Home renovations, cost overrun

Home renovations, quotation

Whether for home renovations or any other work, a quotation is a contract that binds the professional to furnish all the services set out in the quotation. Actually, a quotation specifies the quantity, quality, and price of materials as well as the cost of labour for a specific job and this quoted price is not an estimation of the final cost, it is a firm and final price.
If the period of validity for the price is not specified on the quotation, judges will usually consider a period of 3 months.

Home renovations, cost overrun

If the tradesperson who did your home renovation presents you with an invoice showing a cost overrun in relation to the price that appears on the quotation, be aware that you do not have to pay this extra charge unless you ordered extra work from the professional.
If the company did perform work not included in the work set out in the quotation (even if this work was required for the proper execution of the work quoted) or spent more than the amount of time set out in the quotation, no cost overrun can be charged. It is the tradesperson's error.
Express your surprise to the professional who presents you with an invoice that includes a cost overrun and remind them of the amount set out in the quotation. Explain to them that the overrun is entirely their responsibility since they did not provide for certain work that was essential to the execution of the services contracted on the quotation. If necessary, remind them that a quotation is in fact considered a contract and that pursuant to article 1134 of the Civil Code “Agreements lawfully entered into take the place of the law for those who have made them”. Only pay the amount specified on the quotation.