# Construction Defects: Decennial Liability Guarantee in the 06, 83 and 13

> Construction defect in Nice, Antibes or Toulon? Learn your rights under France's 10-year builder's warranty. Call 04 22 46 06 04 for a free quote.

- URL : https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/construction-defects-decennial-liability-06-83/
- Langue : en-US
- Mis à jour : 2026-11-02
- Site : Cassini Expertise (https://cassini-expertise.fr/)

{“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [{“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does the expert come to my property, or do I need to travel?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “The expert comes to your property on site. The visit lasts 2 to 3 hours depending on the surface area. The person who visits is the one who inspects and signs the report.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is the expert assessment quote really free?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. The quote is free, detailed and without obligation. You know exactly what you’re paying for before deciding. No work or materials will be sold to you afterwards – the expert is independent.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What happens if I do nothing?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “It depends on the issue: a crack that keeps growing can compromise the structure. Water infiltration can rot the roof frame. A waterproofing defect can degrade insulation. The longer you wait, the more expensive repairs become.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does the expert work with my lawyer?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. The expert report is drafted to be used in an amicable or legal procedure. It is enforceable against an insurer, a property management company, a contractor, or in court.”}}]}

## Introduction

![construction defect decennial liability guarantee in the 06, 83 and 13 - Cassini Expertise](https://cassini-expertise.fr/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/vefa-antibes.webp)

*Cassini Expertise – independent building expert*

In the Alpes-Maritimes (06), the Var (83) and Bouches-du-Rhône (13), construction defects trigger the builder’s decennial liability. Whether you own property in Antibes, [Cannes](https://cassini-expertise.fr/cannes-secheresse-argile-fissures-donnees-officielles/), Grasse, Nice or Toulon, this technical guide explains the criteria, deadlines and steps to assert your rights.

## What is decennial liability?

Decennial liability is a legal obligation placed on builders (contractors, architects, developers) for 10 years after the [handover](https://cassini-expertise.fr/expertise-vefa-06-83/) of the works. It covers damage that compromises the structural integrity of the building or makes it unfit for its intended purpose. In the south-east of France, weather conditions (heavy rainfall, seismic activity) can worsen construction defects.

## Examples of defects covered

- **Structural [cracks](https://cassini-expertise.fr/diagnostic-fissures-rga-06-83/)**: in load-bearing walls, foundations or slabs, often visible after intense rainfall in Nice or Toulon.
- **Water infiltration**: roofs, terraces, basements – common in coastal areas of the 06, 83 and 13.
- **Waterproofing defects**: swimming pools, balconies, exterior joinery.
- **Partial collapse**: retaining walls, partition walls.
- **Non-compliance with earthquake-resistance standards**: particularly relevant in the Alpes-Maritimes, classified as a seismic zone.

## Conditions for invoking decennial liability

To be covered, the damage must:

- Appear after the handover of the works (without reservations, or with reservations subsequently lifted).
- Compromise the structural integrity of the building or make it unfit for its intended use.
- Be reported within 10 years of the handover.

It is essential to have the defects documented by a building expert, such as Cassini Expertise, to establish an independent technical report.

## Steps to take

1. **Document the damage**: photos, videos, witness statements.
2. **Notify the builder** by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt.
3. **Call in an expert**: Cassini Expertise operates throughout the 06, 83 and 13 to provide an accurate diagnosis.
4. **Activate the [structural defects insurance](https://cassini-expertise.fr/expertise-dommages-ouvrage-06-83/)**: taken out by the project owner, it allows for rapid compensation.
5. **Take the matter to court** if necessary, within the limits of the ten-year statute of limitations.

## Role of the building expert

The expert (Cassini Expertise) inspects the property, reviews the plans, takes samples and drafts a technical report. This document is essential to:

- Determine the origin of the defect (faulty materials, design error, execution fault).
- Assess the cost of repairs.
- Identify those responsible (builder, architect, subcontractor).

In the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var, local specifics (climate, soil conditions) call for targeted expertise.

## Conclusion

If you’re facing a construction defect, act quickly: the ten-year statute of limitations starts running from the handover date. Cassini Expertise, based in the Alpes-Maritimes, operates throughout the 06, 83 and 13 (Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice, Toulon). Contact us at **04 22 46 06 04** for an assessment quote. Protect your property with a reliable diagnosis.

📅 **Updated on 22/07/2026** – By **Cassini Expertise**, independent building expert for the 06, 83 & 13. Free quote: [04 22 46 06 04](tel:+33422460604).

**To go further:**

- [Insurance second-opinion expert assessment: when the insurer’s expert undervalues the damage](https://cassini-expertise.fr/contre-expertise-assurance-expert-assureur-sous-evalue/)
- [Tiles coming loose in Nice: adhesion test and DTU 52.2 standard](https://cassini-expertise.fr/carrelage-decolle-test-adherence-norme-nice/)
- [Decennial guarantee and structural defects insurance: the compensation mechanism in case of construction defects](https://cassini-expertise.fr/garantie-decennale-et-assurance-dommages-ouvrage-le-mecanisme-dindemnisation-en-cas-de-malfacon/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does the decennial guarantee last?

The decennial guarantee covers damage that compromises the structural integrity of the building or makes it unfit for its intended use, for 10 years from the handover of the works. It applies to builders (contractor, architect, etc.) and can only be invoked for serious defects. Beyond this deadline, no decennial liability claim is possible.

### How do I invoke the decennial guarantee in the 06 or 83?

To invoke the guarantee, you must formally notify the builder by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, describing the defects. If no solution is found, you can take the matter to the civil court within 2 years of the damage appearing, always within the 10-year limit after handover. It is recommended to call in an expert to assess the damage.

### What does the decennial guarantee cover in case of a construction defect?

It covers repair work for damage affecting the structural integrity of the building (e.g. structural cracks) or making it unfit for its intended use (e.g. infiltration making the home uninhabitable). Minor cosmetic issues are not covered. The guarantee also includes demolition, removal and reinstatement costs where necessary.

**Further reading:** [Building Defects: Ten-Year Decennial Liability in the Alpes-Maritimes](https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/building-defect-decennial-liability-alpes-maritimes/) · [Post-Handover Defects: How Experts Prove Non-Conformity](https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/post-handover-defects-decennial-liability/) · [Building Work Without Ten-Year Insurance: What Does the Client Risk?](https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/work-without-decennial-insurance-client-risks/)

---
Source : https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/construction-defects-decennial-liability-06-83/