1. Legislative and regulatory framework

The activities of technical inspection offices are governed by Articles L. 111-23 to L. 111-26 and R. 111-29 to R. 111-42 of the French Construction and Housing Code.

• Under the terms of article L. 111-23 of this Code:

  "The role of the technical inspector is to contribute to the prevention of the various technical hazards likely to be encountered in the construction of works. He intervenes at the request of the client and gives his opinion on technical problems, within the framework of the contract between him and the client. In particular, this advice covers problems concerning the solidity of the work and the safety of people.

  It is therefore essentially in the context of a preventive mission and "within the limits" of this mission (article L. 111-24 of the French Construction and Housing...