Replies

1. 
   DanH | Mar 21, 2015 02:21pm | #1

   There are two ways the estimate might have been done:

   1) The estimate was essentially "time and materials" and you were on the hook (for at least the additional materials) if the guy underestimated.

   2) The estimate was done purely to arrive at a price, and that price was fixed, even if the guy under/over-estimated.  The only way the price might have varied would be if there was found to be some unusual/unexpected condition once work began (such as rotting framing that needed replacing).

   Which kind of estimate did you have?

1. 
   leadchucker | Mar 21, 2015 10:07pm | #5

   siding refund

   The siding contractor Bid the job by the square combining soffit ,fascia ,window wraps

   and siding as a whole figure for a total of 35 sq. of which siding accounted for 29 sq. 

   He gave us price to do the job from start to finish it definitely was not based on T&M.

   We gave half down at signing and are waiting for them to come back for a final clean up

   and to make sure that we're happy with there job and for final payment . Only 24 sq. of siding was installed.

1. 
   cussnu2 | Mar 22, 2015 12:26pm | #7

   Is the 24 sq, the volume of the physical space covered on the house or is 24 sq the amount of siding and waste?  and how did you determine the 24sq #?  I ask because there is a difference.  There is waste involved in any installation and his estimate of 29 sq may have been a 20% allowance for waste.  It seems high to me but carpet installers seem to add 10% waste to their measurements so maybe its not unusual in a siding application.  I do know that you wouldn't want them doing the job with a ton of short pieces it just looks stupid.  However, if that is the reason for the difference they should at least be able to tell you that in a professional manner.

   Did you ever mention that you want to have the cut offs left behind?  If your house is a popular color and type of siding with them you might be able to work out a deal with them to get shorts from them over the course of a couple of jobs that will be enough to cover your shed.  I would talk to an owner if possible and explain you are confused over being billed for 20% more than was installed and you need some help.  I would make sure I agree that get shorts from several upcoming jobs just make sure you and he understand you don't want all 2ft pieces but don't demand 10ft lengths either.  I personally wouldnt care if I had to piece two sections together to cover a 10 foot run of a shed but maybe you do.  You might even be able to cut a deal with him to get open boxes with full pieces if you were willing to agree to clean up another job site.  There are always creative ways to make a deal that results in a win win for both parties.

2. 
   leadchucker | Mar 21, 2015 10:08pm | #6

   siding refund

   The siding contractor Bid the job by the square combining soffit ,fascia ,window wraps

   and siding as a whole figure for a total of 35 sq. of which siding accounted for 29 sq. 

   He gave us price to do the job from start to finish it definitely was not based on T&M.

   We gave half down at signing and are waiting for them to come back for a final clean up

   and to make sure that we're happy with there job and for final payment . Only 24 sq. of siding was installed.

2. 
   mark122 | Mar 21, 2015 08:21pm | #2

   how were you billed? were you billed for the additional 5 sq of siding? were your billed for instalation of the extra siding? 

3. 
   calvin | Mar 21, 2015 08:32pm | #3

   Lead

   There's another way to look at this.  You agreed to have the contractor cover your house with siding.  They covered the house.

   if by some chance the contractor had oops'd and been short 5square would you have graciously paid them for the extra?

1. 
   leadchucker | Mar 21, 2015 10:03pm | #4

   siding refund

   For the most part no . I've been in this position myself and have ate the extra cost just because 

   it was my fault not the client's . That's just good business and how I was taught. But I do have

   a soft side. If there was 5 sq. shortage I would offer cover half if I Was asked to.

   .

1. 
   jimblodgett | Mar 22, 2015 01:56pm | #8

   It should be clearly stated in the contract how any materials left over were to be dealt with.  If it's not, and this siding contractor stays in business, I bet she will add this clause to the next contract. 

   We're all learning, every day. 

     

1. 
   leadchucker | Mar 22, 2015 08:59pm | #10

   siding

   The contract says nothing about leftovers or extras of any kind .

4. 
   leadchucker | Mar 22, 2015 08:52pm | #9

   siding

   There is two unopened boxes and one opened box with eleven full pieces . next to them is about a dozen usable pieces and a couple of rips . I Appreciate all replies . I'm not upset at the company I just don't want them to profit from a big overage . I do like your idea though . But I just don't have any time to spare .

1. 
   florida | Mar 24, 2015 12:08pm | #11

   So you have 2 boxes and 11 pieces total left? That's no where near 5 squares and certianly not an excessive amount of left overs. Unless the siding contractor has another job coming up soon in the same color that will be trash to them.  I doubt theyd want it at all.

1. 
   DanH | Mar 24, 2015 07:11pm | #12

   It's not unusual for a contractor to have an arrangement with his supplier where he can return unused materials for credit.

2. 
   oldhand | Mar 24, 2015 09:27pm | #13

   different world here

   In the economy I persist in 2.5 boxes of siding would never be trash. My local supplier would cheerfully give full credit for returned boxes, even pieces if I whined. But I wouldn't whine for credit on the open box, if they'd take it I'd let them have it  to sell as mark down stuff.

   Last resort I'd keep the 11 pieces to give way some where. 2 things I'd never do is throw it away or use it on my own property.

    guess  i need to apologize for getting off thread but just saying...   

3. 
   leadchucker | Mar 27, 2015 11:50pm | #14

   florida

   There is 24 pcs. to a box . 12 pcs. to the sq. , 2 full unopened boxes + 11 full pcs. + the usable 

   pcs. easily makes 5sqs of siding Mr. 40 years of building experience ! At least in my neck of

   woods. and no that's not trash to them or me .

4. 
   leadchucker | Mar 27, 2015 11:55pm | #15

   florida

   Thanks

5. 
   deadnuts | Apr 01, 2015 07:32pm | #16

   If you agreed on a lump sum contract and have no specific clause agreeing that owner retains any left over building material, then you have no right to this material. It's that simple.

   That said, you have every right to make a reasonable offer for it.  Who knows? f you nice enough about it,  the salesman  may give you a good deal.