Senate approves new construction supervision system

The Senate today approved a new system for monitoring quality in construction. With the Building Quality Assurance Act, consumers will be better protected. There will be a quality controller who tests the building plan for risks and checks at the construction site whether the work meets all legal building regulations. Builders will become more accountable for the quality of their construction work. Consumers will have better protection if defects are discovered after the completion of a construction work. This is due to the tightening of the contractor's legal liability. 

The new system will come into effect in stages and will first apply to structures in the lowest risk class starting Jan. 1, 2021. These are, for example, single-family houses and simple business premises. This will give all parties involved the opportunity to gain experience with the new method of construction supervision.

More safeguards for security

Increasing complexity in construction necessitates more and better supervision. In addition to quality, the new method offers more safeguards for safety. Instead of the current, often paper test, builders are required to use an independent and certified quality inspector. Also, upon completion, the building will be tested for compliance with requirements of fire safety, good ventilation and low energy consumption. For consumers, and for private and professional clients, it is very important that everything has been carried out according to the legal building regulations and agreements made. A public admission organization supervises the operation of the system.

Administrative Agreement

In early 2019, Minister Ollongren concluded an administrative agreement with the VNG, which created broad support among municipalities and other social parties for the introduction of the new law. With this agreement, parties agree on the need for a new system of construction supervision that increases construction quality, reduces the number of incidents and protects the position of consumers. There is also agreement on the conditions under which municipalities can perform their duties under the new system. These can continue to enforce when a contractor fails to comply with building regulations.

The Cabinet's proposal was passed Feb. 21, 2017, in the House of Representatives by a large majority (110 votes). The bill ran into implementation concerns in the Senate in mid-2017. Among other things, the senators wanted more clarity on the information position of the municipalities vis-à-vis the new quality controllers. Pending further agreements with the VNG, consideration of the bill was then postponed.