A quote is a price, not an opening bid. And where nothing was agreed, the law doesn't hand the trader a blank cheque: you owe a reasonable price, and not a penny more.
What's "reasonable" is what similar work costs locally, which is checkable: other quotes for the same job are your evidence.
"In that case the contract is to be treated as including a term that the consumer must pay a reasonable price for the service, and no more. (3)What is a reasonable price is a question of fact."
A quote is a fixed price for defined work: they carry the risk of it taking longer. An estimate is an informed guess, and can move, but not absurdly, and not for work you never asked for. Extra work needed? They should have told you and agreed a price before doing it, not surprised you on the invoice.
Tell us what happened in your own words. We check it against the law above, free, and give you a straight answer either way. If the law is on your side, your formal letter, citing the exact provisions, is £2.99.
Check where I stand, free →This guide covers England and Wales; Scottish and Northern Irish rules can differ. This is guidance to help you understand your rights, not formal legal advice, and we're entirely independent: no affiliation with Citizens Advice, GOV.UK or any law firm. Every quotation above links to the official text so you can check us. Law verified current at July 2026.