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If you want to build, how can you protect yourself in the event of possible damage or delays in the work? Is there any special insurance to take out?
A very detailed quote
It is best to ask for quotes from several companies to be able to compare. The estimate must be detailed and include a precise breakdown in quantity and price of each service (name, unit price and name of the unit to which it applies), the duration of the validity of the offer, the amount to be pay excluding and including tax. It must also be dated and signed by the contractor. In the event of work not provided for in the initial estimate, an addendum must imperatively be drawn up to this estimate, which must be expressly accepted and signed.
Compulsory insurance
You must take out property damage insurance. This makes it possible to obtain rapid repair of serious damage that may affect the construction: the insurer will pre-finance the cost of the work to repair the damage, outside of any search for liability. This is the case, for example, in the event of damage that compromises the solidity of the work. This insurance must be taken out before the work begins. Similarly, construction professionals must take out ten-year civil liability insurance in the event of serious damage.
Legal responsibilities
Manufacturers are bound by legal warranties. They apply from the moment the work has been accepted. There is a guarantee of perfect completion which lasts for one year. It is a guarantee “in kind”: the company has the obligation to finish its site and to satisfy the reservations which could have been made during the reception. There is also the guarantee of good functioning. It is applicable for two years and is intended to repair damage affecting a removable piece of equipment. The ten-year guarantee is covered by insurance. It is for a period of 10 years from receipt, and must be covered by insurance. You must therefore check that the contractor has insurance covering his ten-year guarantee.
optional insurance
The contractual liability provides for the repair of damage not covered by the ten-year guarantee, ie minor damage to the structure. There is also tort liability in the event of damage to third parties (for example, in the event of damage to neighboring houses). It is always best to deal with companies that have taken out these assurances.
Société d’Avocats DAMY , Nice, Precautions to take before starting a construction project, Update 2022
