I really appreciate all the sensible help provided on this forum. The developers version may, obviously, vary, but he has nothing in writing with signatures which can show that extra charges were notified or agreed - they were not. Once again, thanks for helping.

Hi HSBCrusher, may I ask for your advise as regards the best strategy regarding a letter to the developer. It has been suggested that we take the initiative by writing an amicable letter outlining what we were led to expect and what we have received and monies paid to date. Possible, we should outline how we would like the matter to end and place a time limit of maybe seven days in which we would like to know his intentions. If no reply is received we will take it that no more work is being undertaken and our relationship is at end - what do you think? Many thanks.

Thank you again for your kindness, will keep you posted.

I appreciate your help and thank you. The latest seems to be that unable to get the money the developer wants, my son has told him not to finish the job and keep the money instead. My son will then get the work finished himself.

Hi there, yes just liveable but no kitchen, tiling needs doing and other bits and pieces. I have seen the signed agreement and there is a price 'total cost' no mention of 'extra charges'.

The subject did not come up, other than general moans from developer. My son was not even asked to agree to extra charges, and therefore by omission was led to believe costs were going to be met by the developer.

Hi, Nope, the subject of extra payment was never mentioned - the developer has paid the builder (?) The extra work was carried out at the direction of the developer - without discussion or hint of extra payment with my son. When my sons wife said 'I bet you are sorry your started this' he replied to the effect' my fault for not being more careful' (I paraphrase). We have reason to believe that the developer has tried to get recompense from the surveyor and failed, so is now trying the next in the line.

Thanks for taking the time to help. But, surely the point is that the developer 'agreed a fixed price' based on the budget available and maybe he should have known better? Although he kept them posted, at no time was extra payment for extra work mentioned by the developer. Thanks again.

That is very kind of you.

Hi, thank you for responding. I believe my son has a schedule of work together with the final price. But it does not include anything regarding 'extra work' the old house was surveyed and wall/foundation problem not picked up, so the developer went ahead on that basis. Makes me think that his beef should be with the surveyor(?) Thanks again.

My son and his young family agreed a fixed price with a developer to have a house converted (the developer employs the builders on a contract basis). During the conversion it became necessary to knock walls down and rebuild them. This has obviously cost the developer money which he is now trying to recover from my son before the house is finished - what should we do?