People usually cannot handle all repair work themselves, let alone large-scale construction projects, and a lack of time can also be a hindrance. The solution is to hire repair and construction services, keeping the following tips in mind.
Verify the company’s reliability.
In the construction and renovation services sector, the most significant issues are often associated with small firms. These companies typically offer their services at lower prices than the market average, but their knowledge and capabilities do not allow them to deliver high-quality work.
Compare prices and terms.
To avoid issues, request quotes from at least two companies and compare their terms.
Sign a proper contract.
If you have chosen a company, be sure to sign a written contract. Ensure that the terms of the contract are clearly understood by both parties. Without a contract, resolving issues later can be difficult, if not impossible, and the only recourse may be to go to court.
The contract must explicitly specify The name or designation of the service provider, registration numbers or personal codes, postal addresses and contact numbers, order submission date, order completion date, a list of required tasks and their costs. The contract should also specify the course of action in case a party breaches the agreement (for example, penalties or fines).
If fulfilling the order incurs additional expenses due to reasons beyond the service provider’s control, If the contractor becomes aware of additional work requirements, they must inform the client. Without the client’s written consent for the extra work, the contractor cannot demand payment for these additional tasks.
Supervise the execution of repair or construction work.
If you feel that the work is dragging on, bring it to the service provider’s attention and remind them of the deadline. This is exactly the kind of situation that warrants including a clause about penalties and fines in the contract.
Once the tasks are completed, Make sure that the work meets your expectations before signing the acceptance certificate.
If construction or renovation work is done poorly, You have the right to file a complaint with the service provider within two years from the date of payment for the service.
For poorly done work, you may request a refund. Reduction in service costs, free rectification of defects, or provision of a new service. If there is a significant discrepancy with the terms of the contract, you are entitled to withdraw from the contract and request a refund for the service provided.
In your claim, specify, Please provide details on what and from whom you ordered, the deadlines involved, and whether they were met. Additionally, describe the nature of the defect as precisely as possible and specify how and when it was discovered.
The merchant or service provider is required to respond to a complaint within 15 days. If the business does not make a favorable decision regarding your complaint, it is obligated to arrange an expert examination.
If the company does not respond to your inquiry or if you are dissatisfied with the company’s response, You can contact the Department of Consumer Protection for issues related to construction and renovation work. if the service was provided in relation to a movable item. For instance, if your home had appliances, kitchen furniture, and doors-windows installed, or if you purchased various installations (such as heating devices, kitchen appliances, etc.) along with the apartment. Regarding repair and construction work on real estate, you can contact the Department of Consumer Protection if the dispute involves non-compliance with the terms of the contract for repair or construction work, manifesting within two years from the date the work was handed over to the consumer (client).
In the event of construction errors Notify the service provider of any issues within two months from the date of acceptance of the work. If the service provider refuses to correct the errors and you need to find a new company to complete the job, you should document the current state of the repair or construction work by obtaining an independent expert opinion. For this purpose, you can commission an independent expert bureau to conduct a construction assessment of the substandard building or repair work. If construction defects are identified in the work performed on the real estate, the client must inform the contractor of the non-compliance with the contract terms within a reasonable time after the client becomes or should have become aware of the non-compliance.
Remember!
The Consumer Protection Department cannot assist you in disputes between private individuals. In such cases, you should seek legal recourse through the courts.
The Department of Consumer Protection does not handle construction and repair work related to real estate, which is considered construction under the Building Act.
Source: https://www.tarbijakaitseamet.ee
