Poorly executed renovation: how to claim with an expert report
Materials inferior to those agreed, items billed but not carried out, poor finishes. A poorly executed renovation is claimed by contrasting what was promised with what was actually done.
A renovation that does not match what was agreed is one of the most frequent claims among private individuals and communities. Poor finishes, materials of lower quality than agreed, items budgeted and billed but not carried out: the problem is not one of perception, it is one of contrast between what was promised and what was actually done.
What the works are compared against
The assessment contrasts what was executed against three references: the contract and budget, the specification and good construction practice or lex artis. This triple contrast objectifies the breaches: what was agreed, what was billed and what was actually built, and to what quality.
What the report documents
The report identifies each defect, determines its cause, values the cost of remedy and quantifies, where applicable, the items not carried out. This document is the basis of the claim, whether resolved amicably or in court.
The usual claim process
In many cases, a professional report is enough for the contractor to remedy without going to court. If there is no agreement, mediation with a technical basis is possible and, as a last resort, court proceedings, where the expert report is the key evidence. Ratification of the report before the judge is part of the service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a report to claim for a badly done renovation?
It is not compulsory in the pre-litigation phase, but it is the most effective tool to get the contractor to remedy. In court it is practically essential.
Does the LOE apply to a renovation?
It depends on the scope. Renovations that do not constitute complete building works are usually governed by the contract and the Civil Code; the specific framing is a matter for legal analysis.
Can I claim if I have already paid for the renovation?
Yes. Having paid does not prevent claiming for defects or for items not carried out.
