They want a second radiator “while the floor is up.” Fair. It is not free because the compressor is already in the hall. The original quote did not include it. A clear scope on the first paper is what makes this conversation short instead of a row.
The sequence
| Step | On site | On WhatsApp |
|---|---|---|
| Stop | Do not start the extra | “That’s extra to the quote.” |
| Price | Five minutes with the merchant app if needed | Labour + materials + VAT, one figure |
| Yes | Wait | They reply yes to that figure |
| Do it | Then pick the tools up | Photo or line on the invoice later |
Copy this
That’s extra to the lounge quote. Second radiator, pipework, and making good: £380 + VAT. I can do it this afternoon if you reply YES to that figure. If not, I’ll finish what’s already agreed.
Small extras still get a number. “Only twenty minutes” is how you donate an hour plus a trip to Screwfix.
Happy to add the extra socket. £95 all in (labour, back box, making good). Reply yes and I’ll fit it before I pack up.
If they want to think overnight, pack the original job away cleanly. Do not leave the extra half-done as leverage. Come back when they have accepted.
What people miss
Sorting it at the end. Friday they remember a favour. You remember three extra hours. The chat needed a number on Tuesday.
Doing it because you are already there. Travel is sunk. Materials and time are not. Price them.
A vague “it’ll be a bit more.” They will hear “a bit.” You will mean £400. Put the figure.
Changing the job and not the paper. If the original was a quote, the extra needs its own acceptance. Same thread is fine.
Related guides
FAQ
- What if they say yes in the room and never text?
- Send the figure anyway: “As discussed, extra radiator £380 + VAT — reply yes to confirm.” Do the extra after that lands.
- Tiny extras — still a message?
- If you would notice it on the invoice, yes. A free five minutes becomes a free afternoon if it happens twice a week.
- They refuse the extra price but still want it done.
- Finish the original scope. Pack up. The extra waits for a number they accept.
- Should I pause the whole job?
- Only if the extra blocks the original work. Otherwise finish what was quoted, then the variation.
