Construction law

Construction law  in this day and age.

Construction law covers all the laws, regulations and agreements relating to construction. This ranges from minor renovations in and around the home to new construction and project development. It also deals with disputes between individuals and contractors, as well as advising construction companies, architects and engineers.

When construction law is relevant to you

Our construction lawyers advise and litigate in all civil aspects of this area of law. No matter what agreements are made, something can always go wrong in a construction project. Delissen Martens assists private individuals and professionals (architects, contractors, builders, etc.) in the progress of construction projects, in possible liability for defects and in reaching a settlement. If necessary, we litigate both in court and before the Arbitration Council for the Construction Industry. You can also contact us for advice on expert opinions.

Our construction lawyers in The Hague are at your service throughout the Netherlands.

Are you looking for a construction lawyer? Our advisors have the right knowledge and expertise to help you. Although our firm is based in The Hague, we operate throughout the Netherlands. See below for our team of construction lawyers.

Linda van der Knaap
Questions about this area of law?
Please contact Linda van der Knaap

Questions and answers

My contractor did not do the work properly, what can I do?

Always discuss complaints with the contractor himself first. This is often the quickest and best solution. If you can't work it out, the contractor should be given a written notice of default. In this case, a letter or e-mail will give the contractor a reasonable but concrete deadline to finish the work or to repair (or have repaired) the defects in the work done. Describe the defects clearly. If this is not heeded, it is wise to seek legal assistance.

My contractor has stopped work while it is not yet finished, what can I do?

By e-mail or letter, give the contractor a clear deadline by which the work must be completed. Failure to do so will put the contractor in default.

When should a contractor alert me?

A contractor must alert a principal if:

  • he signals that there will be additional work or price increases;
  • he sees or should have known that there are inaccuracies in the order and
  • there are defects in documents (such as drawings and calculations), schedules and items originating to the client (for example, the land on which a house is to be built).

When is additional work involved?

Additional work refers to all work (foreseen and unforeseen) not included in the quotation or the agreement. So extra work and extra costs that the parties have not agreed on beforehand. Before additional work is carried out, agreements must be made about it. It is wise to do this in writing.

When is there a cost-increasing circumstance?

This may be the case if:

  • the circumstances were not foreseen when the contract was concluded;
  • the circumstances cannot be attributed to the contractor and
  • this significantly increases the cost of the work.

Please note, this cannot simply be placed on the principals shoulders.

When is there completion?

When the work is completed, then the work is handed over to the client. Usually, the parties then make a joint tour of the completed work. It is wise to record points of delivery in writing (for example, in a report of completion).

Team real estate law

Vincent Verhulst

Attorney at law

Thijs van Munster

Attorney at law

Cindy Luiten

Attorney at law

Linda van der Knaap

Attorney at law

Robin Kersbergen

Attorney at law

Marc Delissen

Attorney at law/mediator/partner

Cindy van den Berg

Attorney at law

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