Cluster info · Construction guarantees
Ten-year liability of the architect in Belgium
The architect engages their ten-year liability on the same basis as the contractor. Their design and supervision mission involves specific risks.
1. Scope of liability
Defects in design (erroneous plans, unsuitable technical choices), defects in supervision (insufficient site monitoring). See ten-year liability.
2. Mandatory insurance
Since 2017, every architect practising in Belgium must take out ten-year insurance. Certificate to be requested before the mission.
3. Joint liability with the contractor
If the defect has a mixed cause (poor design AND defective execution), liability in solidum. The buyer can act against either one.
Common questions
Is the architect jointly liable?
Yes with the contractor if the defect has a mixed cause (design + execution).
How to check their insurance?
Certificate to be requested before signing, verifiable via Assuralia.