The Garantie Décennale: Ten Years of Structural Protection
The garantie décennale is a mandatory ten-year guarantee covering all structural defects that affect the integrity or habitability of a building. It is required by French law under Article 1792 of the Civil Code and applies to any licensed contractor carrying out construction or renovation work.
Under the décennale, if a structural defect becomes apparent within ten years of the completion of works, the contractor's insurer is liable for the cost of repair — regardless of the contractor's financial situation. UPOQ carries full décennale insurance, and a certificate of coverage is provided to every client at contract signature. This is not optional; it is your legal right.
Garantie de Parfait Achèvement and Garantie Biennale
Beyond the décennale, two shorter-term guarantees protect clients in the immediate post-completion period. The garantie de parfait achèvement (one year) requires the contractor to repair any defect notified at the handover inspection or reported within twelve months of completion. The garantie biennale (two years) covers the proper functioning of all separable equipment and fixtures — heating systems, ventilation units, built-in appliances.
At UPOQ, these guarantees are activated at the formal handover meeting, at which a detailed snagging report is compiled and signed. Every item on that report is resolved within the agreed timeframe — typically before the client takes occupancy.
What Turnkey Really Means
A turnkey renovation means the client receives a fully complete, fully compliant, fully functional apartment — with no remaining actions required on their part. At UPOQ, this includes: all building permits obtained and closed, syndic authorisations received, all trades completed and snagged, cleaning completed, and all warranty documentation compiled and delivered.
International clients particularly value the turnkey model because it eliminates the need for any on-site presence to manage the administrative close-out of a project. UPOQ handles every closing step and delivers the handover dossier digitally, in English, with a signed inventory of all works completed.
Co-ownership Compliance and Administrative Close-Out
A renovation that is physically complete but administratively incomplete is a liability rather than an asset. UPOQ ensures that every co-ownership obligation is met before handover: syndic notifications are filed, common areas are restored to their prior condition, and any conditions attached to assembly authorisations are formally confirmed as satisfied.
For clients who subsequently wish to let the apartment, UPOQ can advise on the regulatory requirements for short-term rentals in Paris, including the registration obligation with the city and co-ownership rules regarding tourist letting.
Beginning Your Project With Confidence
The combination of French legal guarantees and UPOQ's turnkey operating model means that your Paris renovation investment is protected at every stage: from the first structural decision to a decade after handover. You are not relying on goodwill or reputation alone — you are relying on law.
To discuss your project and receive a detailed proposal, call UPOQ on 07 68 53 54 13 or complete the enquiry form on our quote page. We respond to all international enquiries within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a defect appears five years after renovation?
If the defect is structural in nature and affects the integrity or habitability of the property, it is covered by the garantie décennale. The insurer is contacted directly, and the repair obligation falls to the contractor's insurance — not to you.
Does UPOQ provide contracts in English?
The formal contract is in French, as required by French law, but UPOQ provides a full English-language summary of all contract terms, guarantees, and payment schedules. Clients are encouraged to have their own legal adviser review the documentation before signing.
Is the turnkey service available for smaller renovation projects?
UPOQ specialises in full apartment renovations and significant partial renovations — typically from 50 m² and above. For smaller scope projects, we recommend contacting us to discuss whether our model is the right fit for your specific needs.