Cost dispute

[jedimistress]

I am going to withold payment from a builder as I feel they are overcharging me. Not for labour but for the price of a physical item. They are billing me 50% more than the item cost. I know it wasn't as much as they claim. To cut a long story short, they have lied to me, not just over the price, but as to why the price was more. Really I am just fed up of people taking me for a mug.

How do I approach the subject of witholding payment to the best effect? I have already asked them to check their records and they have come back saying this was correct price. I have been advised from someone to send them the money I know is due, and put a letter in to explain why I am witholding the rest. Is this good practice? I am thinking of the future here and should it go to court I want to have taken the necessary steps.

[buildersmate]

What did you agree in your contract - either verbally or written down? If you agreed something like '�200 for labour plus the cost of the parts', then you are on strong grounds - they need to demonstrate to you how much they paid for the parts. It is reasonable that expect them to provide you a copy of their invoice for that item.