Anyone who builds a house, modernizes their home or has damage and defects repaired is usually dependent on the cooperation of an expert craftsman. To ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises during and after the construction work, the Bauherren-Schutzbund e. V. explains, for example, what the difference is between a tradesman's contract and a consumer contract, what points a cost estimate must contain, and how binding a tradesman's offer is.
As a general rule, the Bauherren-Schutzbund advises that all agreements with craftsmen and craftsmen's companies be recorded in writing in a contract for work and services. If a contract for work and services is concluded, the craftsman is obliged to provide the agreed service. While a craftsman's contract is usually sufficient for small repairs, larger and more extensive work should be recorded in a consumer contract. A consumer contract should include the services to be provided, a completion period and a detailed breakdown of costs.
When agreeing on prices, the client should ensure that the offer is binding. If a quotation is binding, the craftsman will only receive his remuneration for the work once the work has been carried out completely and properly. In the case of a non-binding offer, the craftsman could exceed the fixed price by up to 25 percent with a plausible justification. Builders and owners should also steer clear of a fixed-price offer. With a fixed price, it is difficult to negotiate special and change requests after the fact. At best, these should also be negotiated and specified in advance. Interested parties can find further helpful tips on the website of the Bauherren-Schutzbund.
Source: bsb-ev
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