Precise scope of work
The most common dispute with a tradesman does not arise over price, but over what was exactly agreed upon. A contract or at least a written order must include a specific list of what is to be done, which rooms, what tasks, and the required quality of execution. It is equally important to state what is NOT included in the job: typically demolition work, debris removal, or painting. The vaguer the description, the higher the risk that routine work turns into a dispute over "additional work".
Who handles the materials
Clarify in advance who purchases and pays for the materials, whether the contractor provides them as part of the contract price or the client procures them independently. If the contractor buys the materials, it is advisable to specify the required quality or specific brand in the agreement to prevent substitution with a cheaper alternative. Similarly, it is important to clarify who handles claims for defective materials, as this often becomes a source of unnecessary disputes between the client, the contractor and the material supplier.
Cleaning and waste removal
A minor detail that surprisingly often causes issues in practice: who cleans up afterwards and who removes construction debris or packaging materials. Without a written agreement, both parties frequently assume the opposite. A single sentence in the contract or order is all it takes to settle this.
Extra work: always in writing, always in advance
During implementation, issues often arise that were not included in the original scope: typically, after uncovering a floor or wall, a hidden defect is found that must be repaired first. Such additional work should be approved in writing (an email or SMS with a description and price is sufficient) before it is carried out: not afterwards as an item on the final invoice. This gives the client the opportunity to assess and approve the additional work, or alternatively to obtain a comparative quote elsewhere.
Access and cooperation
For work in flats or houses, it is advisable to clarify in advance when the tradesman will have access to the premises, who will provide the electricity and water required for the job, and what the expected schedule is. This avoids situations where work is delayed due to matters that should have been agreed beforehand.
It is also useful to agree on the method of communication during implementation, who is the contact person for both the client and the contractor, and how quickly unexpected issues are resolved (for example, if older installations are discovered during demolition that need to be addressed before work can continue).
Price and payment
Whether a fixed price is agreed or only an indicative estimate is provided, and how to split the payment into stages or require a deposit, we describe in detail in the article smlouva-o-dilo-vzor.cz. Price, deadlines and deposits in the works contractThis is particularly important for tradesmen's work: a typical renovation lasts weeks and the price can easily shift during the process if the contract does not address it.
Handover and potential defects
Upon completion of the work, draw up a handover protocol listing any defects and take photographic documentation, even for seemingly simple jobs such as floor replacement or bathroom tiling. Find out exactly how to do this in the article. Handover of the work and rectification of defects.
Checklist before signing
- Is the scope of work described in detail, including what is NOT part of the order?
- Is it clear who supplies the materials and what quality they are of?
- Does this include cleaning and waste removal?
- It is agreed that additional work will be approved in writing in advance?
- Is the completion date and payment method clear?
- Do you expect a handover protocol upon completion?
Summary
Most disputes with tradesmen do not arise from bad intentions, but from both parties having different expectations at the outset. A few extra sentences in a written agreement can prevent most of them. You can download a ready-made template for a contract for work on trade services from smlouva-o-dilo-vzor.cz download free here.