The construction of a house is subject to the subscription of two compulsory insurances. Indeed, given the scale of the work and the consequences in the event of damage, it is important to protect yourself. These insurances concern both the construction professional in charge of the site, but also the client.
In terms of insurance in general, the subscription of a contract is free. The person concerned can therefore subscribe to one if he wishes or not subscribe if he considers that it is not necessary for him. But to every rule there is an exception, and this is the case of ten-year insurance and property damage insurance in the context of house construction. And for good reason, the construction work is of such importance that the consequences of any damage will be insurmountable. Thus, to protect individuals, the insurance obligation was instituted through the Spinetta law. The purpose of this coverage is to repair damage to the structure that may compromise its solidity or render it unfit for its intended purpose.
Property damage insurance is compulsory insurance that is binding on the client. It was designed to cover the repair of damage to the structure. It therefore covers all construction and installation faults. The DO insurance must be taken out well before the start of the construction site and the premium is assessed on the basis of the extent of the work to be carried out as well as several technical details provided by the building professionals. It does not include a deductible, which means that its price is generally high. The advantage with the DO is that it intervenes without the justice having to decide on the responsibility of anyone. To find the insurance adapted to your situation, do not hesitate to compare the D.O.
Ten-year insurance is the responsibility of building professionals (source), whether companies or craftsmen, developers, architects or project managers. It aims to cover material damage resulting from damage to the structure as well as hidden defects likely to weaken the structure or make it unfit for its intended purpose. As its name suggests, the ten-year guarantee is valid for 10 years from the acceptance of the building by the client. Damage related to climatic events or vandalism are excluded from the warranty. It also does not take damages resulting from carelessness or negligence on the part of the customer. The contract must be signed before the start of the work and the professional is required to provide a certificate to his client.
Failure to comply with the insurance obligation exposes the building professional to a prison sentence of up to 6 months, together with a fine of 75,000 euros. However, these penalties only concern contractors and building craftsmen. Since the project managers are obliged to take out damages for the work, they are not, however, penalized in the event of a lack of insurance.
The compulsory insurance for the construction of a new house is therefore the property damage insurance and the ten-year insurance. If they are mandatory, it is to protect you from the extent of the consequences of possible lack of conformity and poor workmanship on the site.
