ᐅ Invoice for landscaping contractor is becoming increasingly expensive
Created on: 9 May 2025 16:30
F
Florian1104
Hello everyone,
We bought a house last year and completely renovated it. The outdoor areas were also supposed to be redesigned (new paving stones + garage). Therefore, in September last year, we hired a landscaping contractor to remove the existing paving, demolish a wall and a gate, excavate for new paving, create a gravel base layer for a garage, and of course, to install the new paving.
We received a quote amounting to 35,000 Euros (€). This was without any discounts and intended to be submitted to the bank for financing (the bank insisted on seeing quotes to confirm the loan amount). Later, we were offered the same scope of work in writing for 25,000 Euros, which we accepted.
The work started in September, but it became clear that the soil was not sufficiently load-bearing. I was verbally informed that the costs for excavation and disposal would increase significantly. Initially, I was told verbally about an extra charge of 5,000 Euros, and then a few days later, this was raised to 10,000 Euros. I approved the 10,000 Euros, so the total cost was expected to rise to 35,000 Euros.
The excavation work and the first deliveries of recycled crushed stone (RCL) for the gravel base layer for the garage were completed in September.
For this, we paid an interim invoice of 9,500 Euros and an additional 8,800 Euros for container services (machine rental, RCL, disposal of excavation material, etc.). We also gave 750 Euros in cash as a deposit for an excavator bucket to the landscaping contractor. In total, we have paid almost 19,000 Euros so far.
Unfortunately, the building permit / planning permission for the garage was delayed until the end of the year, so the garage work only started in 2025 and was completed by the end of April.
Now, when I contacted the landscaping contractor to arrange the next steps, they announced that the following outstanding costs remain after completing the work:
- 5,000 Euros gross
- 10,000 Euros net
- Crane for material delivery (1,700 Euros including tax)
- 3–4 containers of RCL (approx. 1,050 Euros)
In total, they are now requesting 7,750 Euros gross and 10,000 Euros net. Combined with the 19,000 Euros already paid, this would bring the total to 36,750 Euros. However, the 10,000 Euros net plus tax amounts to at least 11,900 Euros gross. To be honest, we know what the contractor means by the net price, and the invoiced amount is usually much higher 😉
So, in total, we are looking at at least 38,650 Euros gross, which is almost 4,000 Euros more than already expected.
When I asked how the price could increase again, they justified it by saying that, based on 300 estimated remaining hours, labor costs alone would amount to 13,500 Euros excluding tax. However, I was originally offered a price per square meter and never agreed to switch to an hourly rate. Additionally, the crane was never planned initially and is now charged for material delivery.
Now to my question:
What options do I have here? Do I have to accept the additional costs? Can the landscaping contractor keep increasing the price without limit?
Thank you very much in advance 🙂
We bought a house last year and completely renovated it. The outdoor areas were also supposed to be redesigned (new paving stones + garage). Therefore, in September last year, we hired a landscaping contractor to remove the existing paving, demolish a wall and a gate, excavate for new paving, create a gravel base layer for a garage, and of course, to install the new paving.
We received a quote amounting to 35,000 Euros (€). This was without any discounts and intended to be submitted to the bank for financing (the bank insisted on seeing quotes to confirm the loan amount). Later, we were offered the same scope of work in writing for 25,000 Euros, which we accepted.
The work started in September, but it became clear that the soil was not sufficiently load-bearing. I was verbally informed that the costs for excavation and disposal would increase significantly. Initially, I was told verbally about an extra charge of 5,000 Euros, and then a few days later, this was raised to 10,000 Euros. I approved the 10,000 Euros, so the total cost was expected to rise to 35,000 Euros.
The excavation work and the first deliveries of recycled crushed stone (RCL) for the gravel base layer for the garage were completed in September.
For this, we paid an interim invoice of 9,500 Euros and an additional 8,800 Euros for container services (machine rental, RCL, disposal of excavation material, etc.). We also gave 750 Euros in cash as a deposit for an excavator bucket to the landscaping contractor. In total, we have paid almost 19,000 Euros so far.
Unfortunately, the building permit / planning permission for the garage was delayed until the end of the year, so the garage work only started in 2025 and was completed by the end of April.
Now, when I contacted the landscaping contractor to arrange the next steps, they announced that the following outstanding costs remain after completing the work:
- 5,000 Euros gross
- 10,000 Euros net
- Crane for material delivery (1,700 Euros including tax)
- 3–4 containers of RCL (approx. 1,050 Euros)
In total, they are now requesting 7,750 Euros gross and 10,000 Euros net. Combined with the 19,000 Euros already paid, this would bring the total to 36,750 Euros. However, the 10,000 Euros net plus tax amounts to at least 11,900 Euros gross. To be honest, we know what the contractor means by the net price, and the invoiced amount is usually much higher 😉
So, in total, we are looking at at least 38,650 Euros gross, which is almost 4,000 Euros more than already expected.
