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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht Exam

100 MCQs

Study Bank Practice Questions

Fachanwalt SAV Practice Curriculum

CHF 1,800

SAV Specialist Title & Colloquium Fee

Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband (SAV / FSA)

CHF 15,000 for the most recent course editions

Postgraduate Specialization Course Tuition

Institut für Baurecht, Universität Freiburg

4 Months

Statutory Deadline for Mechanics' Lien Entry (ZGB 839)

Schweizerisches Zivilgesetzbuch (ZGB)

2 Years

SIA-Norm 118 Defect Notification Guarantee Period

Schweizerischer Ingenieur- und Architektenverein (SIA)

5 Years

Statute of Limitations for Immovable Works (OR 371)

Schweizerisches Obligationenrecht (OR)

Min. 20%

Statutory Value Added Levy on Rezoning (RPG 5)

Bundesgesetz über die Raumplanung (RPG)

5 Years

Minimum Bar Practice Requirement for Title Admission

Fachanwalt SAV Reglement

This question bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for the Swiss Bar Association specialist title Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht (Avocat spécialiste FSA droit de la construction et de l'immobilier) administered by the SAV/FSA Fachkommission Bau- und Immobilienrecht. It offers 100 comprehensive practice questions covering Werkvertragsrecht (OR 363–379), SIA-Norm 118, property and mechanics' lien law (ZGB 837/839), spatial planning (RPG), public procurement (BöB/IVöB 2019), environmental protection (USG), and real estate transactions.

Sample Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Swiss contract law (Art. 363 OR vs Art. 394 OR), what is the fundamental legal distinction between a contract for work and services (Werkvertrag) and a simple agency contract (Auftrag)?

A.The Werkvertrag obligates the contractor to achieve a specific, guaranteed successful result (Erfolg), whereas the Auftrag obligates the agent only to perform diligent, faithful activity (sorgfältiges Tätigwerden) without guaranteeing success.

B.The Werkvertrag is strictly non-gratuitous, whereas an Auftrag is legally presumed to be non-remunerated unless explicitly agreed in writing.

C.The Werkvertrag can only be concluded for tangible movable physical goods, whereas an Auftrag exclusively governs immovable real estate construction projects.

D.The Werkvertrag requires mandatory public notarization, whereas an Auftrag may be validly concluded in simple written form or orally.

Explanation: Pursuant to Art. 363 OR, a contract for work and services (Werkvertrag) obligates the contractor (Unternehmer) to produce a specific work (Herstellung eines Werkes), meaning the contractor owes a measurable and guaranteed result (geschuldeter Arbeitserfolg). In contrast, under Art. 394 OR (einfacher Auftrag), the agent (Beauftragter) owes diligent and faithful effort and services (sorgfältiges Tätigwerden) in the principal's interest, without guaranteeing an outcome or success (BGE 130 III 362, BGE 127 III 328).

2A general contractor and an owner agree on a fixed lump-sum price (Pauschalpreis) of CHF 2,500,000 for the construction of a commercial building. During construction, the contractor incurs CHF 300,000 in additional labor and material costs due to general inflation and supply chain price spikes. Can the contractor demand a price increase under Art. 373 OR?

A.No, because under Art. 373 Abs. 1 OR, a lump-sum price is strictly binding, and general market inflation is an ordinary commercial risk borne by the contractor unless extraordinary, unforeseeable circumstances make performance excessively onerous under Art. 373 Abs. 2 OR.

B.Yes, because under Art. 373 Abs. 2 OR, any cost increase exceeding 10% automatically entitles the contractor to unilaterally adjust the lump-sum price.

C.Yes, because under Art. 374 OR, whenever contractor expenses increase, the lump sum is converted ex lege into a cost-plus contract (Regiepreis).

D.No, but the contractor may unilaterally cancel the contract without paying damages under Art. 377 OR.

Explanation: Under Art. 373 Abs. 1 OR, where a price has been fixed as a lump sum (Pauschalpreis), the contractor is bound to execute the work for that exact amount and may not demand any increase, even if the work required more labor or expense than foreseen. An adjustment under Art. 373 Abs. 2 OR (clausula rebus sic stantibus) is an extraordinary judicial exception requiring extraordinary, unforeseeable circumstances (ausserordentliche Umstände) that could not have been anticipated and that make completion excessively onerous (BGE 145 III 213, BGE 138 III 49). Ordinary inflation or market price shifts represent standard entrepreneurial cost risks.

