Getting charged unfair drafting fees!

[jalvar38022]

I recently inquired about building a home with a builder (builder A). I decided to go with an other builder (builder b). Builder A missed our scheduled appointment last week. This meeting was for us to discuss ammenities and other specifics. Builder A's son is the "drafter" for the plans and claims that he is owed 225.00 for drafting (3 hrs @ 75.00) of this plan. When I asked them about available plans they said that they only had one that fit into my price range. I asked him if it would be possible to put a tub in the master bath he said he would get back to me. Later on he did show me the same plan with a master shower put in the master bath. I beleive that this is rather excessive for someone who basically did nothing. I never signed any agreements with them nor did I ever tell them that I was definitely going to contract them for their services. The builder and the son never told me that their was a charge just for asking questions. Am I legally oblgated to pay the 225.00?

 

[dee_dub]

Probably not. The only way to tell for sure is to sort it out in court. Don't pay them, tell them you don't owe them anything and you had no agreement, and and let them sue you. If they feel otherwise, they an try to convince a small claims judge why you should pay for something you never agreed to.