Signing a quote legally commits both parties. Before committing to works that often represent several thousand euros, take time to ask the right questions. Here are the 15 essential questions that will save you many problems.
Questions About the Company
1. Do you have an establishment authorisation?
In Luxembourg, every building tradesperson must have an establishment authorisation issued by the Ministry of the Economy. This is a legal requirement.
Why it matters:
- Guarantees professional qualifications
- Mandatory to obtain grants like Klimabonus
- Allows verification of the company’s legal existence
How to verify: Ask for the number and check on guichet.lu or with the Chamber of Trades.
2. Are you insured for this type of work?
Insurance is your protection in case of problems. A tradesperson without insurance exposes you to considerable financial risks.
What to request:
- Professional liability insurance certificate
- Ten-year guarantee for structural works
- Verify that planned works are properly covered
Important: Request a copy of the insurance certificate dated less than 3 months ago.
3. How long have you been in business?
Experience isn’t an absolute guarantee, but it remains an indicator of reliability.
Follow-up questions:
- Have you completed projects similar to mine?
- Can you show me photos of completed sites?
- May I contact previous clients?
4. Who will be working on the site?
Knowing who will actually be working at your property is essential.
Points to clarify:
- Will you be personally present on site?
- Do you use subcontractors?
- How many people will work on the project?
If subcontractors are involved, ask whether they are also insured and qualified.
Questions About the Project
5. Does the quote include all necessary services?
An incomplete quote is a source of disputes and budget overruns.
Check that the quote mentions:
- Site preparation
- Supply of materials
- Labour
- Waste and rubble management
- Final cleaning
- Finishing works
6. What materials will you use?
Material quality directly impacts the durability of the works.
Demand specifics about:
- Exact brands and references
- Technical specifications
- Origin of materials
- Possible alternatives and their price impact
Tip: A quote mentioning “standard quality materials” without specifics is a warning sign.
7. What are the stages of the work?
Understanding how the works will proceed allows you to track progress.
What to ask:
- Detailed schedule of different phases
- Order of interventions
- Intermediate validation points
- Coordination with other trades if necessary
8. What happens if there are unforeseen issues?
Surprises are common in renovation, especially in older properties.
Points to clarify:
- How are additional works handled?
- Are unforeseen items subject to a written amendment?
- What is the approval process before additional works?
Good practice: Allow a margin of 10 to 15% in your budget for unforeseen issues.
Questions About Price
9. Is the price firm and final?
An “indicative” or “estimated” price doesn’t commit the tradesperson. Only a firm price protects you.
Important distinctions:
- Quote: Firm and final price, commits both parties
- Estimate: Approximate price, may vary
- Fixed price: Global price including everything, no possibility of extras
10. What are the payment conditions?
Payment terms must be clearly defined before signing.
Normal practices in Luxembourg:
- Deposit of 20 to 30% on order
- Interim payments according to progress (30-40%)
- Balance of 5 to 10% on completion of works
Absolutely to avoid:
- Full payment in advance
- Cash payment without invoice
- Deposit greater than 50%
11. Is VAT included?
In Luxembourg, renovation works often benefit from the reduced VAT rate (3%).
To verify:
- Does the quote show prices excluding and including VAT?
- What VAT rate is applied?
- Do you meet the conditions for the reduced rate?
Reminder: The 3% rate applies to properties over 10 years old serving as a main residence, subject to income conditions.
12. Are grants deducted from the quote?
If you benefit from grants like Klimabonus, clarify how they’re handled.
Questions to ask:
- Is the grant amount deducted from the quote?
- Or must I advance the full amount and get reimbursed?
- Can the tradesperson assist with the paperwork?
Questions About Timing
13. When can you start?
A serious tradesperson generally has a full order book.
Points to discuss:
- Planned start date
- Time between signing and start of works
- Flexibility if you need to change
Warning: A tradesperson immediately available for a big job can be suspicious.
14. What is the estimated duration of works?
Realistic timelines are essential to organise your daily life.
What to ask:
- Total duration of the project
- Working hours on site
- Days worked (weekends included?)
- Planned absences (holidays, other sites)
15. What does the contract provide for delays?
Delays are common in construction. Better to anticipate.
Clauses to negotiate:
- Delay penalties (generally 0.5 to 1% per week)
- Clear definition of completion date
- Legitimate causes of delay (weather, supply issues)
- Procedure in case of significant overrun
Questions About Guarantees
What guarantees apply to your works?
In Luxembourg, several legal guarantees protect the client.
Mandatory guarantees:
| Guarantee | Duration | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect completion | 1 year | All defects reported at handover |
| Two-year | 2 years | Separable equipment (taps, shutters…) |
| Ten-year | 10 years | Structure and inseparable elements |
To verify in the contract:
- Are guarantees mentioned?
- How to report a defect?
- What are the response times?
Summary Checklist
Before signing, tick this list:
About the company:
- Establishment authorisation verified
- Recent insurance certificate obtained
- References checked
About the quote:
- Detailed description of works
- Materials specified (brands, references)
- Firm and final price
- VAT clearly indicated
- Reasonable payment conditions
About timing:
- Start date confirmed
- Realistic estimated duration
- Delay penalties provided
About guarantees:
- Guarantees mentioned
- Handover procedure defined
- After-sales service clarified
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FAQ
Does a signed quote commit me permanently?
Yes, a signed quote is equivalent to a contract. However, you may benefit from a 14-day withdrawal period if the contract was concluded at a distance or off-premises.
Can I negotiate the price after receiving the quote?
Yes, negotiation is possible before signing. However, be wary of overly large reductions that could hide savings on quality.
What if the tradesperson refuses to answer these questions?
A serious professional will answer these legitimate questions without difficulty. A refusal or evasive attitude is a warning sign: move on.
Should I call in an expert to check the quote?
For major works (over €20,000), the opinion of an architect or expert can be useful. For standard works, this guide allows you to ask the right questions yourself.