3In a Swiss construction contract based on unit prices (Einheitspreisvertrag), how is the total remuneration owed to the contractor legally calculated upon completion?

A.By multiplying the predetermined unit rates by the quantities of work and material actually and effectively executed as established by joint or verified measurement (Ausmass).

B.By billing the actual hours worked and materials purchased at cost plus a mandatory 15% statutory general contractor margin.

C.By adjusting the preliminary cost estimate proportionally against the Swiss construction cost index (Zürcher Baukostenindex).

D.By fixing the preliminary tender volume as an unalterable lump sum once site excavation has commenced.

Explanation: Under Swiss Werkvertragsrecht (as reflected in standard doctrine and SIA-Norm 118 Art. 38/84), an Einheitspreisvertrag sets binding fixed unit prices (e.g., CHF per cubic meter of concrete or per square meter of masonry). Total remuneration is determined by taking the actual, effectively executed quantities measured on site (effektives Ausmass) and multiplying them by the agreed unit rates.

4The parties agree on a 'Kostendach' (guaranteed maximum price / cost ceiling) of CHF 1,200,000 for a renovation project. The contractor's effective proven expenses and labor amount to CHF 1,050,000. How much is the customer (Besteller) legally required to pay?

A.CHF 1,050,000, because a Kostendach is an expenditure-based pricing agreement with an upper limit; if actual costs are below the ceiling, the customer pays only the effective actual costs.

B.CHF 1,200,000, because a Kostendach automatically operates as a binding lump sum (Pauschalpreis) regardless of actual expenditure.

C.CHF 1,125,000, because Swiss law mandates that any savings below a Kostendach must be split equally (50/50) between owner and contractor.

D.CHF 1,050,000 plus a statutory 10% contractor incentive bonus under Art. 374 OR.

Explanation: A 'Kostendach' (cost ceiling) is a hybrid pricing model recognized under Swiss law and jurisprudence. The contractor is compensated based on actual expenditure (Regie / Aufwandpreis), but subject to a strict contractual maximum ceiling. If the effective costs are lower than the ceiling, the customer pays only the lower effective costs (CHF 1,050,000). If effective costs exceed the ceiling, the contractor absorbs the overrun (BGE 122 III 10).

5If the parties conclude a Werkvertrag for plumbing installation without fixing the price in advance or agreeing on a specific pricing method, how is the contractor's compensation determined under Art. 374 OR?

A.The price is determined according to the objective value of the work performed and the contractor's necessary expenses (Wert der Arbeit und Aufwendungen).

B.The contract is null and void for lack of agreement on an essential term (essentialia negotii) under Art. 1 OR.

C.The contractor is limited to claiming the median price published in cantonal public procurement tariffs.

D.The customer is entitled to unilaterally set an equitable price under Art. 375 OR.

Explanation: Under Art. 374 OR, if the price was not fixed in advance, it is determined by the value of the work (Wert der Arbeit) and the necessary expenses incurred by the contractor (Aufwendungen des Unternehmers). This constitutes a statutory cost-plus / Regie compensation based on customary market rates and proven expenditures (BGE 117 II 282).

6A contractor provides an approximate cost estimate (ungefährer Kostenansatz) of CHF 500,000 for erecting an outbuilding on the client's land. Without any changes in the project requested by the client, the final bill reaches CHF 675,000 (a 35% overrun). What are the client's remedies under Art. 375 OR?

A.The client cannot rescind the contract because the building is erected on their land, but may demand an equitable reduction of the final price (Minderung des Werklohns) for the disproportionate overrun.

B.The client is entitled to demand the immediate demolition of the outbuilding at the contractor's sole expense and full refund of all payments.

C.The client must pay the full CHF 675,000 because an approximate cost estimate is entirely non-binding under Swiss law.

D.The client may rescind the contract (Wandelung) without compensating the contractor for any work already performed on the land.

Explanation: Under Art. 375 Abs. 1 and 2 OR, if an approximate cost estimate (ungefährer Kostenansatz) is disproportionately exceeded without the client's fault (doctrine and case law generally consider >10–15% disproportionate), the client has rights. However, for works erected on the client's land (Bauten auf dem Grund und Boden des Bestellers), Art. 375 Abs. 2 OR restricts the client: the client cannot walk away leaving the structure uncompensated; instead, the client is entitled to an equitable reduction of the contract price (angemessene Herabsetzung des Werklohns) (BGE 115 II 460).

