Renovating homes or properties can be costly and complex. Unfortunately, it sometimes ends in disputes between the customer and the contractor. Here are 100 common questions and answers about renovation disputes under Swedish law.
1. What is a renovation dispute?
A legal conflict between a customer and a contractor regarding a renovation project.
2. When do renovation disputes arise?
When the parties disagree on what was agreed, the quality of work, or payment.
3. What law applies to home renovations for private individuals?
The Swedish Consumer Services Act (Konsumenttjänstlagen).
4. What law applies to renovations between businesses?
The Sale of Goods Act (Köplagen) or the Swedish Contracts Act (Avtalslagen).
5. What is the Consumer Services Act?
A law that protects private individuals when hiring companies for services in their homes.
6. What is a contractor?
A company or person hired to perform renovation work.
7. What is a customer?
The person who orders and pays for the renovation.
8. What is a renovation contract?
An agreement between the customer and the contractor detailing the scope and conditions of the work.
9. Does the contract have to be in writing?
No, but written agreements are highly recommended.
10. What should a renovation contract include?
Scope of work, price, timeline, and payment terms.
11. What is a fixed price?
An agreed total price for the entire renovation.
12. What is time and materials billing?
Payment based on actual time spent and materials used, often hourly.
13. What is an approximate price?
An estimate that cannot be exceeded significantly without agreement.
14. What is additional work?
Extra work not included in the original contract, approved by the customer.
15. Should additional work be confirmed in writing?
Yes, to avoid misunderstandings.
16. What if the contractor does extra work without approval?
The customer may not have to pay unless the work was necessary.
17. What is a defect in the service?
When the work is not performed professionally or does not meet the contract terms.
18. What does ”professionally executed” mean?
Work done according to industry standards and best practices.
19. What is a complaint (reklamation)?
Notifying the contractor of defects or deficiencies.
20. How long does the customer have to complain?
Within a reasonable time, and no later than three years under the Consumer Services Act.
21. What is a reasonable time to complain?
Usually within two months of discovering the defect.
22. How do you file a complaint?
Preferably in writing, describing the defect and requesting action.
23. What is correction (avhjälpande)?
The contractor fixes the defect at no extra cost.
24. What is a price reduction?
A discount to compensate for the defect.
25. What is contract cancellation?
Ending the contract due to serious faults.
26. What is compensation for damages?
Financial reimbursement for losses caused by the contractor.
27. Must the contractor be given a chance to fix the defect?
Yes, the law requires giving the contractor the opportunity to correct it.
28. What is a final inspection?
An evaluation to check if the work is completed correctly.
29. Who pays for the final inspection?
Usually the customer, unless otherwise agreed.
30. What is an inspector?
An independent expert who assesses the quality of the work.
31. What is the contractor’s liability period?
Two years for workmanship under the Consumer Services Act.
32. What is a warranty?
A voluntary promise of a longer liability period.
33. Does a warranty extend the legal liability period?
Yes, if stated in the contract.
34. Should a warranty be in writing?
Yes, it is advisable.
35. What is defective material?
Low-quality materials used by the contractor.
36. Who is responsible for the materials?
The contractor, unless otherwise agreed.
37. Can the customer supply their own materials?
Yes, but then the customer is responsible for their quality.
38. What is a construction defect?
Faults caused by poor workmanship.
39. What is construction defect insurance?
Insurance that covers certain defects, typically for new construction.
40. Does this insurance apply to renovations?
Rarely, but it can be arranged in some cases.
41. What is water damage?
Damage caused by improper handling of moisture.
42. Who is responsible for water damage?
The contractor, if the work was not done properly.
43. What is electrical safety?
Compliance with electrical installation standards.
44. Who is responsible for electrical work?
A certified electrician.
45. What is HVAC work?
Heating, ventilation, and plumbing services.
46. Who is responsible for HVAC defects?
The contractor who performed the work.
47. What is ROT tax deduction?
A tax benefit for labor costs on home renovations.
48. Who applies for the ROT deduction?
The contractor, with the customer’s approval.
