Legal Question in Consumer Law in Iowa

We had a quote done to have the plumbing roughed in so we could install a bathroom in our basement. The quote was $2500 (we would be tearing up and replacing the concrete). We decided that we did not want to spend that much and called an acquaintance who is well respected and owns his own plumbing/heating and cooling company to get a different quote. He gave us a quote of "no more than $1000" and said that it was lower than the first because the first company was union and also because he works with my husband (my husband does construction) and my husband is always doing such a good job for them. Of course we agreed but did not get it in writing.

The plumbers came and installed the drains and sewer vents and we planned for them to come the next week to install all of the plumbing to the toilet, sink and shower. Two days later I got a bill for $1070.00 ( a little more than we thought but no big deal) and all it says is "rough-in bathroom per bid". I called the company to make sure they knew that we still needed to have the plumbing installed and was told that the quote was only for the drains and that we would have to pay more for the plumbing.

I am infuriated. I know that both my husband and I were under the assumption that everything was going to be done for $1000, not just half of the job. I called other plumbers and was told that "rough-in" does not just mean drains it also means the hot and cold water pipes I was also told that that is a lot to charge for the work they did (we did all of the concrete work). I have also had other plumbers come over and give an estimate on what it would cost to finish the job and it will be about $1300.00.

My questions are:

Since the bill says "rough-in bathroom per bid" can we refuse to pay it until they finish all of the plumbing since rough in does not just mean drain work?

Should I just pay the bill and put the rest of the job on hold until we can affford it?

Thank you!


Asked on 3/08/11, 1:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Unless you have something specific on paper that commits the contractor to perform certain tasks you may be stuck. On the other hand, if he did not perform to your understanding you can take it to small claims court.

Read more
Answered on 3/09/11, 7:54 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in Iowa