ultimately charges you twice the initial estimate without any interim discussion is taking the micky big time in my opinion. I seem to remember reading somewhere that estimates were "allowed" a 10 per cent leeway either way, certainly a 100 per cent increase is way off this. Not at all sure this is legally binding, probably just more a matter of "code of conduc

t etc"

[Jamie Jones]

It would be interesting to understand the cost financially on this.

From a quick read of this thread... If I am correct.... An estimate was requested for a specific task and this task seems to have changed. Was there any complication as a result?

4x hours work has become 8x hours but there are now two reports... Is there much more detail and variation in the two reports?

4x hours could be easily swallowed up especially dealing with local authorities... Especially in the current situation...

I did a tree felling job, did all the relevant checks for TPO, Conservation and planning issues and it came back ok to fell... The day after the tree was felled the local authority emailed me saying that the tree can't be felled.. I had to break the bad news to them and said I had it in writing from them two week prior that I could go ahead. 

But chasing this all up and doing the paper work took longer than climbing and felling the tree.

I think your first port of call is to have a friendly chat and ask why there is a difference in the price estimated and what has been charge. View it with an open mind before forming an opinion.