During final inspection, we found two deep scratches on the frame of the patio door. Replacement is not possible and would be far too expensive.
What do you think would be a reasonable compensation?
It is not in the visible area, and I can live with it.
What do you think would be a reasonable compensation?
It is not in the visible area, and I can live with it.
B
Bauexperte28 Jan 2016 10:53Hello,
Since the scratch is not directly in the main visible area, I would at least have it polished: the entire lower front section where the scratch is located. After that, it will look like it "has to be that way." You will still notice it simply because you know it’s there; a casual observer will hardly see it.
I wouldn’t want money, but rather a (nearly) invisible compromise.
Edit: With my suggestion, the issue of the ugly dents to the left of the scratch would be resolved at the same time.
Kind regards, Bauexperte
tomtom79 schrieb:Did the site manager comment on this during the final inspection?
We found two deep scratches in the frame of the patio door during the final inspection. Replacement is not possible and also way too expensive.
tomtom79 schrieb:What "others" think won’t help you much. You need to reflect on your overall construction experience, especially how any issues were handled.
What do you think would be a fair compensation? It’s not in the main viewing area and I can live with it.
Since the scratch is not directly in the main visible area, I would at least have it polished: the entire lower front section where the scratch is located. After that, it will look like it "has to be that way." You will still notice it simply because you know it’s there; a casual observer will hardly see it.
I wouldn’t want money, but rather a (nearly) invisible compromise.
Edit: With my suggestion, the issue of the ugly dents to the left of the scratch would be resolved at the same time.
Kind regards, Bauexperte
@Bauexperte the site manager offered us 100€!
In my opinion, a partial repair wouldn’t be possible because too much material would need to be removed, right?
So I’m now trying to find an amount I can accept and have to accept.
I will ask him if it’s possible to polish the entire 3.5m (11.5 ft). However, I assume the silicone joint will have to be removed for that.
Then a skilled worker would be occupied for 4-5 hours, I would need time off work, and so on.
If this is refused, I will try proposing 200€ as a counteroffer.
Throughout the entire construction period, there haven’t been many complaints, and essentially everything was repaired to our satisfaction.
In my opinion, a partial repair wouldn’t be possible because too much material would need to be removed, right?
So I’m now trying to find an amount I can accept and have to accept.
I will ask him if it’s possible to polish the entire 3.5m (11.5 ft). However, I assume the silicone joint will have to be removed for that.
Then a skilled worker would be occupied for 4-5 hours, I would need time off work, and so on.
If this is refused, I will try proposing 200€ as a counteroffer.
Throughout the entire construction period, there haven’t been many complaints, and essentially everything was repaired to our satisfaction.
B
Bieber081528 Jan 2016 21:47How is a sightline defined? It practically jumps out at you there at the bottom frame above the floor, doesn’t it?
I recently discussed this topic in another forum. The conclusion: companies can cut corners and deliver whatever they want, but you always end up facing the consequences. When it comes to construction, mistakes inevitably become disproportionately expensive over time and have to be accepted as part of an emergency plan (a few euros).
The following legal remedies are generally available, but usually don’t work in construction:
- Replacing the product. This is not possible once it’s installed, as it would be disproportionately costly.
- Cancelling the purchase contract and returning the item to the company. This is virtually impossible for all built-in parts since you might even lose money this way. How are you supposed to return your patio door? Do you want your house to be left without windows or doors? The new door (from a different company!) certainly won’t arrive exactly when the old one is removed. Additionally, more damage might occur during the replacement than there was before, and as always, it would be disproportionate.
- Correction through repair. Usually not an option for purely cosmetic issues.
In the end, compensation is the only option left. Since none of the other legal remedies are feasible (for your own protection), companies have little incentive to offer you anything special. Apart from withholding payment on outstanding invoices, you have no leverage.
Taking the matter to court is another issue, as construction projects are typically not covered by legal expenses insurance (because the industry knows the customer usually ends up as the loser). In the end, cases almost always settle, and you might as well have saved yourself the trouble. It’s really a shame that construction companies in Germany basically have free rein.
Withholding payment is truly the only way to ensure quality work, because you simply don’t pay until the work is completed as agreed. Hopefully, the contractor might even go bankrupt before that happens (craftsmen often go bankrupt when clients don’t pay). Of course, the contractors will complain, but legally, you have no other options.
The following legal remedies are generally available, but usually don’t work in construction:
- Replacing the product. This is not possible once it’s installed, as it would be disproportionately costly.
- Cancelling the purchase contract and returning the item to the company. This is virtually impossible for all built-in parts since you might even lose money this way. How are you supposed to return your patio door? Do you want your house to be left without windows or doors? The new door (from a different company!) certainly won’t arrive exactly when the old one is removed. Additionally, more damage might occur during the replacement than there was before, and as always, it would be disproportionate.
- Correction through repair. Usually not an option for purely cosmetic issues.
In the end, compensation is the only option left. Since none of the other legal remedies are feasible (for your own protection), companies have little incentive to offer you anything special. Apart from withholding payment on outstanding invoices, you have no leverage.
Taking the matter to court is another issue, as construction projects are typically not covered by legal expenses insurance (because the industry knows the customer usually ends up as the loser). In the end, cases almost always settle, and you might as well have saved yourself the trouble. It’s really a shame that construction companies in Germany basically have free rein.
Withholding payment is truly the only way to ensure quality work, because you simply don’t pay until the work is completed as agreed. Hopefully, the contractor might even go bankrupt before that happens (craftsmen often go bankrupt when clients don’t pay). Of course, the contractors will complain, but legally, you have no other options.
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