Execution plans changed without consultation!!

Be sure to note the (not just subtle) differences between a slightly unfriendly hello and a legally effective complaint of defects!

To me, this looks like it was cobbled together by a general handyman rather than a master craftsman’s company; apparently, a DIYer googled wood joints and overlooked that you can’t just scale something from a rabbit hutch up to a residential building. I have serious doubts about the training quality of your construction workers. Emotionally, we’re happy to be your morning drinking companion where you vent your frustrations — legally, however, I advise you to consult a lawyer. Is the butcher master now working with wood? *SCNR*

The letter was already drafted by a specialist lawyer! I am now waiting for the companies’ responses and will then have the hopefully well-executed defect repairs checked again by an expert (if necessary, a court-appointed expert). This is really very frustrating, but I hope the companies have now recognized the signs, although I have my doubts!

The cover letter has already been drafted by a specialist lawyer! I am now waiting for the companies' reactions and will then have the hopefully well-executed defect repairs checked again by an expert (if necessary, a court-appointed expert). This is really very annoying but I hope the companies have recognized the signs now, although I do have my doubts!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Is there actually a Hall of Shame here where forum members can be warned about such companies/businesses?

The cover letter has already been drafted by a specialist lawyer! I am now waiting for the companies' response and will then have the hopefully well-executed defect repairs checked again by an expert (if necessary a court-appointed expert). This is really very annoying but I hope the companies have recognized the signs now, although I also have my doubts about that!

Then I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. And "if necessary" no court-appointed expert will come. He will come when you realize that the parties involved do not fix their defects and the deadlines have passed. But this only happens after filing a lawsuit! And please!!! Don’t wait too long with that. My advice as someone who worked in construction for many years, later consulted, and also has solid insolvency experience: Don’t rely on promises, stalling, or hope. With defects like yours, a lot of money is at stake. That’s where the fun ends and as a client you almost always come off worse. The sooner you get your judgment or your money, the higher the chances that you will recover at least part of your damages.

Anyone who delivers and defends work like that wants the court battle. Period!

We have agreed with the planning office on further cooperation, that they will prepare and submit the draft plans for the building permit, handle the tendering of the trades, the site management, etc.

What does the "planning office" actually say about the disaster (or what does the specialist lawyer say about how you should proceed against them)?
From the way you describe their work, they acted regardless of their self-designation as providers of architectural and engineering services (and they must also have a person authorized to submit plans) – so you should probably file a claim for damages against them or their professional liability insurer (?).
Who was responsible for carrying out the awarding of contracts: you or them?

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. Is there actually a Hall of Shame here so that forum members can be warned about such companies/businesses?

Yes, the moderated section "Experiences with Construction Companies" – there you basically have to "swear an oath" to the local moderation that your statements correspond to verifiable facts and so on. (Only) then can you name names, otherwise only the route of a "butcher’s shop thread" remains (with probably more polarization potential between a sympathizing faction and an amused faction than actually driving some gambler away).

What does the "planning office" actually say about the disaster (or what does the specialist lawyer say about how you should proceed against them)? As you describe their activities, they acted regardless of their self-designation as providers of architectural and engineering services (and they must also have an authorized plan submitter) - so one would have to file a claim for damages against them or their professional liability insurer (?) Who was responsible for the awarding: you or them? Yes, the moderated section "Experiences with Construction Companies" - there you basically have to "swear" to the local moderation that your statements correspond to verifiable facts and so on. Only then can you name names, otherwise the only option is a "butcher’s thread" (presumably with more polarization potential between a regretting and an amused faction, rather than actually driving any gambler to hell).

So at the site meeting with the carpenter, our construction manager from the planning office argued more in favor of the company! But by now he has probably realized that we are serious. The specialist lawyer first advised to wait for the deadline to expire! And then to discuss further steps together! The trades with the defects were recommended by the planning office because they have been working together for years. The three trades we arranged ourselves are running without major problems and defects.

The trades with the defects were recommended by the planning office because they have been working together for years. The three trades that we organized ourselves are running without major problems or defects.

That’s why it’s always important to me on construction sites that I KNOW the people. Because you don’t know how many such beam connections there already are behind the drywall.

When it comes to craftsmen for a build, I’m always a fan of the trendy Corona saying: #supportyourlocal.

Ideally, the shell builder has a good reputation within a 30km radius, the son is ready to take over the business one day. Everyone has an interest in keeping the business running and moving forward. The installer was recommended by 3 neighbors at best, because although he’s not the cheapest, if the heating breaks down at night – he shows up. Also, he lives 5 streets away and wants to still be able to look you in the eye in 10 years. The tiler may sometimes drink a bit too much beer after work and is therefore known as a drinker, but you only hear good things about his work, and he’s punctual early in the morning and magically installs your tiles.

I know, it’s not always possible because you don’t always know people where you build. But you can get to know them. You can ask around and choose those you want to work with yourself. Even if that means a wait time that might be half a year longer.

Whoever isn’t so precise about a 50cm wall shift certainly won’t be so strict about a 2cm rafter spacing. But there is one advantage if you don’t know the trades that well: it’s easier to complain.