Local specialist or national brand?
Short answer
Local specialists win on price, after-care responsiveness and knowing the municipality. National brands win on consistency, process maturity and the strength of the insurance-backed warranty. The right choice depends on whether you value relationship or system.
Side by side
| Aspect | Local specialist | National brand |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often 5–15% lower | Higher — more overhead |
| Lead time | Variable | Usually shorter, more planned |
| After-care speed | Same week | Ticket queue |
| Warranty backing | Often via trade body | Often via own scheme + trade body |
| Local know-how | Strong — knows the gemeente | Generic — handled by central office |
| Consistency | Depends on team that day | More predictable |
| Subcontracting | Rare | Common |
When to pick local
Pick local when the project is straightforward (back of the house, standard size), when after-care matters more than process polish, and when you want one person you can call directly. A local specialist who has done dozens of similar dormers in your street is hard to beat.
When to pick national
Pick national when the project is complex (front of the house, listed neighbourhood, large opening), when you value the safety net of an insurance-backed scheme, or when you simply prefer the predictability of a process-driven company.