Cluster info · Defects & construction flaws

Construction judicial expertise: procedure, cost, deadlines

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By Edouard Hennin, Provisional reception expert Published on 27 May 2026 Updated on 27 May 2026 7 min read

Judicial expertise is the main procedural weapon in construction disputes. Understanding its workings means avoiding bad surprises in cost and calendar.

1. How it is ordered

The judge appoints a sworn expert (usually an architect or engineer from the Court’s experts list). The appointment is made at the request of a party, justified by the contested technical elements. Prepare your request with your construction attorney.

2. The adversarial process

The expert convenes all parties (buyer, contractor, architect, optional subcontractors) on site. Several meetings follow — notes, photos, samples, sometimes destructive surveys. Each party can submit written observations that the expert must examine.

3. Fees and deadlines

The claimant deposits €3,000 to €12,000 at the registry. Final fees can climb if laboratory tests or surveys are necessary. Average duration for report filing: 9 to 18 months after order. At judgment, allocation follows established responsibility.

To technically frame your file before the procedure, our defects expertise produces the amicable report that often serves as the foundation for the judicial request.

Questions about judicial expertise

Who pays the judicial expertise?

The claimant advances the fees (deposit at the registry). At judgment, they are allocated according to the established fault. If you win, the contractor refunds in full.

Can an expertise report be challenged?

Yes, at filing and before closing. You can request a counter-expertise if major errors are demonstrated, but this is rarely granted without serious reason.