Is the sample exhibition binding? Deviation from execution

Hello everyone,

the following situation: During the selection process, we decided on a sliding door and two French doors on the terrace side with our prefabricated house manufacturer. In the selection exhibition, the threshold on the indoor side (top edge of the floor to the door panel) is 18mm. In our house, a threshold height of 36mm was installed.

Unfortunately, the selection documentation (contract basis) does not specify any heights or tolerances for the threshold. However, the French doors are described as "barrier-free" identical to the exhibition (not a standardized term).

My question to all experts and experienced people: What binding effect does the execution in a selection exhibition have? This was ultimately the reason for our contractual decision. Can I demand an identical execution?

The construction company does not consider this a defect ("threshold still barrier-free") and does not offer a correction due to the disproportionate effort (floor coverings would have to be removed).

Thank you very much for any feedback

Binding is what has been recorded and signed. Unless „Ausführung identisch zum Muster XY“ or a similar term has been agreed upon, I see black there. Especially since, in my opinion, proportionality is not given if floor coverings and screed heights would have to be corrected.

Unfortunately, no heights and tolerances of the threshold are specified in the sampling documentation (contract basis).

This was ultimately also the reason for our contractual decision.

If this is my main criterion for choosing a provider, then I include these points in writing in the contract.

Since you don't have that, and probably didn't pay attention to it in the execution plans either, where it could still have been adjusted, I also see no obligation for the construction company.
Leveling the screed inside can be done – but it is certainly an item that you will now have to pay for yourself.

Thank you very much for the quick responses. For us, what was shown during a sample appointment was binding and would be executed accordingly, without needing to describe the details. From the answers, I understand that a display during the sample appointment is not fundamentally binding compared to the later execution. If anyone has had a different experience, please let me know.

For us, it was binding that what is shown during a sample selection is also executed accordingly and does not need to be described in detail.

So you choose the windows, for example, in the show house with a 3m ceiling height and expect your house to then also have a 3m ceiling height? You selected and ordered terrace doors and have no concrete execution plan. You did receive the windows/doors as ordered, right? That should answer your question.

We have ordered a complete system wall structure, window door, and floor structure from a general contractor [GU], which includes not only the door but also the installation. The binding plans also specify a parapet height of -3.6 to -5.0. If the descriptions in the exhibition are the same as the order, I expect identical execution. However, I have learned that it is better to record every measurement (ideally including allowable tolerances). For all future builders, here is a note.