Tettpå – when you’re going to build or renovate
Here you’ll get help to choose responsible tradespeople and contractors and follow the rules when you’re going to build or renovate a home or holiday home.
When you're building something, you're generally required to submit an application, but some projects are excepted from this requirement. This means that it's up to you to find out what your responsibilities are. It can be difficult to understand the requirements and rules concerning specific building work like new buildings, renovations, reconstruction, extensions and so on. You can ask your municipality whether you're required to submit an application. You can also ask for a preliminary conference.
You’ll find information about what you can build without applying for permission on the Norwegian Building Authority’s website (Norwegian only).
Read more about how to apply and about the building application process on the Norwegian Building Authority’s website (Norwegian only).
The Central Coordinating Register of Legal Entities, the Register of Business Enterprises and the Value Added Tax Register (VAT Register)
To run a business in Norway, you must be registered with the Central Coordinating Register of Legal Entities and/or the Register of Business Enterprises and you must have been issued an organisation number. This is so you can pay taxes and duties, but also so supervisory authorities are able to perform audits and issue licenses. The enterprise must also be registered to be able to pay salary to its employees.
Firms must register in the VAT Register when revenue exceeds NOK 50,000.
You can find which registers the enterprise is registered in under the tab "registers". It could also be a good idea to check the status of the enterprise in the tab "other information about the organisation". Here you will find information such as "announcements", where you can see if bankruptcy proceedings have been opened, if the enterprise is in danger of being forcibly dissolved or other circumstances that may be of significance when you choose tradespeople and contractors.
The Register of Bankruptcies
Persons that have been disqualified from running a business cannot start a new firm or take on new posts like general manager, chairman of the board, board member or deputy member in the disqualification period.
Tax certificate
You can ask the tradesperson for a tax certificate. The certificate gives you an overview of whether taxes and duties owed to the public sector have been paid, if the contractor's firm is registered in the required registers, the number of employees and other key information. The tradesperson can order the certificate at skatteetaten.no and send it to the employer in an e-mail.
Finance
For larger building projects, we recommend checking the contractor's financial situation on proff.no (Norwegian only) or on a similar website. Choosing a firm with good finances will minimise the risk for unfortunate situations happening during the building process.
Check the technical expertise of the contractors you’re considering for your building project. The more thoroughly you check the contractor's qualifications and approvals, the more certain you can be that the firm has the approved expertise in the different building fields. Here are some suggestions for what you can ask for:
Craft or journeyman’s certificate are documents proving a finished education with an apprentice period. Craft certificates differ from journeyman’s certificates because they’re earned by taking other vocational courses than traditional crafts courses. Read more about Norwegian vocational education and training on Vilbli’s websites.
Foreign education can be approved through Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills assesses the scope and level of vocational education and training in comparison to Norwegian vocational education and training.
Mesterregisteret (in Norwegian only) is Norway’s official website listing approved master craftspeople. On the website, you’ll find an overview of all firms with master craftspeople in your municipality.
See also an overview of all certified educations for craftspeople with master titles on Lovdata (in Norwegian only).
Firms must be registered in the electrical enterprise register at the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) in order to be able to perform electrical installations.
The Norwegian communications authority, Norsk kommunikasjonsmyndighet (Nkom), issues special licenses to firms that have been approved to install fibre, computer networks and cable TV (in Norwegian only).
The one performing the electrical installations must have a craft certificate as an electrician, and the homeowner has an obligation to keep documentation of electrical work.
Velgelektriker.no (in Norwegian only) is a service that makes it easier for you as a consumer to make a conscious choice when you hiring electricians in certain municipalities in Trøndelag, Innlandet, Nordland and Agder.
The Wet Room Council is a multidisciplinary and independent membership organization that promotes better wet rooms through the Construction Industry Wet Room Standard (BVN), in collaboration with SINTEF Community. You can learn more about how and why to use the industry’s wet room standard and search for approved wet room companies on the Wet Room Council's website (in Norwegian only).
