What changes?
Measures will be introduced to improve the overall quality of work in the construction sector. The position of both private and business consumers will be protected. Changes include:
- The obligation for builders to contract an independent and certified quality controller. This person will assess the building plan for any risks and will check the construction site to make sure regulations are being followed.
- An all-in-one permit for physical aspects will be enough to start a project. It will no longer be necessary to wait for approval of the construction-technical quality of the plan. This goes for the initial application and for any changes that follow.
- The liability for hidden defects will be divided differently. The position of the client will be improved.
- Builders will need to pay more attention to the wishes of consumers and clients. This can include the layout of a building, the type of installations used and the finish-off.
- There will be a final standard with which non-residential construction will have to comply. Owners of multiple buildings in both social and commercial real estate will be encouraged to integrate a sustainability strategy in their multi-year maintenance planning. Also new regulations are expected for non-residential construction.
For whom?
- construction companies
- quality controllers
- business consumers who build/convert and use utilities (such as offices, schools and hospitals)
- private consumers who build/convert and use houses
When?
The law to improve quality in the construction sector (Wet kwaliteitsborging voor het bouwen, Wkb) is expected to come into effect at the same time as the Environmental and Planning Act (Omgevingswet), on 1 January 2024.
Please note: The effective date of this measure is not yet final. Entry into force is subject to its passing through the upper and lower houses of parliament or proclamation of the Order in Council (Algemene Maatregel van Bestuur, AMvB) or ministerial decree and publication in the Staatsblad or the Staatscourant (Government Gazette, in Dutch).