When I asked how the price could increase again, they justified it by saying that, based on 300 estimated remaining hours, labor costs alone would amount to 13,500 Euros excluding tax. However, I was originally offered a price per square meter and never agreed to switch to an hourly rate. Additionally, the crane was never planned initially and is now charged for material delivery.
Now to my question:
What options do I have here? Do I have to accept the additional costs? Can the landscaping contractor keep increasing the price without limit?
Thank you very much in advance 🙂
F
Florian110411 May 2025 12:27Hi,
as mentioned, we haven’t signed anything. Neither the offer nor the accompanying text.
Regarding the accompanying text, my only response was that the offer with the 25,000 (currency) suits us, and we would like to discuss the work on site regarding the start date, etc.
In writing, I don’t consider it a formal offer, just an accompanying text.
From what I understand, that is not sufficient?
as mentioned, we haven’t signed anything. Neither the offer nor the accompanying text.
Regarding the accompanying text, my only response was that the offer with the 25,000 (currency) suits us, and we would like to discuss the work on site regarding the start date, etc.
In writing, I don’t consider it a formal offer, just an accompanying text.
From what I understand, that is not sufficient?
W
wiltshire11 May 2025 13:14Florian1104 schrieb:
The 35,000 euros from the offer were never up for discussion and were never approved. It was always about 25,000 euros. I apparently misunderstood that. My new understanding: The 35k was used to give the bank a false cost estimate.
Anyone who looks for business partners willing to go along with something like that shouldn’t be surprised if there are even more shady tricks involved.
Florian1104 schrieb:
From what I gather, that’s not enough? No, it’s not enough if the landscaping contractor wants it that way. You arranged a questionable deal and now don’t benefit from it. The disadvantage is limited. Just accept the house connection cabinet and draw your own conclusions. Getting upset isn’t worth it.
S
Siedler3411 May 2025 13:14I think it is a very strange approach to ask for advice on pricing strategies related to undeclared work in a public forum.
By doing this, you are essentially cheating all of us, since taxes fund the community. Therefore, I recommend you resolve this in court in the end, where, at best, you will face penalties. The lesson you are already starting to pay is heading in the right direction.
Sorry, but hiring undeclared labor is simply antisocial.
By doing this, you are essentially cheating all of us, since taxes fund the community. Therefore, I recommend you resolve this in court in the end, where, at best, you will face penalties. The lesson you are already starting to pay is heading in the right direction.
Sorry, but hiring undeclared labor is simply antisocial.
F
Florian110411 May 2025 13:29@Siedler34
You should read the text again.
I specifically do not want to participate in undeclared work.
I received a gross quote for the bank and a gross price including a discount.
The landscaping contractor now wants part of the payment net, but I do not want to pay net. He says that if it’s not net, it will be more expensive.
And that is exactly what I am not willing to accept. You should reconsider your text.
You should read the text again.
I specifically do not want to participate in undeclared work.
I received a gross quote for the bank and a gross price including a discount.
The landscaping contractor now wants part of the payment net, but I do not want to pay net. He says that if it’s not net, it will be more expensive.
And that is exactly what I am not willing to accept. You should reconsider your text.
F
Florian110411 May 2025 13:32wiltshire schrieb:
I obviously misunderstood. My new understanding is that the 35k was used to give the bank a false cost estimate.
Anyone who looks for business partners willing to go along with something like this shouldn’t be surprised if they have even more tricks up their sleeve.
No, that’s not sufficient if the landscaping contractor wants it that way. You arranged an improper deal and now gain no advantage from it. The disadvantage is limited. Simply disconnect the house connection box and draw conclusions from that. It’s not worth getting upset about. Hi,
we were probably too naive here and wanted to avoid the effort. The money saved from the quote was invested in the electrical work, and we later showed the bank proof of this with invoices and pictures.
Overall, I documented about 90% of the costs to the bank from all the measures taken. The bank waived the rest themselves.
My intention was never to cheat anyone but to save time upfront. It won’t happen again.
Anything additional that comes up now we will pay out of our own pocket.
W
wiltshire11 May 2025 14:23Florian1104 schrieb:
The landscaping contractor now wants part of the payment net, but I don’t want to pay net. He says that if it’s not net, it will be more expensive. That’s a tricky move.
Send him a neutral email stating that you accept the quoted price and understand which part is net and which is gross. Also ask about the schedule in the email.
After the work is completed and you have paid the requested amount, you can insist on receiving an invoice—referring to the email—and then pay the 19% tax on top. This email creates a documented record that carries significant weight if left unchallenged in writing. Even better if the landscaper provides you with dates without discussing the financial aspects, which is a common reaction. This way, you avoid paying for undeclared work. Net does not mean undeclared. The landscaper would then face difficulties if he tries to add business expenses and taxes on top.