Tradespeople and contractors with a wet room certificate has proof of competence confirming completed courses and passed exam. Read more about the certification on the Wet Room Council’s website (in Norwegian only), and in the Construction Industry Wet Room Standard (in Norwegian only).
A wet room guide for tradespeople (in Norwegian only) has been developed by Byggmesterforbundet, an organisation for professional building firms, in cooperation with Norske Murmestres Landsforening, an organisation for master bricklayers. . The guide is based on the requirements for wet rooms in the applicable technical regulations. Here you can also look up persons who have attended courses and passed their exams.
"Certified installer" is a voluntary quality scheme for installers of fireplaces and chimneys that is administered by the trade association Norsk Varme and the certification body Kiwa. Installers certified through Norsk Varme has proof of experience and competence installing and reconstructing fireplaces and chimneys in line with regulations on technical requirements and the regulations developed in the industry.
The level 2-course provides training in work on fireplaces and chimneys where permits are not required, and the level 3-course provides training in work where permits are required. In the overview of certified installers (in Norwegian only) you can find those who have taken courses and passed the exam.
“Central approval” is a voluntary quality scheme for enterprises in the building sector, administered by the Norwegian Building Authority. Enterprises with central approval have the qualifications, experience and systems that have been adapted to their activity in the building sector. These enterprises can prove that they have
- the right qualifications for the relevant field
- routines for quality assurance
- paid taxes and duties
Check if the tradesperson has central approval (the Norwegian Building Authority)
Choosing an approved in-service training establishment contributes to a viable building sector. In the Norwegian register for in-service training establishments, the Nasjonalt register for lærebedrifter (in Norwegian only), you can check if the contractor is an approved in-service training establishment.
Ask for references, or check online to see if the contractor has good references.
- Does the building firm have the necessary licenses, approvals and certificates?
- Does the building firm’s employees have craft certificates or other necessary expertise?
- Does the building firm have a system for quality assurance or a plan to ensure compliance with the building rules
- Is the building firm a member of a trade organisation?
- How long has the building firm been operational?
Climate targets
In the “European Green Deal”, the EU has set as their main target making Europe a climate-neutral continent before 2050. The Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, has already decided on a target of reduction of the energy consumption in buildings in 2030 by 10 TWh, compared to 2015. To reach this target, the government has increased their efforts to increase the energy efficiency in buildings. Substantial funds have been granted, among others, for subsidies promoting energy efficiency in buildings to stimulate a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
In short - what is sustainability?
Sustainable development is about using and administrating the resources of our planet in a way that secures good lives for future generations too. But sustainability has not only environmental but also social and economic aspects. Social sustainability is about offering equal opportunities for health care, education, security, and self-realisation to everyone, for example. Economic sustainability is about securing economic stability for individuals, in the working life, and for society in general. The Guide aims at helping you to choose reputable contractors who contribute to a sustainable working life.
Sustainable solutions are smart
Choosing sustainable solutions increases the market value of a residential property and results in a wholesome indoor climate and lower electricity consumption. At the same time, you contribute to protecting the environment and to a more sustainable working life without work-related crime and social dumping.
Below, you can read about how to demand energy efficiency and eco-labeling from contractors before starting to build or upgrade homes, and about favourable financing and subsidies’ incentives for making sustainable choices:
Most banks offer so-called "green loans” to home builders and homeowners, under different environmental angles. As a rule, such loans have more favourable interest terms than ordinary mortgages.
When you are planning an upgrade or renovation of your home, it can be a smart choice to carry out energy efficiency measures at the same time. In addition, energy efficiency measures can qualify for subsidies from Enova. The purpose of the scheme is to offer incentives to private individuals to carry out good energy efficiency and climate measures. You can find an overview of energy efficiency measures (in Norwegian only) that might be suitable for your home on Enova’s webpage. Such measures could include an upgrade of the thermal insulation of external walls, roofs, windows, and foundations. Such an upgrade can reduce the thermal loss considerably and contribute to a lower energy consumption and reduced expenses.
