Legal Question in Business Law in Kentucky

We recently had major flood damage & hired a Mitigation company to clean, sanitize, etc. The cover sheet of their proposal/bid states that "IF ADDITIONAL WORK OR DRYING TIME IS NEEDED(NAME) WILL CALL YOU TO REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL WORK REQUIREMENTS". The original proposal/bid was for $6,340.47, yesterday's final bill = $11,768.44!!

I AM fully aware that original proposals can & do change BUT not almost doubled, I can understand +/- 10% (not almost 54%).

My question - what recourse do I have to dispute the fact that NOBODY called or notified us in any way about the additional time/work to add the additional charges that was stated would be done on their cover sheet? I have also asked for copies of reciepts because I do believe we are being over charged (caught one they had to take off - charged for masonry man to check fireplace, charged $230, called Masonry Co - they do NOT charge for this service!!) so they found other charges & even added more than the 2nd bill!!. Unfortunately, there is no way I/we can check on some of their charges and shame on us - we did not keep a record of the time the workers were here. Needless to say we were devistated - our 1st & hopefully last flood & lost sooo much.

(FYI we chose this company because our insurance adjuster said they work with them across the country & we knew of no reputable company). THANK YOU in advance for your prompt attention & cooperation in this matter - I'm sure they are going to want their money asap!! Sincerely, Linda [email protected]


Asked on 6/18/11, 6:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

As a Franchise Attorney I can say the following. Contractors, like the one you are dealing with, have to stick to the terms of their contract. You should not be responsible for anything above the initial bid unless you approved any increase. Report what happened to your insurance adjuster. If the company continues to give you a hard time, report them to your state's contractors licensing board. Consult with a good business or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation

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Answered on 6/19/11, 7:11 am


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