2. Responsibilities. Warranties. Insurance. Qualifications

2.1 Responsibilities. Warranties

Article 1792 of the French Civil Code, amended by Law No. 78-12 of January 4, 1978, states:

"Every builder of a structure is automatically liable to the owner or purchaser of the structure for damage, even if resulting from a ground defect, which compromises the solidity of the structure or which, affecting one of its constituent parts or one of its equipment elements, renders it unfit for its intended use.

There is no such liability if the builder proves that the damage was caused by an external cause".

Article 2270 of the French Civil Code specifies that builders who may be held liable are discharged from their responsibilities and warranties under Article 1792 after 10 years...