Construction guarantee: What does it cover and what does it not?
Home chamber
May 13, 2025
Construction Guarantee
Completing a construction project is always a great joy – a home or building gets a new life, expectations are fulfilled, and there’s a feeling that "now everything is done".
However, to feel completely comfortable in your home, a construction guarantee is important for peace of mind.
A construction guarantee is not just a formal paper – it is your assurance that the work has been done according to standards and quality requirements. But often it is not known what the guarantee actually covers and when it is not applicable.
In this blog, we will clearly and practically explain what a construction guarantee includes, what the limitations are, and how to ensure you feel confident about the project until the end.
What is a construction guarantee?
A construction guarantee covers defects that arise during a certain period.
Generally, these defects can include:
Cracks in the walls or ceiling due to settling of the building
Moisture damage due to roof leaks
Problems caused by failures in heating and ventilation systems
What does the construction guarantee cover?
The construction guarantee applies to the quality of the work and the materials used if the defect was caused by the contractor's fault.
This means that if, for example:
The floor starts creaking due to improperly installed underlayment
The windows let in wind because the sealing work was inadequate
The roof starts to leak due to improper installation of roofing materials
...then you have the right to demand free repairs of the work.
Additionally, the guarantee also covers defects in the work that arise from deviation from instructions, inadequate supervision, or poor execution.
What does the guarantee not cover?
It is important to understand that a construction guarantee is not insurance and does not apply in all situations. There are several cases where the contractor is not obligated to fix defects:
❌ Damage caused by improper use or maintenance
For example, if there is no proper ventilation in a room with a moisture barrier, and mold develops.
❌ Damage caused by natural forces
For example, a strong storm, an earthquake, or a flood.
❌ Work that the client has modified or for which a third-party repair has been ordered
If something has been changed after the work is completed, the guarantee often ends.
❌ Normal wear and tear
For example, worn flooring, faded paint, etc., that occur over time with normal use.
What to keep in mind to ensure the guarantee is valid?
To ensure the validity of the construction guarantee, it is important to:
✔ Keep all documents related to the work – contracts, acts, guarantee letters.
✔ Accept the project with a properly executed handover act, which records any possible defects.
✔ Make documented claims as soon as the defect appears, do not wait for years.
✔ Follow the maintenance instructions and usage recommendations provided by the contractor.
How to act in case of problems?
If you notice a defect in the quality of the work, take the following immediate steps:
Document the problem with photos
Notify the contractor in writing – an email is sufficient
Reference the guarantee agreement or the contractor agreement
Agree on a deadline for when the defect will be fixed
In conclusion: The guarantee is not an added bonus – it is your right
A construction guarantee provides assurance that the invested work and money will not disappear if something goes wrong. However, to ensure the guarantee is valid and functionally effective, you must understand what it covers and what it does not.
Good cooperation starts with transparency – in both contracts and expectations.
If you have a major construction or renovation ahead, make sure that the guarantee conditions are clearly agreed upon with the contractor.
Are you planning a construction or renovation project and want to be sure that everything is done correctly and responsibly?
We help you thoughtfully plan the entire process and choose contractors who offer real guarantees, not just empty promises.