This is not a story I enjoy telling. But if it saves even one person from the same mistake, it’s worth it.
When we were working on our house in the Netherlands, we hired a contractor. He took a big part of the money in advance, around €22,000, and never completed the work. We took him to court, and we won. But then he declared bankruptcy, and we never got our money back.
It was a very bad time. Stressful, expensive and exhausting. But we learned a lot, and today we’re happy in our home. Here’s what happened and what I’d do differently.
What happened
Like many people, we trusted the contractor. He seemed professional and the plan sounded good. He asked for money upfront to start, and we paid.
Then the work slowed down, and slowed down more. In the end, it was never completed. We tried everything to solve it, and finally we started a legal case.
We won the case. For a moment it felt like justice. But winning in court doesn’t mean you get paid. The contractor declared bankruptcy, and there was nothing left to recover.
The biggest lesson: winning isn’t the same as getting your money
This was the hardest thing to accept. You can be completely right, win your case, and still lose the money. That’s why prevention matters much more than fixing things later.
How to choose a contractor in the Netherlands
1. Check the company properly
- Look them up in the KvK (Chamber of Commerce) register. How long have they existed? Is the company active?
- Read reviews on several platforms, not just their own website.
- Ask for references and actually call them. Better still, go and see finished work.
- Check if they’re a member of a recognised trade association or quality mark.
2. Get a clear written contract
Write down everything: the exact work, materials, price, timeline, payment schedule and what happens if there are delays. If it’s not on paper, it doesn’t exist.
3. Don’t pay large amounts in advance
This is the big one. Pay in stages, after each part of the work is done and checked. A small deposit for materials can be normal, but never pay a big part of the total before work is completed.
4. Get more than one quote
Compare at least three quotes. If one is much cheaper or pushes you to decide fast, be careful.
5. Keep everything in writing
Agreements, changes, delays and promises, all by email or message. If things go wrong, this is your evidence.
6. Get legal expenses insurance
This is my number one tip. In the Netherlands it’s called rechtsbijstandverzekering. You pay a small premium every month, and if you ever need a lawyer, it helps cover the costs. In situations like ours, it can save you a lot of money and stress. Check carefully what a policy covers, including housing and construction disputes, and note that many policies have a waiting period, so get it before you need it.
If a contractor doesn’t finish the work
- Put it in writing. Send a formal letter or email with a clear deadline to complete the work (in Dutch, an ingebrekestelling).
- Stop paying. Don’t pay more until the work agreed so far is done.
- Document everything. Photos, messages, invoices and dates.
- Get legal advice early. Use your legal insurance or a lawyer. The Juridisch Loket offers free first advice in the Netherlands.
- Act quickly. The longer you wait, the higher the chance the company runs into trouble.
How we moved on
Losing €22,000 hurt. Financially and emotionally. For a while it was all we talked about. But at some point, we decided not to let it define us.
We learned the lesson, we kept going, and today we’re in a home we love. If you’re going through something like this right now, I’m sorry. It’s not your fault for trusting someone. Protect yourself next time, and be kind to yourself in the meantime.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay a contractor upfront in the Netherlands?
Only a small deposit, if any. Pay the rest in stages after each part of the work is finished and checked.
What is rechtsbijstandverzekering?
It’s Dutch legal expenses insurance. For a monthly premium, it helps cover legal advice and lawyer costs if you have a dispute. Check what’s covered and the waiting period.
What can I do if a contractor doesn’t finish the job?
Send a formal written notice with a deadline, stop further payments, document everything and get legal advice quickly.
Can I get my money back if a contractor goes bankrupt?
Often only a small part, or nothing, because there are usually many creditors. That’s why paying in stages is so important.
Have you ever had a bad experience with a contractor? Tell me in the comments 👇
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