How to find a reliable contractor in The Hague

Finding a reliable contractor is the most common worry we hear from internationals in The Hague. You may not speak Dutch, you do not know the market, and the stories about unfinished jobs travel fast. The good news: a few simple checks filter out most problems.

1. Check the company

Every Dutch business is registered with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel, the Chamber of Commerce). Look up the company name and KvK number on the quote. Does the registration match the type of work? Has the company been around for a while? Is the address real?

Also ask for photos of recent work or a project you can look at, and read reviews on independent platforms such as Google.

2. Insist on a written, itemised quote

A reliable contractor gives you a quote in writing, after visiting the property. A good quote:

• describes the work per part (for example strip-out, plumbing, tiling, finishing);
• states what is included and what is not;
• separates labour and materials where possible;
• includes VAT (BTW) or states clearly that it is excluded;
• includes a planning or at least an expected start date and duration;
• states the payment terms.

A quote of one line with a single total price is a warning sign. Read more about quotes, payment terms and extra work.

3. Understand how extra work is handled

In renovations, especially in older homes, surprises happen: rotten joists, old pipes, asbestos. That is normal. What matters is how it is handled. Agree in advance that extra work (meerwerk) is only carried out after you have approved the price in writing.

4. Ask the right questions

• Who will be my contact person during the project?
• Who will actually do the work, and who coordinates the different trades?
• How will you keep me updated?
• What happens if the planning slips?
• How is the work handed over, and how are snagging points resolved?
• Is the work insured if something goes wrong?

5. Red flags

• Pressure to sign immediately, or a "special price" only valid today.
• A large payment up front, especially in cash.
• No written quote, or a quote without company details.
• Vague answers about who will do the work.
• Unwilling to visit the property before giving a price.

6. Language matters

Misunderstandings cost money. If you do not speak Dutch fluently, work with a contractor who communicates in English, both on site and on paper. That way you know exactly what you agree to and can follow the project yourself.

7. One point of contact

For anything more than a small job, several trades are involved. A contractor who coordinates all of them, with one project lead, saves you the work of managing plumbers, electricians and tilers yourself. That is how we work on every full renovation.

Ready to start?

Planning a renovation in The Hague or nearby? Request a free quote or read about renovating a pre-war home.