7Under statutory Swiss Werkvertragsrecht (Art. 367 Abs. 1 OR), what is the customer's (Besteller) statutory obligation upon delivery (Ablieferung) of the completed work?

A.The customer must inspect the condition of the work as soon as feasible according to the ordinary course of business and immediately notify (rügen) the contractor of any discovered defects.

B.The customer has an unconditional 2-year statutory warranty period during which defects may be notified at any time without prior inspection.

C.The customer must file a formal conciliation request (Schlichtungsgesuch) with the district court within 10 days of delivery.

D.The customer is exempt from inspecting the work if the contractor holds an SIA quality certificate.

Explanation: Pursuant to Art. 367 Abs. 1 OR, after delivery of the work, the customer must examine its condition as soon as feasible in the ordinary course of business (Prüfungsobliegenheit) and immediately notify the contractor of any defects (Rügeobliegenheit). In Swiss court practice, 'immediately' (sofort) means within a few business days (typically 2 to 7 days) following discovery (BGE 118 II 142, BGE 107 II 172).

8A building owner discovers a hidden defect (verdeckter Mangel) in the underfloor heating system three years after taking delivery of a new villa. How quickly must the owner notify the contractor under Art. 370 Abs. 3 OR to preserve defect warranty rights?

A.Immediately upon discovery of the hidden defect (sofort nach der Entdeckung, typically within a few days).

B.At any time before the expiration of the 5-year statutory limitation period.

C.Within 30 calendar days from the end of the current heating season.

D.Only after obtaining a binding expert report from an independent civil engineer.

Explanation: Under Art. 370 Abs. 3 OR, if defects are of a nature that they could not be detected during ordinary initial inspection (geheime / verdeckte Mängel), they must be notified immediately upon discovery (sofort nach der Entdeckung). If the customer fails to give immediate notice, the work is deemed approved with respect to those defects as well (BGE 131 III 145, BGE 117 II 425).

9What is the statutory legal consequence if a customer fails to perform a timely inspection or omits immediate defect notification under Art. 370 Abs. 2 OR?

A.The work is deemed legally approved (fiktive Genehmigung des Werkes), and the contractor is released from all warranty liability for apparent defects.

B.The contractor becomes strictly liable for punitive damages equal to 20% of the contract sum.

C.The customer's claim is automatically converted into an unliquidated tort claim under Art. 41 OR with a 10-year limitation period.

D.The contract is automatically suspended until the cantonal construction authority inspects the site.

Explanation: Under Art. 370 Abs. 2 OR, if the customer fails to carry out the prescribed examination or fails to give prompt notification of defects, the work is deemed to have been approved (genehmigt). This fictitious approval (Genehmigungsfiktion) results in the complete loss of all statutory warranty rights (Wandelung, Minderung, Nachbesserung) for all defects that were apparent or discoverable during proper inspection (BGE 129 III 320).

10A roofing contractor knowingly used substandard waterproofing membrane contrary to specifications and concealed it beneath insulation panels. When leaks occur four years later, the contractor argues that the owner failed to inspect and give immediate notice. How does Swiss law treat the contractor's defense?

A.Under Art. 370 Abs. 1 and Art. 371 Abs. 3 OR, the contractor cannot invoke late notification or deemed approval because the contractor intentionally concealed the defect (absichtliche Täuschung / Verschweigen).

B.The contractor's defense succeeds because the 4-month statutory deadline under Art. 839 ZGB extinguished all warranty claims.

C.The contractor is protected because intentional concealment is extinguished after exactly one year from delivery under Art. 210 OR.

D.The owner may only claim a price reduction, but cannot claim any damages under Art. 368 OR.

Explanation: Under Art. 370 Abs. 1 OR and Art. 371 Abs. 3 OR, a contractor who intentionally or fraudulently concealed a defect (absichtliche Täuschung / absichtliches Verschweigen) cannot invoke the customer's failure to give timely notice or the expiration of standard limitation periods. The 10-year general limitation period applies, and the contractor remains fully liable (BGE 130 III 420, BGE 100 II 30).

