Unpredictability of construction costs - Will the project fail because of it?

I would say it depends on the amount of the sum. Under certain circumstances, you simply have additional costs if it goes to court and you lose there. And: Such a thing can of course drag on and be nerve-wracking.

Yes, unfortunately, the costs for the planning still apply

Unfortunately, there is absolutely no time for that. The companies' books are still full and the uncertainty regarding the material remains anyway.

Since we only had a preliminary contract, there was no fulfillment date yet.

Yes, unfortunately the costs for the planning still apply. We were advised to seek legal counsel and possibly also to reclaim the prepayment penalty from the construction company. I don’t know if that makes sense?

Yes, we have spoken with the bank. Since we - as it has to be - are with a direct bank, we are not getting off so lightly. About €5000 is due and of course we lose the good interest rates. But well, I can live with that before it completely escalates. The lady also said they are currently being overwhelmed by customers who want to return their loan or, even worse, are in the middle of the construction phase and can no longer pay, have to refinance, or fall out of the interest-free period.

Man! For you guys to have been really backed into a corner, these are world-class news. Do you feel liberated?