Planning and builder estimate charge rip off?

Planning and builder estimate charge rip off?

11:13 AM, 27th November 2018, About 5 years ago 2

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I was recently considering extension of my BTL with possibility of a 5 room HMO or 4 bedroom Family home.

Searched online and registered with localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk to get some quotes and soon architects and planers started contacted me.

Had two architects with their builders turn up to meet for advice and measurements of what it is possible and for builder to provide estimates based on chosen idea. Architects explained their fees of going forward for each stage, but nothing chargeable at the moment for advice and measurements.

All good.

Third person now, don think he’s even an Architect, calls himself a planer and has some builders.
Since tenant was not available at the time and I was at work and, he apparently didn’t have any other slot until two weeks time, he suggested he visited the property himself and do the measurements from outside and peeking through the windows, checked with tenant and that was fine.

I briefed him same as others what I’m thinking on doing and emphasising the quote. Since he was insisting that this is not a problem I asked him if he could explain his ideas whats possible with rough sketch just so I understand the email. He never mentioned any fees.

When he was due to go to the property he calls me and asks for a fee of £100 and we agreed.

Since then has sent me the estimates and two pages of drawings he calls them plans to submit for planing and demands to charge me other fees. I never asked for this and It doesn’t meet my brief that was emailed to him. After looking at his plans they are also wrong as is taking a chunk from neighbours land, from this I even doubt that he ever visited the property for measurements.

He now is contacting me he’s going to send me his invoice for planing, quote, tendering documents etc, stuff I dint ask.

Anyone had a situation like this and any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Shpet


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Comments

Neil Patterson

11:17 AM, 27th November 2018, About 5 years ago

First port of call would be to complain to localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk and find out more about this person.

Pay nothing and ask him for a copy of the contract you have with him.

Rob Crawford

13:16 PM, 27th November 2018, About 5 years ago

The £100 was to test you! You paid so he went to the next con step! What are the implications of making this initial payment? Could it be interpreted as an indication that you have a contract, albeit verbal! I am aware of some big established contractors who also charge for an initial site visit for estimate purposes but these arrangements are supported by written details of the process they work to.

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