Dear Forum,
We are currently building a house through a construction company. The building specifications state there will be 4 sockets per room. Since this is not sufficient for us, we have chosen to add extra sockets in some places. Price according to the electrician: 90€ for a single socket, 120€ for a double socket.
I would like to explain our issue using the following example:
For one room, we selected
- 1x single socket
- 3x double sockets
According to our understanding, we should pay the extra cost compared to the building specification as follows:
3x surcharge from single to double socket = 3x(120€ - 90€) = 90€.
However, the electrician calculates the cost as follows:
- 2x double sockets cover the 4 sockets per room specified in the building description
- in addition, extra costs apply for 1x double socket + 1x single socket = 120€ + 90€ = 210€.
=> The electrician is charging more than twice what we expected—solely due to a different calculation method.
My question to the forum is:
Is the electrician using a common calculation method, or is this a case of overcharging?
We are currently building a house through a construction company. The building specifications state there will be 4 sockets per room. Since this is not sufficient for us, we have chosen to add extra sockets in some places. Price according to the electrician: 90€ for a single socket, 120€ for a double socket.
I would like to explain our issue using the following example:
For one room, we selected
- 1x single socket
- 3x double sockets
According to our understanding, we should pay the extra cost compared to the building specification as follows:
3x surcharge from single to double socket = 3x(120€ - 90€) = 90€.
However, the electrician calculates the cost as follows:
- 2x double sockets cover the 4 sockets per room specified in the building description
- in addition, extra costs apply for 1x double socket + 1x single socket = 120€ + 90€ = 210€.
=> The electrician is charging more than twice what we expected—solely due to a different calculation method.
My question to the forum is:
Is the electrician using a common calculation method, or is this a case of overcharging?
BigFoot schrieb:
What exactly is stated in the scope of work description? For us, for example, 2* single, 1* double, etc.For us, only the number of sockets per room was specified, but there was no price difference between double and single sockets. The general contractor charged €39, and the electrician charged €26.50 net.
H
HilfeHilfe14 Sep 2019 11:41drno1234 schrieb:
First of all, thank you for the replies.
However, my question was NOT about whether the price per can is reasonable (that’s a different topic) – I wanted to know if the described calculation method is common practice or if this is a scam. Scam? Oh dear, what a strong word! You signed a contract and now you want more service. That’s a matter of contract freedom! You are not obliged to accept the offer. Often, especially in the low-price segment, craftsmen are financially squeezed, and then additional charges are how they make their profit.
90€. The material cost is about 4-5€. Installation takes less than a minute. Nice hourly rate.
It’s not fraud, but it’s not fair either.
Basically, you already have four different points. Now it’s just supposed to be extended.
Take these four points and privately find someone to do it. I wouldn’t give an electrician a single dollar. Outrageous
a) these prices
b) the billing
It’s not fraud, but it’s not fair either.
Basically, you already have four different points. Now it’s just supposed to be extended.
Take these four points and privately find someone to do it. I wouldn’t give an electrician a single dollar. Outrageous
a) these prices
b) the billing
B
boxandroof16 Sep 2019 16:47drno1234 schrieb:
- 2x double sockets cover the 4 sockets per room as described in the building specification
- additionally, extra costs now arise for 1x double socket + 1x single socket = 120€ + 90€ = 210€
=> The electrician is therefore charging more than double what we expected – purely due to a different calculation method.
My question to the forum is:
Is the electrician actually using a standard calculation method, or is this fraud?The issue is how the 4 individual sockets per room included in the building specification are valued. There probably aren’t standard billing methods for this; it depends on the written wording. But I agree with you.He shouldn’t equate two double sockets with four individual sockets. This is evident from the price difference you mentioned and the small additional effort needed for a double socket, which he must know. He certainly won’t install four more individual sockets at the price of two double sockets.
What the electrician is trying here is bold, and he knows it. I wouldn’t accept it either and would only get the absolute minimum from him.
H
hampshire17 Sep 2019 00:14drno1234 schrieb:
> So the electrician is charging more than double what we expected – purely due to a different calculation method.You chose a calculation method that works best for you and based your expectations on that. The electrician is not responsible for that. He simply does not calculate exclusively in your favor. You are responsible for your own expectations.Both “calculation methods” are understandable. To accuse one of them of even approaching “fraud” is completely inappropriate. If I encountered such behavior from a potential client, I would withdraw the offer and refuse them as a customer. Nobody needs customers like that. Too much potential trouble and wasted valuable time.
Still, I would discuss the price – but in a different tone.
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