Contractor charges higher prices

Questioner

In the past period we had a contractor make a price indication for our renovation. We walked through the house together and based on this he named and worked out various cost indications. He indicated that the costs he had calculated were high and that he would carry out all the work himself. He actually expected to end up €5,000 to €15,000 below the price indication. Especially because he used a new system for the floor and he indicated that he would be very generous, so that we would not be surprised. In consultation, we then indicated that we would take on a number of these activities, because we wanted to keep a close eye on the costs. The contractor also indicated that this was fine. With the first invoice, the contractor came out cheaper with his calculation. This also had to do with the fact that we had carried out a number of time-consuming activities ourselves and because the contractor used a new system. This system turned out to be quicker and easier to install. So far, nothing crazy. We saved €7,000 on this. With the second invoice we noticed that the cost of the masonry was higher than expected. But all other cost items were as estimated. However, with the third invoice we had our major reservations. Where there was a charge of €5,100 for electricity, we received an invoice of €5,800. We then immediately asked how this was possible and whether we could see a cost specification of this. We had not been informed about this. And the message we received afterwards was that these were not all the costs. Shortly after that, the last invoices also arrived. Including 2 bills for electricity. Which together turned out to be another €6,700 more. In that same invoice, we also received costs for the masonry and extra costs for the underfloor heating. And those 2 cost items also went well over the estimated costs. The underfloor heating and pipework ultimately cost €15,500 instead of the estimated €11,700 and the costs of the masonry now amount to almost €12,000 instead of less than €8,400. The estimated price in advance of the costs amounted to €49,000. But as indicated, he had already calculated the floor very generously. The final invoiced costs amount to €56,000. Now we do suspect that the contractor wants to earn back the costs he missed with the floor mainly on other items. What are our rights in this? Is the contractor allowed to go more than 10% above the cost items of the price indication that was made earlier, without informing us about this? PS. We cannot read the general terms and conditions on the website or on the invoices. There is no document linked to it on the site and they are not included on the quote.

Lawyer

When providing a guideline price, the service provider estimates the final costs. The final price may be higher, but it may not be more than 10% above the guideline price. A price increase of more than 10% is only permitted with your permission. The service provider must warn you in good time if the costs increase. You can then choose to have less work done. However, if you want all the work to be completed, even if it is more expensive, you must give permission for this. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: info@dutchlawadvice.com