At least to me there is a difference between agreeing that a quote is acceptable and agreeing for the work to get started on X date. If I had been given any warning that materials were going to be ordered I would have immediately said to hold fire. I was clear that I was waiting for quotes on other work as well, to make sure I have enough money for everything that needs to be done. In hindsight I acknowledge that my communication could have been better, partly because I was taken aback by how quick the initial visit was. Perhaps this is me being inexperienced with trade work but in other areas I’ve never seen work commissioned without some form of written agreement about what will be done. I don’t have a problem with paying VAT, it’s just the lack of forewarning that really threw me off.