[Direct answer]You can refuse to pay for unjustified additional charges. According to Article 543 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (effective January 1, 2021), amendments to the contract must be agreed upon by both parties. Add-on charges outside the contract quotation, and unilateral price increases without your written confirmation have no contractual basis and can be refused to pay; confirmed add-on charges should be paid according to the contract. The "add-on trick" of signing contracts at low prices and increasing charges layer by layer during construction may also constitute price fraud, and you can claim a refund of three times the amount paid according to Article 55 of the Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law of the People's Republic of China. First, separate the accounts and then confront each other: distinguish between three types of fees: those within the contract, those subject to oral amendments, and those unilaterally imposed by the contractor.

1. Problem background and typical scenarios

When signing the contract, they promised "fully furnished and ready to move in with just a suitcase", but after the wiring and plumbing were installed, an additional 15,000 yuan was charged, and waterproofing cost an extra 8,000 yuan. The masonry work of tile laying (special-shaped tiles were priced separately) added another 20,000 yuan—almost everyone in the decoration industry has encountered such hidden charges. The most agonizing moment for homeowners is when the construction period is more than halfway through, the workers are on site, and the list of additional charges is presented to them: should they sign or not sign it?

II. Key points of contention

Firstly, the scope of validity of the additional items, written confirmation vs. oral amendments. Secondly, the ploy of splitting low-priced packages from mandatory projects. Thirdly, the settlement criteria for payments already made and the actual work performed. Fourthly, the choice of legal pathways for fraud and breach of contract.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

The key to winning or losing disputes over additional costs in renovation lies in the clear classification of expenses and the prompt preservation of evidence. **First Level**: Expenses fall into three categories: 1. **Contract-covered items**: These must be performed without surcharges. 2. **Additional costs due to new findings during construction**: For example, if the actual wall structure differs from the design drawings, the additional costs must be confirmed in writing (signed addendum or WeChat confirmation) before taking effect. When confirming, check the unit price and quantity—avoid signing blank authorizations with the clause "Final payment based on actual costs". 3. **Unilateral impositions by the company**: For example, threatening to stop work or demanding demolition/alteration fees without contractual basis. Refuse payment and claim breach of contract. **Second Level**: Recognize common traps: - **Price-cutting bids with omitted items**: For example, excluding garbage removal for wall demolition, omitting grout lines for tile installation, or charging exorbitant unit prices for metered electrical/plumbing work. - Require a list of "non-additional charges" and a complete unit price table. Before signing, compare quotes from multiple companies. - The industry norm of "additional costs exceeding 30% of the total contract price" signals imbalanced negotiations. **Third Level**: - Document disputes during construction (addendum stating "I object to project/unit prices and will not consider payment as confirmation"), retain site photos and communication records. - For completed or stalled projects, negotiate settlement based on confirmed items and exclude unsubstantiated charges. - Seek engineering cost appraisal or third-party evaluation for fair pricing, file complaints with consumer protection agencies or construction departments, and pursue legal action for fraudulent practices. - For paid amounts, use transfer records and receipts as evidence. Refuse payments for unconfirmed or unreasonable additions. - Counter-advice for contractors: Transparency in add-on costs is a self-rescue measure—complete quotes, written amendments, and publicized unit prices reduce disputes and protect profits. - Prevention checklist for owners: - Attach complete quote details and construction drawings to contracts. - Sign addendums item by item with capped unit prices. - Pay in stages (retain 10–20% final payment), and withhold payment until final acceptance. - Three safeguards effectively block most traps. - Beijing's large-scale renovation market and parallel complaint/arbitration channels emphasize immediate evidence preservation. --- **Key Translation Notes**: 1. **Terminology**: - "增项纠纷" → "additional costs disputes" - "套路识别" → "identifying common traps" - "不另收费项目清单" → "list of non-additional charges" - "工程造价鉴定" → "engineering cost appraisal" - "第三方评估" → "third-party evaluation" - "住建部门" → "construction departments" 2. **Cultural Adaptation**: - "不签就停工" → "threatening to stop work" - "以拆改相威胁" → "threatening with demolition/alteration fees" - "三道闸" → "three safeguards" (metaphor for comprehensive prevention measures) 3. **Legal Terms**: - "违约责任" → "breach of contract liability" - "消协" → "Consumer Protection Association" - "住建部门" → "construction departments" 4. **Tone and Flow**: - Maintain professional yet clear explanations - Emphasize proactive measures and legal protections - Use concrete examples to illustrate practical advice - Highlight the importance of prompt evidence preservation and legal action 5. **Final Check**: - Ensure terminological consistency across all sections - Verify legal and procedural terms accuracy - Maintain logical structure and coherence - Adjust sentence structures for natural English readability --- **Key Takeaways**: - Transparent pricing, written amendments, and publicized unit prices reduce disputes and protect profits. - Complete contract details, signed addendums with capped unit prices, and phased payments (withheld final 10–20%) safeguard against most scams. - Legal channels (complaints/arbitration) and immediate evidence preservation are essential for resolution.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to categorize the accounts according to the quotation: contract-related, confirmed additional items, and unilaterally imposed items. The second step is to refuse to pay for unsubstantiated additional items in writing and fix the communication and on-site evidence. The third step is to negotiate settlement or apply for cost appraisal, and to file a complaint with the Consumer Association and the housing and urban-rural development department. The fourth step is to initiate litigation to claim a refund of three times the amount if it constitutes fraud. The main legal basis: Article 543 and Article 577 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (implemented on January 1, 2021); Article 55 of the Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law of the People's Republic of China (amended and implemented on October 25, 2013); and the relevant appraisal rules for construction project costs. The specific application shall be subject to the currently effective provisions.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Reminder

