Craftsman services

What is a craftsman service?

A craftsman service can be defined as any work performed by craftsmen on a property or object.

This includes agreements or assignments for specific services, such as repairs, maintenance or remodelling. Work on buildings such as garages and outbuildings is also considered craftsman services.

How can I complain about craftsman services?

The main rule is that you can complain about craftsman services if the result was not as agreed.

It is therefore important to have clear and good agreements about the work to be carried out. Your rights are regulated by Act on craftsman services, also called for Craftsman Services Act.

You are the one who must prove that the tradesman has not fulfilled his part of the agreement. In the event of a dispute, it would be wise to get an appraiser to assess the work that has been done.

If you still can't get your point across, or if the tradesman refuses to respond to your enquiries, you can complain to the Tradesmen's Complaints Board or the Consumer Council.

You should also consider contacting a lawyer who is an expert in property disputes, such as Benjamin Nordhaug.

What should a craftsman services agreement contain?

A written agreement should always describe which craftsman services are to be provided, the price of the assignment, when the work should start and when the work should be completed. It also makes sense to include a clause stating that the tradesman must pay daily penalties for delays.

What is a defect?

A craftsman's service is deficient when there is a discrepancy between what was agreed and what the end result was. For example, the bathroom has not been renovated in accordance with wet room standards.

What is a delay?

A craftsman service is delayed when the service was performed too late, or not at all. For example, the craftsman completes the renovation of the bathroom three months after the agreed time.

What can I do if the work is not carried out properly?

As a consumer, you then have several options in relation to the tradesman if the work is not carried out professionally. You can:

Withhold the purchase price. You can withhold the amount it will cost to rectify the defect.
Require rectification. The tradesman must, at his own expense, rectify the defect within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience to you.
Demand a price reduction. You have the right to demand a price reduction corresponding to the costs you incur in having the defect rectified.
Cancel the agreement. If the defect constitutes a material breach of contract, you can cancel the contract.
Claim compensation. You can claim compensation for the financial loss you have incurred as a result of the defect. This compensation is in addition to rectification, price reduction or cancellation of the contract.

What are the rules for complaints about craftsman services?

There is a five-year warranty period for craftsman services. If the work is defective or delayed, you should complain in writing to the tradesman as soon as possible after you discovered or should have discovered the defect or delay.

You can download The Consumer Council's standard complaint letter here.

Is there a statute of limitations for complaints about craftsman services?

Your claim against the tradesman becomes time-barred within three years if it is not rectified. It is therefore important to follow up on the tradesman so that errors or defects are rectified. If the tradesman does not rectify the error or defect, you will have to go to court to interrupt the limitation period.

You can also interrupt the limitation period by sending a written complaint to Housing Disputes Board or The Consumer Council in cases where this is relevant.

Which craftsman services is it common to argue about?

Here are some examples of craftsman services that lead to disputes:

- Work did not start on time
- The work was not completed on time
- Tradesmen don't turn up at the agreed time, causing you financial loss
- The bathroom was incorrectly constructed
- Cheaper materials were used than agreed
- Delayed work led to moisture in the home
- Inadequate security led to pests in the home
- The work was not carried out in a workmanlike manner
- The parquet was not laid correctly
- The kitchen was installed incorrectly
- The painting work was not carried out as agreed
- The tiling in the bathroom was not carried out correctly
- The stone slabs in the garden were laid incorrectly and the work has to be redone
- The electrical system is installed incorrectly and is a fire hazard
- Pipes have started to leak and led to water damage

Do I need a lawyer?

Answer. Disputes about tradesmen's services are often characterised by a high level of conflict and poor communication. It is also difficult to know which laws and regulations apply. You should therefore contact a lawyer who is an expert in property disputes.

Do I have to pay for the lawyer myself?

In a dispute about craftsman services, your home insurance or villa insurance will normally have a legal expenses insurance, which covers up to NOK 100,000 of your legal expenses in the event of a property dispute. You must cover a deductible under the insurance. The lawyer will then continue the dialogue with the insurance company on your behalf.

Why should I choose Advokatfirmaet Halvorsen & Co?

For almost 30 years, we have assisted many clients in cases concerning craftsman services. Our lawyers are experts in property law and have extensive experience.

We help clients in disputes about craftsman services in the following locations:

Ringerike, Hønefoss, Oslo, Ski, Follo, Ås, Kolbotn, Vestby, Nordby, Moss, Enebakk, Indre Østfold, Asker, Bærum, Drammen, Hurum, Drøbak and Nesodden.

We always offer a free call about handyman services. Get in touch with us today.