Courtyard entrance / terrace poorly executed

Hello,

I am having big problems with a construction company, so I need your advice/your help.

This company paved our driveway and laid terrace slabs in spring/summer with everything that belongs to it.

Unfortunately, these works were done very poorly, so the result is absolutely unacceptable! It has already been repaired once, but this company simply cannot do it better, that’s a fact!

A field service employee from the stone manufacturer for the driveway also took a look and confirmed that this is absolutely not okay!

I handed this written list of defects to the company in writing in May 2017!

Here are some examples:

Terrace:
-loose terrace slabs
-partial height differences of the slabs
-tilted laid/cut terrace slabs
-complete diagonal laying of the slabs due to incorrect positioning of the water drainage channel
-various terrace slabs cut incorrectly due to wrong installation (slabs were paid for by me!)

Paving stones driveway:
-many uneven surfaces
-height differences of the laid stones up to 1 cm
-partially much too wide joint widths (DIN standard 3-5 mm)
-multiple non-DIN-compliant cuts on the laid surface
-various stones cut incorrectly due to wrong installation (stones were paid for by me)

The boss of the company is absolutely uncooperative!

I then told him to send me an invoice with common sense and a clear/objective assessment of his work performance.

5 (!) months later the invoice came and he coldly calculated everything possible! I am now supposed to pay this within 14 days!

What options do I have now?

Here are some facts:
-I received an offer from the company in advance and agreed by email.
-I procured the stones myself
-The defects are obvious!
-I do not have legal protection insurance

I have now written a letter and pointed out the defects again and stated that because of these defects I will only transfer an amount that I consider reasonable.

Is that a good idea, or what do you advise me?

He will then probably send me reminders for the remaining amount, which will eventually include reminder fees...

What options do I have?

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Regards Paul

Without a lawyer, this won’t work. He’s bluffing that you’ll give in. He doesn’t care about his reputation. He has enough to do anyway. Get advice. Yes, it costs, but paying for poor work costs too. It’s quite possible that he will behave very differently if he receives a letter with a lawyer’s letterhead. Experienced that often. Don’t pay anything now. Just inform him that you maintain your claims for defect-free work. You will obtain legal support. You do not acknowledge the invoice. Make a copy of it and send him back the original. Don’t do all this by email, but by registered mail with delivery confirmation. And then go to the lawyer as well. Karsten

Is the dispute worth it? What is the calculation? However, I would also advise consulting a lawyer.

It's about nearly 4000 euros just for installation costs !!!! I think it's definitely worth it...

Where is it worth starting a legal dispute over possibly saving 1000 euros afterwards and then permanently living with the defects?

What is the alternative?