Getting Building Work Done in Denmark

Denmark is one of the most expensive countries in the world to get building work done. Standard daily rates right now are approximately 350 kroner per hour, plus 25% MOMs / VAT.

To be fair, the builders themselves do not see much of it. Of a notional 500 kroner per hour, 100 krone comprises sales tax, so that leaves 400 kroner. Of this, the builder must pay his business expenses, business taxes (25%), then personal taxes on top (at least another 15%). Therefore, out 500 kroner, he probably ends up with about 160 kroner in his pocket.

It's no surprise therefore that "sort arbejde", or black labour / cash in hand work, is so common in Denmark. Furthermore, due the excessive welfare state, many people who would work as labourers, etc., in other countries, find it easier to take the welfare payments and sit on benches in the town drinking beer, rather than bother getting their hands dirty with an honest days graft.

as a foreigner , of course, you are not so likely to have the family or social contacts to employ cash in hand workers, so us foreigners end up footing the bill twice over.

Bear this in mind, if your dream house (eg. The Villa Montana, Hobro) comes up for sale and you need to get a lot of work done.

Next time, I'll give you some personal experiences of Danish Building contractor quality.