Before hiring a tradesperson

Pricing and additional work

Always request a written price that includes value-added tax. You may agree on:

• Fixed price – cannot be changed.
• Approximate price – may not exceed the estimate by more than 15 percent (with some exceptions).
• Hourly rate – you pay per hour; you may set a maximum price that cannot be exceeded.

Additional work: The tradesperson must contact you before doing extra work. If you cannot be reached, they may still perform it if the cost only amounts to 15 percent of the original price. They may also do so if there are special reasons to assume you would want the work done, or to prevent an emergency.

Write clear contracts

Use written contracts to avoid misunderstandings. The industry provides standard contracts for different situations: repairs and alterations, painting services, new builds or extensions, and for changes and additional work. For new builds and extensions, the general conditions for small house contracts (2009 version), developed by the Swedish Consumer Agency together with the construction sector, provide stronger consumer protection.

Complaints and delays

A service is faulty if it is not professionally performed, does not match your agreement, differs from the company’s marketing, or if important information (such as care instructions) is missing. You may demand free correction or a price reduction, and in some cases cancel the contract. In case of delay, you may demand completion within a reasonable time, or cancel if the delay is of material importance to you.

Time limits: Complain as soon as possible. You have three years from the completion of the work, and up to ten years for work on land, buildings or other permanent fixtures. If you complain within two months of discovering the fault, it is always considered on time. You may withhold payment as security equal to the cost of fixing the fault, and you may also claim damages for any economic loss.

tax deduction – reduction for labour costs

You may receive a tax deduction for labour costs when renovating or building at home. The deduction applies only to labour, not to materials. Check the Swedish Tax Agency’s website for the exact rules.

The company applies the deduction directly on the invoice. The deduction is linked to the person who owns the home. The work must be carried out in or near the home. You must be at least 18 years old by the end of the year and pay enough tax; the deduction cannot be greater than your final tax. Other types of services may also be eligible. More information is available from the Swedish Tax Agency.