I'm incharge of the HR and finance in our company. We recently had our interiors designed by an architect. The architect took more than 2 months extra over the actual contract period and didn't complete the work on time. In addition, he used inferior quality materials therefore we had to end the working relationship with him. When asked for an invoice, he sent the estimate that was quoted by him even before the work started, this invoice also has items for which he hasn't worked.
However, as per our contract, we originally agreed that the final bill would be based on the actual costs and the site measurements. He now refuses to send an invoice based on the actuals and refuses to produce the actual bills for the materials purchased. In addition, he doesn't want to prove that his invoice amounts are genuine. As a company, how do we handle this. We are very ethical and honest in our dealings and don't want to deprive anybody of their earnings but at the same time we don't want to be fooled either. Can we take this issue legally (we have a signed contract)? what would be the implications? or can we settle this payment issue any other way without making this legal.
Please, can anybody advise?
However, as per our contract, we originally agreed that the final bill would be based on the actual costs and the site measurements. He now refuses to send an invoice based on the actuals and refuses to produce the actual bills for the materials purchased. In addition, he doesn't want to prove that his invoice amounts are genuine. As a company, how do we handle this. We are very ethical and honest in our dealings and don't want to deprive anybody of their earnings but at the same time we don't want to be fooled either. Can we take this issue legally (we have a signed contract)? what would be the implications? or can we settle this payment issue any other way without making this legal.
Please, can anybody advise?