New build 10 year ‘Decenal’ property insurance Spain

clear that the builder, architect, town hall and insurer are all keen to ‘pass the buck’ when it comes to identifying who was actually negligent and in some cases it may actually be all parties. Don’t take no for an answer from the insurers. Theoretically if there is an obvious defect covered by the policy, they should pay up without the need for court action, but in reality getting them to dip into their pockets can be a difficult process.

Trust no one!

Or at least trust no one that was involved in the original build process and purchase. While you may get one or more of the parties clearly on your side, it is common for all involved to try and make light of what may be a very serious structural issue. Commonly the Architect or Tecnico involved in controlling the project will come up with an understated report or inadequate short-term solutions. I am often called in to examine a project Architect’s or builder’s proposed ‘solution’ and many of them are simply not good enough (some have already proved to have failed). Provided that evidence is submitted to the insurers or courts to demonstrate the inadequacy of such ‘remedies’, they are fortunately very willing to listen to independent expert opinions, other than those of the parties involved in the project, so if you are not making positive progress get independent advice for both structural and legal issues.

Protecting yourself:-

If you are