Legal Question in Business Law in Texas

Home Decorator Ethics

I have accidentally discovered that my decorator added a $1250.00 charge (her fee) to a charge by a sub-contractor in the amount of $2150.00 for a grand total of $3400.00! I have learned that the normal fee that other decorators in our area charge for same type service is 8%-10%, and that their fee is out in the open. This person insists that everything be kept secret from the sub-contractor and the client, and that the sub-contractor and client have no contact with each other, if at all possible! I have always thought that her fee for every service sounded pretty high, and I now know that she has over-charged in a big way! Can anything be done about this, legally?


Asked on 10/23/00, 8:26 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Home Decorator Ethics

If you have not already paid, don't. If you have, sue in small claims court for a refund of the fees to the extent they exceed the usual and customary fees in the area for the same work.

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Answered on 11/15/00, 10:12 am
John Pfister, Jr. Pfister & Associates

Re: Home Decorator Ethics

The answer to your question depends on a number of other facts. First, is there a written contract between you and the decorator. Second, what representations were made to you by the decorator regarding charges. Finally, what is the industry standards on charges, however this is the least of the three factors.

An attorney would have to evaulate your claim based on the above factors.

Good Luck

John Pfister

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Answered on 11/16/00, 1:17 am


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