What are extras? When hiring a builder/carpenter most people want a quoted price up front so they can know exactly what the job is going to cost. Sometimes customers are surprised to be given an ‘extras bill’ after a quoted job is finished.
The unknown nature of the extras makes them difficult to quote ahead of time. If the variables were known then they would have been factored into the original quotation.
What are extras?
- Unforeseen extra work
over and above the scope of the original quotation but which is required in order to complete the original quoted work. - A more expensive product requested
by the client during the course of the job which was not specifically requested for in the quotation and costs more than the base rate item I have allowed for in the quotation. The difference in cost between the base rate and the more expensive product would be an extra. - Changes requested
by the client during the course of the job which are not within the original scope of the quotation which create extra labour and material expenses for me in order to make the change. - Extra work requested
by the client during the course of the job that is over and above the scope of the original quotation.
How much do extras cost?
Extras are charged at Cost (material and labour) + Overhead (a percentage added to the job to cover operating expenses such as liability insurance, workers’ compensation, tools and equipment etc) + GST (Goods and Services Tax).
When are extras billed?
Extras are usually billed after the extra work has been finished. On larger jobs such as a new home build or an extension/renovation there could be several extras bills throughout the course of the project. On smaller maintenance or renovation jobs extras are usually billed at job completion with the invoice for the quoted work.
How to avoid ‘extras’ surprises
To the best of my ability I will try to make you aware of possible extras that may arise prior to quotation or job commencement. If unforeseen work is required throughout the course of the job I will try to make you aware of this as soon as it comes to my attention. If you request products or work during our conversations that fall outside the original scope of the quotation, I will refer to those items as extras. That way you will know they are not covered by the original quotation. If you have any questions regarding possible extras and the cost I will try to answer them for you.