About the Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht Exam

The Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht (Avocat spécialiste FSA droit de la construction et de l'immobilier / Avvocato specialista FSA diritto edilizio e immobiliare) is the official specialist attorney title awarded by the Swiss Bar Association (Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband, SAV / Fédération Suisse des Avocats, FSA). It represents the highest benchmark of legal excellence and verified practical expertise in private construction contracts (Werkvertrag OR Art. 363–379, SIA-Norm 118, architect and engineer law SIA 102/103/108), real estate property law (ZGB Sachenrecht, Stockwerkeigentum, Dienstbarkeiten, Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht ZGB Art. 837/839), public spatial planning and building permits (Raumplanungsgesetz RPG, Mehrwertabgabe, materielle Enteignung, cantonal procedures), public procurement law (BöB / IVöB 2019), environmental protection law (USG, Altlasten, Lärmschutz), and real estate transactions (Grundstückkauf, Lex Koller / BewG, BGBB). Candidates must complete the accredited postgraduate course at the University of Fribourg, submit validated case lists, and pass written examinations and an oral colloquium before the SAV Specialist Commission. This question bank provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed to assist Swiss and international legal practitioners in mastering the intricate statutes, doctrines, and Federal Supreme Court (BGE) precedents of Swiss construction and real estate law.

Assessment

The Swiss Bar Association (SAV / FSA) specialist certification in Construction and Real Estate Law (Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht / Avocat spécialiste FSA droit de la construction et de l'immobilier) is the preeminent postgraduate qualification for Swiss attorneys specializing in real estate and construction law. The qualification program comprises an intensive ~at least 120-hour academic course organized in partnership with the Institute for Swiss and International Construction Law (Institut für Baurecht, Universität Freiburg), performance-based written case exams, submission of an extensive practical case portfolio, and a final oral colloquium (Fachgespräch) before the SAV/FSA Specialist Commission. This question bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation comprising 100 rigorous scenario-based questions designed to test conceptual mastery and statutory knowledge across private construction contracts (OR 363–379), SIA-Norm 118, property and lien law (ZGB 655 ff., ZGB 837 ff.), public spatial planning (RPG), building permits, public procurement (BöB / IVöB 2019), environmental protection (USG), and real estate transactions (OR 216, Lex Koller, BGBB).

Time Limit

Written examination: 3 to 5 hours; Oral Fachgespräch: ~30 to 60 minutes

Passing Score

Satisfactory evaluation in written examinations and oral Fachgespräch before the SAV Specialist Commission

Exam Fee

CHF 1,800 (SAV title certification and colloquium fee; university specialist course CHF 15,000 for the most recent course editions) (Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband (SAV / FSA) Fachkommission Bau- und Immobilienrecht)

Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht Exam Content Outline

25%

Swiss Law of Obligations: Contract for Work and Services (Werkvertragsrecht OR Art. 363–379)

Detailed examination of Werkvertrag formation, rights and duties of the contractor (Unternehmer) and employer (Besteller), pricing mechanisms (Pauschalpreis Art. 373, Einheitspreis, Kostendach, Regiepreis Art. 374, approximate cost estimate overruns Art. 375), delivery and acceptance (Werkabnahme / Ablieferung), statutory inspection and defect notification duties (Prüf- und Rügeobliegenheiten Art. 367/370 OR, immediate notice, genehmigende Wirkung, intentional deception Art. 370 Abs. 3 OR), warranty remedies (Wandelung, Minderung, Nachbesserung, Mangelfolgeschaden Art. 368 OR), substitute performance (Ersatzvornahme Art. 366 OR), termination at will by the employer (Art. 377 OR), risk bearing upon accidental destruction (Art. 376 OR), and the 5-year statute of limitations for immovable construction works (Verjährung Art. 371 OR).

20%

SIA Standard 118 & Architect/Engineer Professional Service Contracts

Comprehensive analysis of SIA-Norm 118 incorporation as standard contract terms (AGB), hierarchy of contract documents (Art. 21 SIA 118), procedural differences from statutory OR (joint inspection Art. 158, 2-year guarantee period with defect notification at any time Art. 172/173, contractor's primary right to cure Art. 169, 5-year defect limitation Art. 180, unit price adjustments for volume deviations over 20% Art. 86), legal classification of architect and engineer contracts (Auftrag vs Werkvertrag vs mixed contracts / Gesamtvertrag), SIA-Ordnungen 102/103/108, cost overrun liability (Toleranzrahmen ±5% to ±10%), planning vs supervision defects, and termination rules under Art. 404 OR.

