Work contract with general contractor - questions about the offer

My general contractor does not want to deduct the €4,000 for the included 4-phase monitoring. For me, this is important in order to hire my own, neutral expert for construction supervision, and I don’t want to pay twice for the whole thing.

He has now suggested that we hire a joint expert who would also make a decision in case of a dispute. For example, DEKRA.

What do you think about something like this?

Sounds like a compromise. I assume it won’t cost the 4,000€ – maybe that’s why he doesn’t want to deduct it, because part of his profit is included in it.

A compromise yes.... but one that should be made?

I cannot say anything about the quality of DEKRA. But what is the alternative? Building with someone else? Or are you confident enough in negotiations to enforce your position?

But what is the alternative? Building with someone else? Or are you confident enough in negotiations to enforce your position?

I don’t believe that the general contractor would drop the contract because of this. However, since various other smaller points are still up for negotiation, I am happy to make reasonable compromises for the benefit of both parties.

If the expert generally documents the quality of the execution, I would see the risk of partiality as low - if, on the other hand, he only documents defects, then everything not classified as such does not appear.

He has now suggested that we appoint a joint expert who would also make a decision in case of dispute. For example, DEKRA.

You are basically willing to do that - so how is the question to be understood: whether DEKRA is considered suitable?