Legal Question in Construction Law in California
Without a written contract, are verbal estimates valid?
I was stupid and entered into a remodel without a written contract. The contractor is a ''friend'' who has done work for us before. He gave us a verbal estimate of 200,000$. When we passed the 229,000$ mark and they were far from done I told him I needed to know how much more it would cost. He never told me. We are now at about 300,000$ and we did have some extra work done that was not anticipated. I still owe him 65,000 but the job isn't even complete. Legally, what do verbal estimates mean? I need to get the house finished but I can't just give him a blank check.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Without a written contract, are verbal estimates valid?
Unlicensed contractors have almost zero rights. If the issue were going to be him suing you for not paying him, you could just thumb your nose at him. The problem of getting him to comply with his estimates is more problematic; depends upon his finances, competence and integrity. If you really wanted to get tough you could probably whack him pretty hard in court. Contracting without a license is a crime. However, if this man has neither money or competence, suit may not be real helpful.....what's there to win?
Re: Without a written contract, are verbal estimates valid?
no written contract and probably no liscensed contractor, and now you want a comperter to answer your questions after spending $300,000.00 dollars -- when are you going to learn. you need a real live in front of you attorney in your gographic area who is an expert in real estate law to answer all of you questions and give you advice like i would which is real and which you should head and take not just to heart but follow.
get someone now, yesterday and i hope you can recoup you monies but at this stage don't be too hopeful -- by the way did your "frined" get the proper permits to do this job, oh my something else to deal with!!!!!!
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