20%

Real Estate Property Law & Mechanics' Liens (ZGB Sachenrecht & Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht)

In-depth coverage of Swiss civil property law: landownership (Grundeigentum Art. 655 ff. ZGB), principle of accession (Akzessionsprinzip Art. 667 ZGB) versus building rights (Baurecht Art. 675/779 ZGB), neighbor law and strict liability for excessive construction immissions (Nachbarrecht Art. 679/684 ZGB), condominium property (Stockwerkeigentum Art. 712a–t ZGB, exclusive rights vs common components, assembly voting thresholds, renewal funds Art. 712l), easements (Dienstbarkeiten Art. 730 ff. ZGB), mortgage notes (Schuldbriefe), and mechanics' liens (Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht ZGB Art. 837 Abs. 1 Ziff. 3 / Art. 839–841, eligible contractor work, strict 4-month statutory registration deadline, provisional registration via summary proceedings Art. 961 ZGB, owner security substitution, and mortgage priority Art. 841 ZGB).

20%

Public Spatial Planning, Zoning & Cantonal Building Permit Procedures

Thorough review of the Federal Spatial Planning Act (RPG SR 700): separation principle (Trennungsgrundsatz Bau- vs Nichtbaugebiet Art. 15/16 RPG), binding nature of cantonal structure plans (Richtplan) and municipal zoning plans (Nutzungsplan), 15-year building zone sizing (Art. 15 RPG), agricultural zone conformity (Art. 16a RPG), exceptional building permits outside building zones (Art. 24, 24b, 24c RPG, existing buildings guarantee), value added levies on rezoning (Mehrwertabgabe Art. 5 RPG), material expropriation (materielle Enteignung / Barret doctrine), cantonal building permit requirements (Art. 22 RPG, infrastructure access Art. 19 RPG), building profiling (Baugespann), neighbor appeal standing (Art. 89 BGG / Art. 33 RPG), and coordinated procedures (Art. 25a RPG).

15%

Public Procurement, Environmental Law & Real Estate Transactions

Covers public procurement law under the Federal Act BöB (SR 172.056.1) and Intercantonal Concordat IVöB 2019 (threshold values, open/selective/invitation/direct procedures, award criteria, most advantageous tender, appeal remedies and suspensive effect Art. 54 BöB/IVöB), Environmental Protection Act USG (contaminated sites Altlastenverordnung AltlV, investigation and remediation cost allocation Art. 32d USG, noise sensitivity levels and limits under LSV, Environmental Impact Assessment UVP), real estate sales contracts (OR Art. 216, pre-emption rights), Lex Koller / BewG (authorization requirements for foreign real estate purchases), and Rural Land Law (BGBB).

How to Pass the Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Satisfactory evaluation in written examinations and oral Fachgespräch before the SAV Specialist Commission
Assessment: The Swiss Bar Association (SAV / FSA) specialist certification in Construction and Real Estate Law (Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht / Avocat spécialiste FSA droit de la construction et de l'immobilier) is the preeminent postgraduate qualification for Swiss attorneys specializing in real estate and construction law. The qualification program comprises an intensive ~at least 120-hour academic course organized in partnership with the Institute for Swiss and International Construction Law (Institut für Baurecht, Universität Freiburg), performance-based written case exams, submission of an extensive practical case portfolio, and a final oral colloquium (Fachgespräch) before the SAV/FSA Specialist Commission. This question bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation comprising 100 rigorous scenario-based questions designed to test conceptual mastery and statutory knowledge across private construction contracts (OR 363–379), SIA-Norm 118, property and lien law (ZGB 655 ff., ZGB 837 ff.), public spatial planning (RPG), building permits, public procurement (BöB / IVöB 2019), environmental protection (USG), and real estate transactions (OR 216, Lex Koller, BGBB).
Time limit: Written examination: 3 to 5 hours; Oral Fachgespräch: ~30 to 60 minutes
Exam fee: CHF 1,800 (SAV title certification and colloquium fee; university specialist course CHF 15,000 for the most recent course editions)

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Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the Interplay between OR and SIA-Norm 118: Memorize the exact procedural deviations between statutory OR 367/370 (immediate notice) and SIA-Norm 118 Art. 172–173 (2-year notice period), joint inspection protocols under Art. 158 SIA 118, and contractor cure priority under Art. 169 SIA 118.

