Time limit for sending customer a bill.

[knoppdude]

Hi, I have a friend in Ohio who has had a contractor working on her house for several years, and just submitted a bill for work done 2.5 years ago. This work is being done on T&M basis. I know this is not limited to electrical work, but I am trying to find out from anyone who may know if there is a time limit within which bills must be submitted. If anyone knows, please let me know. Thanks for all responses in advance.

 

[brantmacga]

i'm sure it varies by state.

at some point, your friend had to know that work was done that she had not paid for. if the contractor has records of the work being done, he should be paid. but he is an idiot for waiting this long.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

We are not lawyers but if I were the ho and thought I was paid up I would be raising hell. How would they be sure the bill is legit. Anyone waiting that long is up to something IMO.

If I discovered I didn't bill someone after all that time, I believe I would just eat it.

 

[480sparky]

Is the contractor still working on the house, or was all the work completed 2? years ago?

 

[knoppdude]

i'm sure it varies by state.

at some point, your friend had to know that work was done that she had not paid for. if the contractor has records of the work being done, he should be paid. but he is an idiot for waiting this long.

I agree with you on this point, but she was paying as the work was being done, I do think 2.5 years is a long time to pass before discovering an error. This is a tough situation, as a contractor, I can see the contractors side if they are legitimate bills. However, the work was finished 2.5 years ago, and the bill given was paid. This will take a King Solomon type of mind to resolve, that or a trip to the local superior court, where a judge can decide. Thanks all for the responses.

 

[hurk27]

This is just unheard in a T&M billed job, as unless the homeowner kept good records of this guy being there, there is no way to tell how much time he's billing for, other then looking at the job and maybe a gestamated idea.

edited because I didn't see the responce by the OP, but if this is an error, he would have to get me to belive this or we would be in court.

by the way the statues of limitation on small claims runs out in 2 years, no claim after this.

 

[growler]

I do think 2.5 years is a long time to pass before discovering an error. the work was finished 2.5 years ago and the bill given was paid. This will take a King Solomon type of mind to resolve, that or a trip to the local superior court, where a judge can decide.

I don't think it's all that complicated. If a contractor submits an invoice for final payment and the invoice is paid and accepted by said contractor that's the end of the story.

Whatever you are willing to accept as final payment is it. When you cash or deposit that check then you have accepted final payment so if there is a mistake you should always return that check and get it corrected before accepting payment.

 

[G._S._Ohm]

"Some of the common Ohio time limits for starting civil cases are: 21 years to recover real estate; 15 years to sue on written contracts; six years to sue on oral contracts; two years for actions for personal injuries or property damage; and one year for libel, slander, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, and professional malpractice. Most other types of lawsuits are subject to a four-year limitation."

 

[ike5547]

Invoice was delivered. Invoice was paid. End of story. What's all the fuss? All that aside, it's hard to believe the contractor was keeping accurate records for all the work while simultaneously procrastinating for 2-1/2 years on the invoice.

 

[ike5547]

I agree with you on this point, but she was paying as the work was being done, I do think 2.5 years is a long time to pass before discovering an error. This is a tough situation, as a contractor, I can see the contractors side if they are legitimate bills. However, the work was finished 2.5 years ago, and the bill given was paid. This will take a King Solomon type of mind to resolve, that or a trip to the local superior court, where a judge can decide. Thanks all for the responses.

Are you saying there was some sort of error? If so, what was it?

 

[ceb58]

I do good to let an invoice get 2.5 minutes old much less 2.5 years.:roll:

has had a contractor working on her house for several years

Not knowing the situation but the word in red may be the key.
Sounds like this contractor may be tight for money and thinks since it is a woman he can get over on her.