Three key points for disputes over additional charges: Written confirmation is required for the agreement to be valid, and you can refuse to pay if the contractor unilaterally increases the price; Check the quotation details carefully to avoid missing items in low-price packages; Keep the deposit and evidence, and in case of fraud, you can get a refund of three times the amount of the deposit. For disputes involving decoration contracts, you can seek legal help through the following channels:Real estate transactions and construction projectsThe service provides a comprehensive solution, which can be combined with protecting against consumer fraud and seeking justice.Personal injury and medical disputesFor disputes over plate and engineering quality, please refer to the relevant provisions.Special servicesFor inquiries about the column or the payment of the fees, please feel free to contact usCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change my mind after signing the change order form?

It depends on the specific circumstances. If there are major misunderstandings about the project and unit prices, or if the contractor was coerced into signing under fraudulent circumstances, they can request to rescind the contract. However, for add-on clauses that were signed normally and at reasonable prices, they are legally binding. The best way to prevent disputes is to check the unit prices and project quantities before signing the contract.

Q2: What should I do if the decoration company suspends work and forces me to sign a change order?

A written letter was sent to demand that the construction continue in accordance with the contract and resume work within a specified period. If the deadline is exceeded, the contractor can claim breach of contract liability or terminate the contract and award the project to another party, and claim compensation for the losses incurred. The additional items signed under the threat of a work stoppage can be claimed to be revoked.

Q3: How much does it cost to litigate a dispute over additional projects?

The litigation fees are charged according to the proportion of the disputed amount. The cost appraisal fees are charged separately, and the attorney's fees are negotiated according to the proportion of the subject matter. After the cost is clearly calculated through the appraisal, most cases can be mediated. The overall cost is directly proportional to the recovered difference in the amount.

Q4: How long will it take to resolve this?

The negotiation and complaint channels are measured in weeks, and the first-instance litigation takes several months, with the corresponding extension involving appraisal. Disputes over additional items are concentrated, with evidence being fixed first and then negotiated. Most cases do not need to proceed to judgment.

Q5: Can I directly deduct the additional costs from the unpaid balance?

For the additional items without a contractual basis, the contractor may exercise the right of defense and deduct the corresponding amount; for the parts that have been confirmed as reasonable, the contractor shall pay according to the contract. If the contractor refuses to pay in full, the employer may claim that the contractor has breached the contract, and the deduction should be supported by detailed accounting records.

This article is written based on the common judicial interpretations in the Beijing area. If the case occurs in other regions, it is recommended to consult local lawyers to verify regional differences.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Legal services for real estate transactions·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current laws and regulations and publicly available adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. In the event of a dispute, please consult a practicing lawyer promptly.