Ireland

The contractor didn't finish my kitchen renovation.

30 days
Reasonable time limit
100%
Full refund possible
s. 79
Consumer Rights Act
2022
Act year
The Short Answer

If a contractor fails to complete your kitchen renovation in Ireland, you have legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, including the right to repeat performance, price reduction, or termination of the contract.

What the Law Says

The Consumer Rights Act 2022 sets out clear rights when a service — like a kitchen renovation — is not carried out with reasonable care and skill, or is not completed within a reasonable time or as agreed.

Under section 79 of the Consumer Rights Act 2022, services provided to consumers must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time, and for the agreed price (or a reasonable price if none was agreed). If the contractor fails to finish the renovation, this is likely a breach of the contract.

You are entitled to remedies including repeat performance (e.g., the contractor finishing the work properly), a price reduction, or termination of the contract with a full or partial refund — depending on the seriousness of the failure and whether repeat performance is possible or timely.

The law says you must give the contractor one opportunity to fix the problem (repeat performance) unless it’s impossible, disproportionate, or would cause you significant inconvenience — for example, if they’ve abandoned the job or missed a clear deadline.

Statutory Text

A trader must carry out a service with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time and for the agreed price or, where no price has been agreed, for a reasonable price.

Consumer Rights Act 2022, s. 79 — Services

What to Do

1

Contact the contractor in writing (email or letter) stating the work is incomplete and requesting completion by a clear, reasonable deadline (e.g., 30 days).

2

If they fail to respond or act, send a formal notice citing section 79 of the Consumer Rights Act 2022 and specifying your chosen remedy (e.g., repeat performance or refund).

3

Keep all records: contract, quotes, payments, photos, and all correspondence.

4

If unresolved, contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) or consider small claims court (for claims up to €2,000).

Sources

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.