Texas Overcharges: When Project Costs Don’t Match the Work (and How to Catch It Early.)
In Texas home projects, paying too much for too little is just as common as shoddy substitutions. Homeowners report invoices that don’t match the contract, “extras” added mid-job without approval, and charges for materials never actually delivered. The good news? With the right paperwork habits, you can spot these patterns before they drain your budget.
The short version
- Overcharges creep in when invoices aren’t tied to a clear scope, or when “allowances” let contractors charge more for downgraded work.
- What to require: Progress payments backed by delivery slips, invoices, and lien waivers—every time.
- Your leverage: The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) protects against deceptive billing or false charges.
- Red flags: Lump-sum invoices with no detail, “trust me” pricing, or a refusal to show supplier receipts.
Where inflated charges show up
- Roofing: Paying premium rates for name-brand shingles, but a cheaper line gets installed.
- Tile & finishes: Being billed for “custom” tile, but receiving builder-grade substitutes.
- HVAC/electrical: Charges for “upgraded” systems, but the actual models don’t match the bid.
- Labor: Daily rates ballooning without matching timecards or scope changes.
Pattern: vague allowances, skipped approvals, and invoices without receipts make overbilling hard to prove—unless you set guardrails early.
How to protect yourself
- Match payments to paperwork.
Every draw should align with a contract line item, invoice, delivery slip, and lien waiver. No paperwork, no payment. - Demand approvals for changes.
Written change orders are non-negotiable. No “verbal okays” that later inflate your bill. - Check the numbers.
Compare unit costs and quantities on invoices with what’s in your contract and specs. - Watch your allowances.
If your contract uses allowances, make sure receipts and invoices prove where every dollar went. - Document everything.
Save bids, contracts, invoices, delivery slips, and approvals in one place. If a dispute arises, your records become your defense.
If you suspect you’re being overcharged
- Pause payment. Don’t release funds until the discrepancy is explained.
- Request receipts. Materials should have matching invoices and delivery slips.
- Send a written note. Document your concern: “Invoice X doesn’t align with approved scope Y.”
- Seek neutral input. A quick review from an inspector or construction attorney can clarify if the charge is legitimate.
- Use your rights. Under the DTPA, false or misleading billing may entitle you to remedies.
Keep costs honest with TradeCrews
Property Journal (TradeCrews): Upload contracts, invoices, receipts, delivery slips, lien waivers, and change orders—organized by scope. If billing doesn’t match, you’ll see it right away.
Jack Report™: Jack scans your Journal and flags missing paperwork, mismatched charges, and budget drift. It’s a clean, one-page checkup you can run before each payment.
✅ Texas homeowner checklist
- Detailed written scope with unit costs or clear allowances.
- Progress payments only with invoices, delivery slips, and lien waivers.
- Written change orders for all extras—no exceptions.
- Journal updated with all billing documents.
- Jack Report™ run before every draw.
Don’t let hidden overcharges slip through. Use TradeCrews to stay one step ahead and protect every dollar you spend.