The upgrading must be carried out by a contractor that satisfies the qualification requirements in Enova’s criteria (in Norwegian only). One of the criteria is that you must document the energy situation of the building before and after the upgrade. Before the start of the project, a qualified expert must prepare an energy plan showing the status of the building and the energy measures planned to improve the energy standard. With an action plan you can see the measures that must be implemented to get the subsidy. The plan can also be used as the basis for any invitation for tenders.
Norwegian banks often require energy label A or B in different environmental loans. In brief, this applies to low-energy buildings, passive houses, and similar. These are buildings that as a rule satisfy stronger requirements than those stated in the building regulations and/or that have an energy-efficient heating system. Read more about energy labelling and the requirements to be met for energy labels A and B on Enova’s webpage (In Norwegian only). Enova administrates the energy label scheme. The scheme is under evaluation.
Svanemerket (“The Nordic Swan Ecolabel”) is the official and most well-known Nordic ecolabel, supported by the authorities in all the Nordic countries. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel makes it easy for consumers who wish to contribute to the green shift. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is a general ecolabel promoting circular economy, resource efficiency, reduced climate impact, and the preservation of biodiversity - always with strict requirements regarding the use of harmful chemicals.
If you are building a new house, you can request a Nordic Swan Ecolabel certification from your contractor for the building. This means that the building, the construction materials and the construction process all fulfil many requirements for energy requirements, the use of chemicals, quality, and circular economy. These requirements respect the climate and nature, and the health and wellbeing of those who are going to live in the house. Read more about the characteristics of a residential building with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel (in Norwegian only).
If you are going to renovate, you can request that your contractors use building materials with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. These are readily available, fulfil many requirements regarding their production process, and are of high quality. The requirements take into account aspects of health, climate, and of the environment. Read more about building materials with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel (in Norwegian only).
Miljøfyrtårn – Eco-Lighthouse – is a national eco certification scheme operated by Stiftelsen Miljøfyrtårn (Eco-Lighthouse Foundation). The foundation was started by central organisations in business life and public administration and has been certified by the EU for keeping environmental standards and quality on a level with international eco-labels.
By choosing a business with the Eco-Lighthouse certification you know that the company works holistic, systematic, and in a long-term perspective with projects that will improve their eco-performances, reduce climate impact, and work actively for circular development. Through the work with the certification, the company gets smart tools to work specifically and profitably with sustainability in areas such as work environment, waste management, recycling and re-use, energy use, purchase, and transport.
You can find a lot of good ideas for smart renovation on the webpage of the Norwegian Building Authority (in Norwegian only).
HSE card
The employer is responsible for everyone working on a building site having a valid HSE card (the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority). The card is a confirmation that the employees are legally registered and have a working permit. The purpose is to identify who the employee is and who they work for.
Both contractors and sole proprietorships (people who work for themselves) must have HSE cards. Contractors who only offer their service in the private sector also have an obligation to furnish their employees and themselves with HSE cards.
We recommend that you perform random checks to ensure that the tradespeople on your building site have valid HSE cards.
Working at heights
If the assignment requires someone to work at more than 2 metres above the ground, the work must generally be performed from a lift or scaffolding. Ladders are only permitted for access to a workplace at height or to work that involves little risk and is short-term.
Choose a contractor that will perform safe and responsible work on your property. You can read more about working at heights on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority’s website.
An employer’s responsibility
If you hire a private individual who is not employed anywhere (laid off/unemployed/receiving national insurance benefits) or who does not have a sole proprietorship, you may be considered this person's employer. As an employer, you are, among other things, responsible for HSE at the workplace, and if an accident should happen, you can become liable for any injuries. A safe choice is to engage a contractor with a legal obligation to have an occupational injury insurance. In this way, you avoid taking on the responsibilities of an employer.
