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Q : How long will it take to build our house?
A: There are a number of factors to consider. Firstly, it depends on the size of the project. For houses measuring:
- below 120 m2, approximately 9 months;
- between 120 m2 and 170 m2, approximately 16 Months;
- over 170m2 between 16 months and 24 months.
As well as the actual time it takes to construct the house, you have to take into consideration the time it takes to purchase the land and the complexity of your house’s design.
In any event, the insurance underwriter specifies the maximum time allowed to realize the completion of your house, providing an exact date, at the beginning of the project.
Q: Can we modify the design of our house once we have signed the contract?
A: We are as flexible as we can possibly be and realise that you may change your mind about one or two things throughout the process. There are 2 planned sessions to modify the design, called the 'Mise au point' MAP1 and MAP2.
Q: Could we not pay the ‘dommage-ouvrage’ insurance in order to make a saving?
A: If you choose not to pay the ‘dommage-ouvrage’ insurance, you will not be accepted for a mortgage and will not be able to resell your house within the first 10 years of completion. ‘Dommage ouvrage’ is in your favour, and covers any workmanship for a ten year period.
Q: What happens if your company suddenly goes out of business (due to bankruptcy, for instance) during the building phase?
A: In this case, the insurance underwriter will continue the project with another qualified building company, ensuring that the contract is seen through to completion.
Q: Could we undertake our own work (such as install a kitchen, or lay carpet, during the building project) in order to save time and money?
A: Until the end of end of the project, when we ‘deliver’ your house, you will not be allowed to undertake any work, for a simple reason: we are legally responsible for the complete achievement of your home, and, importantly, for any potential injury which may occur at the building site. Furthermore, the insurance underwriter will immediately cancel insurance coverage, if this legal requirement is not observed.
Q: What happens if either myself, or my partner, are forced to terminate the building project before its completion (due to divorce, disease, death, etc.)?
A: We strongly recommend that you contact a notary (a French legal advocate) before signing the contract, for the best advice on this matter.
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