A: Unfortunately, doing business with friends or relatives often leads to disappointment and resentment because we tend to have different expectations than we do in impersonal relationships. This is why consumers should always get about three written estimates detailing the scope of work and the materials to be used. That way you are well aware of the fair market value of a project, and understand exactly what you should get for your money, before you hire anyone to do a job.

Did you sign a written contract agreeing to pay four dollars per square foot for installation only? If so, I would just send a copy of the contract in with a check for what you owe according to the contract, explaining it was only 800 square feet.

If it was a verbal agreement, have you called your contractor friend and told him there must be some kind of mistake because at four dollars a square foot the bill should be about $3,200. Maybe he just made a calculation error and will adjust his bill.

If not, then you have to decide how to react. You could call around to some other tile setters or masons and find what they would charge to install the floor. If you discover you were charged retail, you'll know you don't really have much of a friend in the slate floor setting business.

If you find you were terribly overcharged, you might file a complaint with your contractor's licensing board (if your state has one), perhaps the Department of Consumer Affairs, or even the Better Business Bureau. I don't know your state's rules on verbal contracts or how much legal recourse you have. If he values his business reputation, he may choose to adjust his invoice to avoid having a complaint on his record.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com