Mgr. ANNA VEJMELKOVÁ, advokát

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Price Reduction in a Contract for Work – When and How to Claim It

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You receive the completed work – but something feels off.
The paint is uneven, the tiles are not what you ordered, the doors don’t close smoothly.
It’s frustrating. You wanted a finished product, not a half-finished headache.
But here’s where the law gives you a practical tool – a price reduction.
Unfortunately, many clients don’t know how or when to use it – and that means leaving money on the table.

A price reduction is a legal remedy that allows the client to pay less for defective work without demanding a fix.
It’s a fair way to settle the matter if the defect does not prevent use, but the work isn’t perfect.

The key condition is that the defect must exist at the time of handover.
It could be:

  • a functional defect (e.g. faulty wiring),

  • an aesthetic issue (e.g. visible seams),

  • or a dimensional discrepancy.

If the defect is irreparable or too expensive to fix, a price reduction is a suitable solution.

You don’t have to reject the work entirely – you can accept it with reservations, and still claim a reduction.
The recommended steps:

  1. Accept the work with a written reservation or send a formal complaint.

  2. Calculate the proposed reduction – ideally based on an expert estimate or cost of repairs.

  3. Notify the contractor in writing and request a refund or amendment to the contract.

Contractors often deny the issue – so it’s essential to have photos, expert reports, or witnesses.
You can claim a reduction in court if necessary.

Keep in mind – a price reduction is not a penalty or compensation.
You can claim it alongside other remedies if applicable.

The best practice is to include provisions for price reductions directly in the contract – define types of defects and estimated discounts.

Is your contractor’s work defective, but usable?
🔹 I’ll help you claim a fair price reduction
🔹 I’ll prepare the documents, assess your options and defend your rights

👉 Don’t pay the full price for partial quality.

Contact a legal professional – I specialize in contract law.
Learn more here.

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