Tradesperson bill by measurement: too much charged?

When a tradesperson service is billed by measurement or effort (square meters, running meters, hours, material), disputes often arise over the quantities. You have a right to a verifiable, comprehensible bill and may check the measurement. Excessive or unproven quantities you do not have to pay.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Without a fixed price agreement, the customary remuneration is owed (§ 632 BGB). When billing by effort, the bill must be verifiable, the quantities, hours and materials must be shown comprehensibly.

You may check the measurement and the billed hours. Unrealistic quantities, services not provided or a clearly excessive effort are attackable. In case of uncertainty, a joint measurement can help.

What you should do now

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1. Demand a verifiable bill
Request a comprehensible list of quantities, hours, hourly rates and material.
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2. Check the measurement
Re-measure or compare the billed quantities with the work actually carried out.
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3. Sanity-check the hours
Check whether the billed working hours fit the scope of the work.
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4. Dispute
Dispute excessive or unproven items in writing and pay the undisputed part.

How to spot the scam

The bill is not verifiable (lump sums without breakdown).
The billed quantities or hours do not fit the work.
Material is charged in an unrealistic quantity.

Frequently asked questions

Must the tradesperson bill be verifiable?

Yes. When billing by effort, the services provided, quantities, hours and materials must be shown comprehensibly. A non-verifiable bill (mere lump sums without breakdown) you do not have to pay without further ado.

May I check the measurement?

Yes, you may check the billed quantities and hours and compare them with the work actually carried out. In case of uncertainties, a joint measurement is sensible. Unrealistic quantities or services not provided are attackable.

What if no price was agreed?

Then the customary remuneration is owed (§ 632 BGB). The tradesperson may therefore not bill arbitrarily, but only the locally customary, reasonable effort. Excessive hourly rates or quantities you can dispute.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.