ᐅ Civil contractor damages road

Hello everyone,

Until now, I have been a quiet reader and have already learned quite a bit.

However, I am stuck with the following:

Today, the groundworker I hired (one of those recommended by the water utility) excavated the trenches and installed the house connections for fresh water and sewage.

He was even kind enough to dig the trench for the gas connection as well (about 50cm (20 inches) long).

Unfortunately, his mini excavator damaged the asphalt surface of the public road (new development area).

-> While digging, he pressed his blade/shield into the asphalt surface, causing damage.

When I mentioned this, I was told to press some bitumen into the damaged area.

I asked how I should proceed, since according to the building permit, I am responsible for any damages caused by the municipality.

My plan is to call the company manager tomorrow to discuss this.

I would appreciate any tips or opinions, especially regarding the next steps.

If this is the wrong thread, I apologize and kindly ask for it to be moved.

Thank you….

You are the client, but not the responsible party. Therefore, you should not handle anything there. Call the manager and explain the situation.

For proof, promptly send a photo by email.

You are not allowed to press anything into public streets. This is especially important for liability reasons.

Hello,

I would also advise against attempting any patch repairs on the public road surface yourself.

During the demolition and rebuilding phase, some curbstones were damaged—after the construction work was completed (and with approval from the city), we had them replaced by our landscaping contractor.

So my recommendation is:

Take a photo of the damage, send it along with a description of the situation to the manager of the company, and ask for a proposed solution.

These things can happen, and the company will most likely not cause any unnecessary trouble over it...

Best regards,

Dirk

Thank you for your replies.

I did not intend to "patch things up" temporarily.

I have already informed the supervisor by phone in advance; an email with photos will follow.

My only concern is to have "something in hand" in case the building authority or the local council eventually contacts me and considers holding me, as the builder, responsible for this...

The municipality can still hold you responsible as the builder. After all, you have the responsibility.

But keep following up with the civil engineer.