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If it does turn out to be 4 days' work, but our quote was based on it being 2, and that was one of the reasons for choosing it, what would likely happen next?
i. Before hiring them, confirm in writing that you've agreed the fixed price of £x to fell the tree and grind the stump. You pay £x, tree is gone. Make it clear there is no extra money, and payment will only be made when the tree is gone and the stump has been ground out.
ii. Do you trust them? If not, don't hire them.
Howard
@tbc
We've had four quotes for felling and stump grinding the massive leylandii that's growing in the bottom of the garden.
They're all pretty steep, but one is just over a quarter of the price of the most expensive. They're all from well-reviewed and experienced tree surgeons.
The two most expensive quotes are from people who've come back for repeat visits and think it will be 4-5 days' work. The cheapest estimated 2 days. If it does turn out to be 4 days' work, but our quote was based on it being 2, and that was one of the reasons for choosing it, what would likely happen next? Could they reasonably ask us for more money or is it tough on them for underestimating the job?
(Also, the cheapest quote came from someone who the people in the house behind our garden called in to talk about cutting back the overhang. There's an outside chance that part of the reason his quote is cheaper is that they're paying him something too because they're that desperate for us to get rid of it.)