49. What happens if the ROT deduction is denied?
The customer may have to pay the full cost.
50. What is an estimated price?
A price estimate that cannot be significantly exceeded without agreement.
51. What is a quoted price?
A price provided before the work begins.
52. Must the contractor honor the quote?
Yes, if it is a fixed price.
53. What is a payment plan?
A schedule outlining when payments are due.
54. What happens if the customer does not pay?
The contractor can demand payment or stop the work.
55. What if the contractor demands more than agreed?
The customer can refuse to pay extra charges not previously agreed upon.
56. Can the contract be changed during the project?
Yes, but changes should be documented in writing.
57. What is a change order (ÄTA)?
An agreement on extra work outside the original contract.
58. Must change orders be approved?
Yes, by the customer.
59. What is the contractor’s warranty liability?
Responsibility for the quality and compliance of the work.
60. What is defective workmanship?
When work does not meet professional standards.
61. What is a building code violation?
Failure to comply with construction regulations.
62. Can building code violations lead to compensation?
Yes, if they cause damage or reduce value.
63. What is an unclear quote?
A quote that lacks sufficient detail about the work.
64. Who bears the risk of a vague quote?
The contractor, if the customer reasonably misunderstood it.
65. Are verbal agreements valid?
Yes, but they are harder to prove.
66. What is better – written or verbal agreements?
Written agreements, to avoid disputes.
67. What is a turnkey contract?
The contractor is responsible for both design and construction.
68. What is a split contract?
The customer coordinates several contractors.
69. Who is responsible for coordination errors?
The customer in a split contract, the contractor in a turnkey contract.
70. What is a standard contract?
An industry-approved contract used for renovations.
71. What are AB 04 and ABT 06?
Swedish standard contracts for construction projects.
72. Can private individuals use AB 04 or ABT 06?
Yes, but simpler consumer contracts are more common.
73. What is a consumer renovation contract?
A standard contract for private individuals hiring contractors.
74. What is the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN)?
A government agency that resolves consumer disputes.
75. Can renovation disputes be reported to ARN?
Yes, if you are a private individual and the contractor is a business.
76. Are ARN’s decisions binding?
No, but reputable businesses usually follow them.
77. What is mediation?
A voluntary process to resolve disputes without court involvement.
78. What is arbitration?
A private and binding dispute resolution process.
79. Can renovation disputes be taken to court?
Yes, this is common for larger claims.
80. Who pays court costs if you lose?
Usually the losing party.
81. What is legal representation?
A lawyer or legal advisor representing a party in the dispute.
82. Does home insurance cover legal costs?
Yes, legal protection is often included in home insurance.
83. What is a payment default record?
A record of unpaid debt affecting creditworthiness.
84. Can the contractor send a payment reminder?
Yes, for unpaid invoices.
85. What is a debt collection notice?
A letter from a debt collection agency demanding payment.
86. Can disputes go to the Swedish Enforcement Authority?
Yes, to collect payment.
87. What is a payment order application?
A request to the Enforcement Authority to enforce payment.
88. What is an objection?
The customer’s response to dispute a claim.
89. What happens if the claim is not disputed?
The Enforcement Authority may issue an enforceable payment order.
90. What is a default judgment?
A court decision if one party fails to respond.
91. What is a final ruling?
A decision that cannot be appealed without permission.
92. What is an enforceable decision?
A ruling that can be enforced by the Enforcement Authority.
93. Can prepaid work be refunded if not performed?
Yes, if the contractor fails to deliver the agreed work.
94. What is an advance payment?
A prepayment made before the work starts.
95. What is an installment plan?
An agreement to pay in several stages.
96. Can the parties agree on payment terms?
Yes, and it should be documented.
97. What is a payment receipt?
Proof that payment has been made.
98. What is a settlement agreement?
A written agreement resolving the dispute without court.
99. What is important when drafting a contract?
Clear terms on scope, price, and timeline.
100. Why is legal advice important in renovation disputes?
To avoid costly mistakes and protect your legal rights.
