Cassini Expertise covers Hyères and the Giens peninsula
Cassini Expertise, an independent building expertise firm based in Antibes, works throughout Hyères, the Giens peninsula and the surrounding districts (Costebelle, La Madrague, Ceinturon, l’Ayguade, Côte Ouest, the old town) for every type of technical building assessment: cracks and clay shrink-swell subsidence (RGA), pre-purchase surveys, VEFA (off-plan) handover inspections, and post-disaster expert assessments. A single expert handles your file from start to finish, and no renovation quotes are ever offered: independence from building contractors is total. Every assignment results in a signed report that is legally admissible and can be used before a court, an insurer or a notary. Quotes are free and provided before any site visit.
Typical issues in Hyères
The Hyères area covers a wide range of soil types and construction styles, which explains the variety of defects encountered from one district to another.
Clay shrinkage (RGA) on the Costebelle and La Madrague hillsides. Villas built on the clay slopes of Costebelle and the La Madrague area, often erected in the 1970s-1990s on fill or marl soils, are exposed to clay shrink-swell subsidence during alternating drought and rehydration cycles. Stepped cracks on gable walls, detached slabs and doors that stick in summer are recurring reports in this area.
Salt-spray corrosion on the Giens peninsula. On Giens, La Madrague-plage and the Ceinturon area, direct exposure to sea spray accelerates corrosion of reinforced concrete rebar (balconies, parapets, retaining walls) and attacks aluminium window frames and ironwork. Spalling concrete with exposed rebar on coastal terraces is a frequent reason for expert assessments, particularly on seafront buildings from the 1970s-1980s.
Waterproofing on flat-roof villas from the 1960s-1980s. Hyères’ residential housing stock, particularly around the town centre and towards avenue de Toulon, includes many flat-roof villas from this period. Original waterproofing, or redone work without proper flashing, causes ceiling infiltration, with damage worsening after every intense Mediterranean rainfall event.
VEFA (off-plan) in recent developments. The Côte Ouest and Ayguade-Ceinturon areas have seen several new off-plan developments in recent years. Handover of these homes requires a thorough check of window frames, waterproofing of balconies and loggias exposed to sea winds, and compliance with promised specifications before snagging items are signed off.
Historic buildings in the old town. In the old town, around the Collégiale Saint-Paul and the narrow sloping streets of the medieval centre, old stone or traditional masonry buildings show defects linked to shared party walls, shallow foundations and poorly documented past repairs. Expert assessment here requires a detailed reading of the building’s history.
Our services in Hyères
Pre-purchase surveys for second homes. Hyères and Giens have a high proportion of second homes. A pre-purchase survey checks the structural condition, waterproofing and absence of ongoing defects before signing, with a report delivered quickly to meet exchange-of-contracts deadlines.
Cracks and RGA claim files. Diagnosis of cracks, identification of the cause (clay shrinkage, settlement, ground movement), and preparation of the technical file to support a natural disaster (drought) insurance claim.
VEFA handover inspections. Assistance with new-build handovers before snagging items are signed off, across all developments in the area.
Swimming pools. Assessment of private pool defects (shell cracking, waterproofing, coatings), common given the large number of pools in Hyères villas.
Seaside condominiums (copropriétés). Pre-renovation façade surveys, waterproofing checks on shared flat roofs, and support for property managers and residents’ councils in developments along the Hyères coastline.
Procedure and local framework
The competent court for Hyères is the Toulon judicial court (TJ de Toulon). For RGA claims, drought-related natural disaster orders cover the whole of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée (TPM) metropolitan area, which includes Hyères. The Cassini Expertise report serves as a reference technical document to support an insurance claim or an amicable or legal procedure. Cassini Expertise also works in Toulon and more broadly across the Var (83).
Frequently asked questions
Does Cassini Expertise travel to Hyères and Giens?
Yes, Cassini Expertise travels directly to Hyères, the Giens peninsula and all surrounding districts to carry out on-site inspections.
I own a second home — can the survey be done remotely?
An on-site visit is still required for the technical inspection, but all other exchanges (booking, document transfer, report delivery) can be arranged remotely, with phone support tailored to non-resident owners.
How long does it take to receive the report?
The expert report is delivered within 8 days of the site visit.
Is the quote free?
Yes, the quote is free and without obligation, provided before any site visit.
For any building expertise in Hyères or on the Giens peninsula, contact Cassini Expertise at 04 22 46 06 04.
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