Delivery of room doors with almost a year delay

Hello,

In 10/2018 we commissioned the carpenter to make our room doors and received verbal assurances that they would be installed by move-in in mid 12/2018. The last door was only installed this year in 08/2019. In the meantime, three door frames had to be replaced because the paint was peeling off and there were various reworkings. At the beginning, we scheduled appointments with the carpenter almost weekly, which were not kept – he mostly did not show up without apology or canceled half an hour before. On 16.06.19 we sent him a registered letter with a deadline until 05.07. and the order to replace the last door and the last scratched frame. This only happened in 08/2019.

Now I just fished the final invoice out of the mailbox. We had paid half as a deposit after the order. What rights do I have to reduce the invoice and by how much? Can someone help me with this?

Many thanks and best regards

You are funny. Has he completed all the remaining work 100%? Cut only if the quality is not right. Otherwise, did anything get damaged to you?

What exactly is so funny about me now? Yes, all the doors are installed, but there are still a few small flaws on some door frames, he supposedly wants to come back and fix them on site. I asked quite objectively whether I have the right to withhold payment, if not, then so be it - but no reason to make "fun" of me. And yes, I feel like I've been stepped on with that statement!

Then I would withhold a reasonable amount for fixing the last dents and only pay once it has been done. Depending on the size of the dent and the value of the door frame, maybe an amount between 50 to 150 euros per door frame.

Otherwise, you should/may not simply reduce anything without prior consultation. However, if you are dissatisfied with the entire process, I would talk to the carpenter.

What exactly is funny about me now? Yes, all doors are installed, but there are still a few small defects on some door frames, supposedly he wants to come again and fix them on site. I asked quite matter-of-factly if I have the right to withhold payment, if not, so be it – but no reason to "make fun" of me. And yes, I feel that statement stepped on my toes!

Not you but your approach is funny! As long as nothing regarding delivery delay was fixed, "if then and then amount x," it cannot be withheld. And in Germany there is a right to repair. Otherwise, withhold a few euros because of the defects. Whether the carpenter will come again, I doubt.