You observe damage (cracks, infiltrations, various nuisance's,) in an existing building.

You ignore the degree of gravity (the potential threat to the integrity of the building or to the security of people).
You want to know the technical solution and the cost of repairs. Whilst you are considering undertaking the necessary work you also know while that conducting such work is often subject to the following risks :

• Inadequate feasibility survey resulting in a maladjusted technical solution
• Poor cost evaluation and/or acceptance and signature of imprecise or incomplete estimates
• Builder's financial fragility or inadequate insurance
• Irregularity in the management of the calls for funds
• Over-costed estimates for modifications post the initial signed contract.
• Additional work not supported by a signed endorsement.
• Visible defect (or visible nonconformity) can sometimes become the object of "blackmail" through the time announced to correct the defect.
• Hidden defect or hidden nonconformity.
• Nonconformity with the contract, the plans, the choices of materials, of finishes (or colours), to standards, to best practice or to administrative regulations.
• Last minute material choice by the builder leading to hidden non quality
• Failure to respect the planned initial contract timetable.
• "Passing the buck" of responsibility between the different actors in the project (developer, builder, specialised third party contractor.) in cases of difficulty or omission.
• Bankruptcy of the builder or of a subcontractor.
• Receipt of works under pressure (blackmail : to the obtain the keys you should accept "this" or it will take along time to put right and you can't take possession).
• Damage or defects observed after reception of the building.

The individual (legally responsable for the work as "mâitre d'oeuvre") is often alone when confronting the architect, the craftsmen or the companies.

The urgency of the situation, the psychological pressure and ignorance of building, drive the individual to accept the vision and the solutions of the professionals, in spite of their own doubts.

Lamy S.A. Expertise accompanies, attends, advises - both technically and economically - with the guarantee of real independence for the individual, from the initial technical appraisal all through the project of repair of the damage to the receipt of the work performed.

14, avenue d'Eylau
75116 Paris
Tel : +33 (0)1 72 71 25 55
E-mail : paris@lamy-sa.com