Calling a trade in the Netherlands
Written for residents who do not speak Dutch. Not a translation of the Dutch price guides. Use them to prepare a call — not as a quote.
By trade
8 articles
RoofersCalling a roofer in the Netherlands
If you do not speak Dutch, use these words and a short message. This site does not book anyone for you.
Plumbers & heatingCalling a plumber or heating engineer in the Netherlands
Leaks, blocked drains and the cv-ketel (boiler) are different jobs. Say which one you have.
ElectriciansCalling an electrician in the Netherlands
Meterkast (consumer unit) work is not DIY. Use NEN 1010 as a keyword, not as a price list.
Painters & plasterersCalling a painter or plasterer in the Netherlands
Ask for square metres, indoor or façade, and whether scaffolding is included.
LocksmithsCalling a locksmith in the Netherlands
Locked out at night is expensive. Ask the price before they drill.
BuildersCalling a builder in the Netherlands
Aannemer means a contractor for building work, not a handyman app. Ask for a written scope.
GardenersCalling a gardener in the Netherlands
Hovenier is garden work: plants, paving, maintenance. Not the same as a builder.
CleanersCalling a cleaning company in the Netherlands
Oplevering is end-of-tenancy cleaning. Onderhoud is regular cleaning. Say which one.
General
10 articles
GeneralHow to phone a tradesperson in the Netherlands
Numbers look like 020 123 45 67 (city) or 06 12 34 56 78 (mobile). You call them; this site does not call for you.
GeneralHow to describe a fault so a Dutch company understands
Short facts beat long stories. Water, electricity, smell, and when it started.
GeneralReading a Dutch offerte
Offerte means a written offer, not an invoice (factuur). Check btw (VAT) and what is excluded.
Plumbers & heatingISDE subsidy if you do not speak Dutch
ISDE is a national grant via RVO for some heat pumps and insulation. This site cannot apply for you.
GeneralWhen to use 112
112 is the European emergency number in the Netherlands: fire, ambulance, police in danger. A leaking tap is not 112.
GeneralVvE: when the building, not you, must hire the trade
In an apartment the VvE (owners’ association) often owns the roof, façade and shared pipes.
BuildersOmgevingsloket: permits in plain English
Many outdoor changes need a check in the Omgevingsloket. This website does not file permits.
GeneralTenant or landlord: who pays for a repair
Dutch law splits small daily repairs (often tenant) and major maintenance (often landlord). Your contract can add rules.
GeneralThis site does not send a tradesperson
Vakmanlokaal shows public names and numbers. There is no job board, no quote form, and no commission.
GeneralWhat you should not send a company
A tradesperson needs an address and a description. They do not need your passport or BSN to give an offerte.
Each calling guide links to the matching list, for example plumbers in Amsterdam.