10-Year, 2-Year, 1-Year Warranties: The Complete Guide to French Renovation Insurance (2026)

French law requires three statutory warranties on every renovation: the 1-year « parfait achèvement » (covers all defects reported within 12 months of handover), the 2-year biennale (covers detachable equipment: faucets, boiler, kitchen, ventilation), and the 10-year décennale (covers structural and habitability defects). All three trigger only after formal handover (réception des travaux).

A fourth coverage, dommages-ouvrage, must be subscribed by the property owner before construction starts. It pre-finances the 10-year warranty so the homeowner doesn't have to wait for legal expertise (which can take 2-5 years) before repairs begin. Cost is typically 2-4% of the construction budget.

Before signing any contract, request the contractor's décennale insurance certificate, verify it is current, and check that your specific work is listed under covered activities. Renovation contractors who refuse to provide proof of insurance are not legally allowed to operate in France.