body work - hidden conditions

["Mark Jones" <jones164@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Peter,

You do NOT seem to be working with a dishonest body shop.  The additional
work is required for "hidden conditions", unknown to you and your body guy.
Pricing body work is not like pricing items at the grocery store.  As you
get into the project, there is always the possibility for new items which
need to be addressed to pop up.  It seems he quoted you a fair price and
clearly defined his included scope of work.  After starting, the possibilty
always exists that more work will be required to address hidden conditions,
and become necessary to do it right.  He is not a fortune teller, who could
'devine' the rust spots were under there.  You are upset that to do the job
right will cost more than you expect, but it is not the bodyshop's fault.
The prices you are paying seem very reasonable.  As long as the quality of
work meets your expectations, work with him.  He has not done anything wrong
to take recourse against.

I would suggest, based on info presented, you continue to work with the guy,
and if you have 'gotten in his face' or argued with him, apologize for
taking your frustrations out on him, for a job more expensive than you both
anticipated.  If you do, he'll probably continue to do a fine job.

Good Luck,
Mark Jones
Chevy Chase, MD

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