You’re entitled to a valid invoice. This is a document that proves the work has been done, and it’s important that you make sure that it includes the right
- invoice number
- firm name
- organisation number followed by the letters "MVA" (value added tax)
- specification of what the payment is about
- number of hours spent on the work, if there is not an agreed set price
- total amount with value added tax (VAT) specified
- place of delivery and delivery date
Joint liability for taxes and duties
If you, the consumer, give an assignment to someone who’s working illegally, you could become responsible for the building firm’s taxes and duties (in Norwegian only). You can avoid joint liability by paying via a bank. Never pay cash. Also, make sure that the bank account number you’re paying to is the same bank account number registered for the firm.
If you pay via a bank, you’ll also be in a better position in the case of a complaint.
Specify the building assignment
It’s important to write a contract for the building assignment. The more specific you are about what the contractor has been hired to do, the easier it’ll be for you to manage any conflict that might arise. Therefore, you should describe what the work entails as best you can, and also describe the desired result.
If you specify the end result, the tradesperson cannot demand extra payment for unforeseen expenses. Examples of what might be included in a contract:
- What should be done and what the result should be
- Deadlines
- Price, included value added tax
- Requirement to have a valid HSE card
- An overview of subcontractors and any use of staffing agencies
- You must also keep proof of changes that are agreed during the construction project (what the change is and the financial consequences).
Own employees or hired labour
At the signing of a contract, you should demand that the contractor keeps you updated on which subcontractors are hired. If the firm’s revenue is high compared to the number of employees, this could be a sign of a high percentage of hired labour or use of temporary-work agencies. All approved temporary-work agencies are registered in the public register of staffing enterprises (the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority) (in Norwegian only).
Liability insurance
Law-abiding contractors should have liability insurance for persons and assets if an accident should happen. If the firm does not have liability insurance, there’s a risk that the business does not have the finances to fix or replace damages or defects that might appear during the building project. As the client, you’re entitled to ask that the building firm prove that they have liability insurance prior to an agreement.
Contract templates
You can read more about buying services from tradespeople on the Norwegian Consumer Council’s website (in Norwegian only).
You can read more about contracts for services from tradespeople on the National Federation of House Owners’ website (in Norwegian only).
It’s always a good idea to keep any documentation for building work for later. You might want to renovate or build an extension, sell your property or end up in a dispute with the contractor. Take photos during the building process - you might need them later. Keeping information about value-adding work and an overview of the project is always useful.
Boligmappa
Boligmappa.no (in Norwegian only) collects information and documentation about all buildings and properties in Norway in one place and is connected to the Property Register. Boligmappa is the property’s digital service pamphlet and transfers from old to new owners. Both the contractor and the owner can put documentation for finished work directly into boligmappa.
The advantages of using law-abiding tradespeople:
- You get jobs done properly.
- You ensure that you have the right to complain about poorly executed work.
- You get documentation of finished work. The property’s value rises and it’ll be safer and easier to sell the property.
- You’ll get a secured loan easier, and you’re in a better position during negotiations of interest terms.
- You’re in a better position during any insurance settlements.
- You avoid joint liability for taxes and duties.
- You reduce the risk of delays and extra expenses during the building project.
- You can rest assured and ensure real value in the entire “building chain”; building applications, loan applications, valuations, selling properties, claims and insurance settlements.
Andre nyttige nettsteder
Handlehvitt.no from "Collaboration against underground economy"
Medbyggerne.no – a collaboration between the public sector, employers and employees and the building and construction sector in Vestfold and Telemark
Why Tettpå?
Most owners of residential and holiday properties want to use law-abiding tradespeople. Finding law-abiding tradespeople can still be challenging. Tettpå wants to help you choose law-abiding labour.
It’s difficult to be completely sure that you do not use contractors that operate illegally, but by following the advice in this guide, you reduce the risk of entering into agreements with them. It’s also important to combat work-related crime and contribute to a healthy and good working environment in your community and in Norway. You decide how you want things to be.
Tettpå is a measure from several public agencies, employers and employees, the construction sector and consumer interest groups.
