Sharp Exteriors quoted on a new roof, stating that a couple of sheets of additional wood might be needed at $45.00 each. Financing was arranged at $4900.00 ($300.00 over bid price) to provide ample allowance for the possible extra wood and the sales rep said the company would refund the difference to me by cheque. After the job was completed they said the total came to $4995.00. When I called the company to question how the price could have jumped by $400.00, the first person told me it was because of tax plus 2 extra pieces of wood. I had been told to anticipate 2 extra pieces of wood (total $90.00) so I was fine with that, but the tax had already been included in the original price. He passed me to a second person who also told me that there had been a change order for 2 extra pieces of wood. I again questioned how 2 extra pieces of wood could result in a $400.00 price difference and asked for a copy of the documentation, which was then faxed to me. Lo and behold, the document shows my acceptance signature on the proposal but the quoted price of the job had been whited out and a new, higher number had been written over it.
They now say the original price (the one for which I signed) had not included any of the 8 sheets of wood used in total. This is directly contrary to what the sales rep had initially told me, and begs the question of why the other company reps both referred to a change order for 2 extra pieces of wood, not 8. And what possible justification can there be for whiting out the original quotation price, over my signature but without my knowledge or consent, and writing in an arbitrary new number?
As I have a copy of both the original quotation to which I agreed and signed and I also have a copy of the same quotation after they altered it, I have little doubt that I would win if I chose to fight it in court and as a matter of principle I would like to do so. Unfortunately I have neither the time nor the resources to invest in legal action, so I will pay it. But buyer beware - if you choose to deal with Sharp Exteriors be very sure you have all your i's dotted and your t's crossed.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $5,000.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- Sharp Exteriors needs to honour their quotations. Although I have no way of really knowing, as far as I can tell the job was done well and their workmen were pleasant and hardworking. But either the salesman made a mistake in his quote and is now trying to cover his backside by fudging the numbers, or I've been out-and-scammed. Either way, this company needs to honour its quotes, and most definitely should refrain from tampering with signed contracts.