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Emergency

Checking the tradesperson's final invoice

At the end of a tradesperson's work comes the final invoice. It should be comprehensible and match the order and the cost estimate. You can check and challenge excessive or unclear invoices.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Without a clear price agreement, the customary remuneration is owed (§ 632 BGB). A cost estimate may only be exceeded within limits; in the case of a significant overrun the tradesperson must warn in time (§ 650 BGB).
You can demand a verifiable, comprehensible invoice and challenge individual items, for example hours, material quantities or travel costs. You pay the undisputed part and can withhold disputed items.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the invoice

    Compare hours, materials and items with the order and the cost estimate.

  2. 2

    2. Demand evidence

    If anything is unclear, request time records and material receipts.

  3. 3

    3. Challenge items

    Reject excessive or unagreed items in writing.

  4. 4

    4. Make a partial payment

    Pay the undisputed part and withhold disputed amounts.

How to spot the scam

  • The invoice significantly exceeds the cost estimate without any prior warning.
  • Hours and material quantities are not comprehensible.
  • Services that were not agreed are charged.

Frequently asked questions

May the tradesperson charge more than in the cost estimate?

A cost estimate is not a firm guarantee, but it may not be significantly exceeded without the tradesperson warning in time (§ 650 BGB). If they omit the warning in the case of a significant overrun, their remuneration claim can be limited.

What if no price was agreed?

Then the customary, reasonable remuneration is owed (§ 632 BGB). You do not have to accept excessive hourly rates or material prices. You can demand a comprehensible invoice and check whether the items are reasonable.

Can I withhold payment?

You should pay the undisputed part of the invoice. You can challenge disputed or excessive items and withhold them to a reasonable extent until the invoice is clarified or corrected. Give reasons for your objections in writing and back them up with evidence.

Take action now

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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.