Legal Question in Business Law in Washington

Contractor question

My wife and I hired a contractor to reinfinish our floors. We had a verbal agreement for the total cost. I inquired about the color of the finish and the contractor responded ''no problem'' and is now trying to increase the cost of the bill by 25 %. Am I obligated to pay this extra charge?

We had contact with the company multiple times during the interim and they never disclosed the additional costs. They are threatening to put a lien against our house if we do not pay this extra charge.


Asked on 6/14/07, 7:59 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Contractor question

Feel free to go over the facts with our WA member firm. NanceGroup.com

An attorney will need to know more facts to determine if you have a civil claim.

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Answered on 6/14/07, 8:17 pm
Susan Beecher Susan L. Beecher, Atty at Law

Re: Contractor question

Whether you are obligated to pay depends on the details. Was anything in writing at all? Was anything done off of a price list? What exactly was said in the conversation you had with the contractor about the color? Has the contractor given an explanation why your color was so much more expensive?

Before you give up and pay the extra, or alternatively before you plunk down a retainer for an attorney, you might try talking to the Washington State Attorney General's Consumer Protection division.

Good luck.

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Answered on 6/14/07, 11:21 pm


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