February 8, 2026, 12:54 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
A new bathroom, fresh paint on the walls, or urgently needed repairs: What sounds like a manageable task often ends in conflict. It becomes tricky when the bill is higher than expected or defects appear. However, by paying attention to a few key points when hiring a contractor, you can avoid trouble, extra costs, and even a trip to court from the outset.
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Contractual Clarity Before the First Step
Before contractors start work, private clients should insist on a written contract. This provides legal security for both parties. Markus Hagge, a legal expert at the Consumer Center of Lower Saxony, strongly advises this: “Only then can it be clearly proven later what was agreed upon.”
The contract should clearly specify which services will be provided, the expected quality and materials, the price, and the deadline for completion. The Stuttgart Chamber of Crafts generally advises against door-to-door sales. Contracts should only be awarded to registered professional companies. If unsure, you can inquire with guilds, district craft associations, or chambers of commerce.
Another tip from the chamber: It is often cheaper to choose a company from the local area. After all, travel time must also be paid for.
Carefully Compare Offers
Consumers should contact several companies to compare offers and cost estimates. It is crucial that the offers are complete, including all preliminary, follow-up, and ancillary work. The Stuttgart Chamber of Crafts also recommends inquiring about hourly rates, travel costs, and exact payment terms.
Ideally, a fixed price should be agreed upon. According to the Consumer Center of Lower Saxony, this is binding. Even if the contract is based on a cost estimate, companies cannot deviate from it indefinitely. Hagge explains: “If it ends up being 15 to 20 percent more expensive than stated, the company must explicitly inform you beforehand.” In this case, consumers have the right to terminate the contract and only pay for the agreed-upon and already provided partial services.
However, caution is advised: Before terminating, you should seek legal advice. It can be difficult to find another company to take over a started job. Liability issues may also arise.
Also interesting: How should I behave when the contractor is there?
Carefully Check Invoices
An invoice must be comprehensible and understandable. Consumers are entitled to a detailed invoice with clearly listed individual items. You should compare this with the original offer, “including any advance payments already made,” advises Hagge. His further tip: If there are any uncertainties, ask immediately and briefly document the conversation in writing.
Contractors are not allowed to charge for services twice. According to Hagge, unscrupulous companies still attempt this “by listing multiple flat rates for the same work.” Upon inquiry, they often cannot explain the differences convincingly.
If an error appears on the invoice, it should be disputed in writing. Hagge recommends setting a 14-day deadline and requesting a corrected invoice.
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Reacting Correctly When Defects Occur
If you discover defects, you should act immediately. This includes securing photos as evidence and setting a clear deadline for the company to make corrections in writing. Two weeks is generally considered reasonable, according to Hagge. Unless otherwise agreed, the payment is only due once the service has been provided without defects.
Later occurring defects can also be claimed. Consumers are fundamentally entitled to corrections. The warranty period is generally two years, and for work on buildings, even five years.
Special Considerations for Homeowners
In home construction, the five-year warranty period begins with the acceptance of the building. During this time, the builder is obligated to rectify defects in their contractual services free of charge, according to the Association of Private Builders (VPB). Generally, however, consumers must prove that the defects are due to planning errors, material defects, or improper execution.
Particular attention is required, especially towards the end of the warranty period. This also applies to defects that were already noted at acceptance. The Homeowners Protection Association e.V. (BSB) therefore advises conducting a thorough inventory and checking whether all known issues have been resolved at least six months before the five-year period expires.
With material from dpa