Quality Vinyl Fence & Gate $618 Surprise Add-on to Firm Bid for partial fence Utah

Background

We wanted to close out our fence that two of our neighbors started so we could let our dogs roam the backyard.

Enter, Quality Vinyl.

We contacted Quality Vinyl after a neighbor used them and figured it was a safe bet. The company surveyor came out and surveyed the property. While they were there, I asked about the (exposed) retaining rock wall being a problem for a fence and if I should get curbing to secure the posts. During that conversation, there was no mention of any extra costs for "hard ground".

Project Timeline

They came to our house on Monday, Nov. 2, and again on Friday, Nov. 13 to finish the fence (two days labor).

Post Project

We got our bill the next week (just reviewed it today on Friday, Nov. 20) and saw there was an additional $618 added to the bid for "Rocky Ground". After calling the surveyor, I wanted to know why that was not mentioned while he was out to measure the property and he said that it was mentioned in Line item 9 below the Terms & Conditions. I informed him that I understood that I had agreed to the Terms & Conditions but that he made no mention of there being extra costs when we have an exposed rock wall; and even when I brought up the rock wall, he made no mention of it still. He said he could not see the rock wall and that he didn't remember me asking about it and proceeded to tell me that I should have read the Terms & Conditions and that this is how every other contractor does their business and I shouldn't tell him how to run his business.

In the end, I realize that I agreed to the terms and conditions. What he never understood was that you should not charge someone an extra $618 without letting them know prior to agree to the extra charges. I can take my car into the shop and always expect to receive a call if a mechanic finds more fixes than expected so we can agree on extra charges. How is it that this contractor is dealing less fairly than a mechanic? Sidebar: I didn't think I would ever compare someone to a mechanic who behaves more fairly and honestly.

Complaint

My complaint is this: The extra costs should have been brought up so that we could agree on the extra charges which were significant. Once we agree, how they came up with the $618 charge should be defined and included in the statement.

This company did not deal fairly or honestly with me as a customer. Instead, they reiterated that I had agreed to the Terms & Conditions.

Be careful what you get yourself into especially if this is your first time dealing with any sort of contractor. You may end up getting hosed.