2Internalize Mechanics' Lien (Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht) Case Law: Focus on the strict 4-month deadline (Art. 839 Abs. 2 ZGB), the definition of completion of work vs minor touch-ups (BGE 125 III 113), subcontractor direct liens against owners, substitute bank guarantees (Art. 839 Abs. 3 ZGB), and mortgage value enhancement priority (Art. 841 ZGB).

3Understand Spatial Planning (RPG) Principles & Precedents: Master the Barret formula for material expropriation (materielle Enteignung under Art. 5 RPG / 26 BV), building zone dimensioning (Art. 15 RPG), exceptional permits outside building zones (Art. 24, 24b, 24c RPG), and the mandatory 20% value added levy (Mehrwertabgabe Art. 5 RPG).

4Review Revised Public Procurement Law (BöB / IVöB 2019): Study the shift from lowest price to the most advantageous offer (vorteilhaftestes Angebot), sustainable award criteria, threshold categories, and conditions for granting suspensive effect (Art. 54 BöB/IVöB).

5Learn Property & Environmental Liability Nuances: Distinguish between behavioral polluters (Verhaltensstörer) and state polluters (Zustandsstörer) under Art. 32d USG, understand Lex Koller authorization rules for foreign real estate acquisitions, and master condominium assembly voting majorities (ZGB 712g / 647c-e).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht specialist title?

It is the premier postgraduate specialist certification for Swiss attorneys-at-law (Rechtsanwälte / Avocats) awarded by the Swiss Bar Association (Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband, SAV / Fédération Suisse des Avocats, FSA). It officially certifies advanced theoretical competence and extensive practical experience in private construction contracts, architect law, property law, spatial planning, public building law, public procurement, and real estate transactions.

How is the specialist title awarded and evaluated?

Candidates must complete the accredited postgraduate course (~at least 120 hours including the examination) organized by the Institut für Baurecht at the University of Fribourg, pass written module examinations, submit a documented portfolio of complex practical cases (Falliste), and successfully pass a structured oral colloquium (Fachgespräch) before the SAV/FSA Specialist Commission (Fachkommission SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht).

What are the eligibility prerequisites for candidates?

Applicants must hold a Swiss Cantonal Bar Admission (Anwaltspatent / Brevet d'avocat), have practiced law actively for at least 5 years, demonstrate at least 3 years of focused practice predominantly in construction and real estate law, and have completed the university specialization curriculum.

What are the key fees associated with obtaining the specialist title?

The official SAV title registration and colloquium examination fee is CHF 1,800. The university postgraduate specialization course (Fachlehrgang Bau- und Immobilienrecht) tuition fee is approximately CHF 15,000.

What are the primary differences between statutory Werkvertragsrecht (OR) and SIA-Norm 118?

Key differences include: (1) Under OR Art. 367/370, defects must be notified immediately upon discovery or acceptance, whereas SIA-Norm 118 Art. 172/173 provides a 2-year guarantee period during which defects may be notified at any time; (2) SIA-Norm 118 Art. 158 establishes a formal joint inspection procedure; (3) SIA-Norm 118 Art. 169 grants the contractor a primary right to cure (Nachbesserungsrecht) before the client may demand price reduction or contract termination; and (4) SIA-Norm 118 Art. 86 provides specific unit price adjustment rules for volume fluctuations exceeding 20%.

What are the strict statutory rules governing the Swiss Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht (ZGB Art. 837/839)?

Under Art. 837 Abs. 1 Ziff. 3 and Art. 839 ZGB, craftsmen and contractors who have provided labor or labor with materials can demand a statutory mortgage on the property. The registration must be entered into the land register within a strict non-extendable statutory deadline of 4 months following completion of the work (Vollendung der Arbeiten). To meet this deadline, contractors typically obtain provisional registration (vorsorgliche Eintragung / Superprovisorium) under Art. 961 ZGB from the summary court.

Is this question bank an official publication of the SAV/FSA or the University of Fribourg?

No. This question bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for attorneys, in-house counsel, and candidates preparing for the rigorous concepts, statutes, and case law featured in the Swiss Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht curriculum.