Overcharged for Electrical Repairs
My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: FLORIDA
I had an electrical contractor come out to my home to replace a blown breaker. He quoted me $80 for the service call and I agreed under the pretense that he was prepared to complete the 5 min job that day. Its just a breaker no big deal.
The guy shows up, says he doesnt have any breakers on the truck looks to see which one I have then charges me $120 instead of the agreed upon $80. He then says he will be back out the following business day with the proper part to install. At this point I was under the impression the the $120 dollars im paying was basically for the actual install since nothing was done that day and the visit was only 15 min. He tells me he will be back to complete the job at 830am Tuesday.
Tuesday 830am Contractor is a no show... 930am Still no Contractor, no call. 1030... 1130... 12pm I finally have to leave the home to run errands. on my way back roughly 1230-1245 I call the contractor to inquire about the job and he informs me that his guy already did the job and left. I questioned him because I wasnt home.. How did he get in? How is this possible if im not home? He tells me to hold on while he calls they guy the installed it. Few moments later He calls me back and says that I wasnt home so is guy assumed it would be ok to make entry do the job and leave... I blew up at him I wasnt cool with that at all. I get home and all was well... Nothing broken or stolen power was on...
At this point I was ok... Pissed off but ok... I already paid $120 issue fixed... Few days late Contractor the broke into my home called and left a message apologizing for breaking in. He said he came in through an unsecured window in the nook did the job then left.
A few weeks later i receive an invoice for another $320. $80 Labor $220 part some other bs charges. I Call to complain, I write a letter to explain that the breaker price was never disclosed to me and I never had the opportunity to turn the service down. Price was only discussed the first day and I was under the assumption I already paid for the labor. As far as the part I would never have agreed to pay $220 for an $80 part. Because their contractor was over 4hrs late and because he broke into my home while I was away I never got the opportunity to deny service or discuss pricing.
We have exchanged a series of emails where I have attempted to negotiate the service and settle the price fairly but they refuse to work with me. I filed a complaint with the BBB and the Florida Dept of Business Professional Regulations. I attempted to file a Police Report but they said this was a civil matter. Now they claim I am slandering them because I complained to the BBB and are suing me in Small Claims...
What can I do? What Statues can I review? Are there fair business practice laws that discuss price disclosure prior to service ? Are contractors allowed to enter a dwelling to perform work without permission when nobody is home?
I feel this is completely asinine..
Re: Electrical Contractor B and E and Double Billing
1st: How old is the panel in your home? The cost of breakers can be dependent on this fact as older (and more dangerous, discontinued) equipment requires reconditioning and can cost considerably more. Sometimes as much as 5 times as much as one that is of simliar ratings and new.
2nd: Billing...I wouldn't pay a cent on the additional charges. The BBB is not a governmental or regulatory agency so complaining to the is like complaining on FB. What other work did they say that they provided? There probably wasn't a written estimate but if the're looking for additional monies than I presume they included some sort of invoice.
As to the breaking and entering I would contact the police and ensure that the contractor is mentioned by name. That's all there is to it.
Re: Electrical Contractor B and E and Double Billing
Quote:
Quoting
Mark47n
1st: How old is the panel in your home? The cost of breakers can be dependent on this fact as older (and more dangerous, discontinued) equipment requires reconditioning and can cost considerably more. Sometimes as much as 5 times as much as one that is of simliar ratings and new.
2nd: Billing...I wouldn't pay a cent on the additional charges. The BBB is not a governmental or regulatory agency so complaining to the is like complaining on FB. What other work did they say that they provided? There probably wasn't a written estimate but if the're looking for additional monies than I presume they included some sort of invoice.
As to the breaking and entering I would contact the police and ensure that the contractor is mentioned by name. That's all there is to it.
The home isnt old It was built in 1999. Normal Murry breakers. Pops in and out. Panel is in the garage. He came in through the Nook windor near the kitched walked through the house to the garage did the work then left.
Police said it was a "CIVIL" matter because I called them to the house. I said sure however I wasnt home and they unlawfully entered my home without permission? Does that not count as Breaking and Entering? Anyways Cop wouldnt file a report.
My question still remains... What can I bring to court as a defense? Any Statutes I can read up on?