Contractor Changed the Price or Scope

How These Disputes Commonly Develop

A homeowner and contractor agree on a price and scope of work. The contract or proposal sets out what will be done and for how much. Work begins. At some point the contractor presents a new invoice, a change order, or a verbal demand for additional money — often claiming that the original estimate did not account for conditions discovered during the work, that materials cost more than expected, or that the homeowner requested additional work.

The homeowner may dispute whether the additional work was requested, whether the original contract covered the situation, or whether the contractor's explanation is accurate. The contractor may threaten to stop work, file a lien, or pursue collection if the additional amount is not paid.

Facts That May Help the Firm Understand the Matter

• The original contract price and what it covered
• The amount the contractor is now claiming and the reason given
• Whether any written change order was signed
• Whether the homeowner requested any additional work
• What the contractor said about the reason for the price increase
• Whether the contractor stopped work or threatened to stop
• Whether a lien has been filed or threatened
• The current status of the project
• How much has been paid and what remains unpaid
• Whether the contractor's explanation is consistent with the original contract

Documents to Preserve

• The original contract or proposal
• Any change orders, written or unsigned
• All invoices and receipts
• Text messages, emails, and voicemails from the contractor
• Photographs of the work at each stage
• Any lien notices or court papers
• Estimates from other contractors for the same work

Questions the Intake Should Answer

• What did the original contract say about price and scope?
• What additional amount is the contractor claiming?
• What reason did the contractor give for the price change?
• Did you agree in writing to any change in price or scope?
• Has the contractor filed or threatened a lien?
• Is there a pending court case or arbitration?
• What is the current status of the project?