Sign a construction work estimate online
Estimate for building work (construction, renovation, emergency repairs, maintenance) signed electronically with the same legal value as a paper estimate. Compliant with art. L111-1 of the Consumer Code, the Hamon law of March 17, 2014 (14-day withdrawal right for work concluded at the consumer''s home), and the March 2, 1990 decree (mandatory estimate for emergency repairs/repairs/maintenance) — advanced signature recommended, 10-year archiving included.
- Legal framework
- Art. L111-1 + March 2, 1990 decree
- Signature level
- AES eIDAS recommended
- Legal archiving
- 10 years included
What is a construction work estimate?
A construction work estimate is the written and itemized offer by which a building professional (contractor, tradesperson, company) proposes to their client the performance of work. Art. L111-1 of the Consumer Code requires complete pre-contractual information (characteristics, price, deadlines, warranties). Above €1,500 incl. tax, an estimate is mandatory (March 2, 1990 decree for emergency repairs/repairs/maintenance on all work). When concluded at the consumer''s home (door-to-door), the Hamon law (law 2014-344) requires mention of the 14-day withdrawal right and a standard formula — the deadline runs from the date of signature of the estimate. Advanced electronic signature (AES) precisely timestamps the start of the deadline and secures the entire contractual chain.
Why sign electronically?
14-day withdrawal period with timestamp (Hamon Law)
For quotes signed at the customer's home (unsolicited sales), the Hamon Law imposes a 14-day withdrawal period starting from signature. Certyneo timestamps the signature precisely with a qualified timestamp — the deadline is enforceable and impossible to contest in case of dispute.
Automated mandatory disclosures
Professional identity (Siret, RCS, decennial insurance), detailed description of work, net/gross price, applicable VAT rate (5.5% / 10% / 20%), execution timeline, payment terms, legal warranties: our templates include all mandatory disclosures compliant with Consumer Code + Civil Code.
Remote signature — quick start
Customer receives a secure link by email + SMS OTP on their phone. Advanced signature in 2 minutes, no need for the tradesman to travel. Work can start as soon as the withdrawal period expires (14 days if unsolicited sales, immediately otherwise).
10-year archiving + decennial enforceability
The electronically signed quote remains enforceable for the 10 years of the decennial warranty (art. 1792 Civil Code). Certyneo automatically archives the quote + eIDAS audit trail for this duration. In case of dispute over promised services, the signed PDF is conclusive.
4-step procedure
From preparation to legal archiving, in less than 5 minutes.
1. Prepare the quote
Upload your quote (PDF) or use a compliant template. Mandatory disclosures: Siret, decennial insurance, detailed description, net/gross price, VAT rate (5.5% / 10% / 20%), execution timelines, payment conditions, 14-day withdrawal right if unsolicited home visit.
2. Send to customer
Customer receives a secure link by email with SMS OTP on their phone. No physical meeting needed.
3. Advanced signature (AES)
Customer reads the quote on their phone or computer, accepts the terms and signs with SMS OTP. Qualified timestamp certifies the start of the 14-day withdrawal period (if unsolicited sales).
4. Start work
After the withdrawal period expires (or immediately if no unsolicited home visit), work begins. Quote + audit trail automatically archived for 10 years (decennial warranty duration).
Frequently asked questions
- Can a construction quote be signed electronically?
- Yes, without restriction. Article L111-1 of the Consumer Code requires written pre-contractual information but prescribes no particular form. Article 1366 Civil Code recognizes electronic documents with the same probative force. Certyneo's advanced signature (AES) meets evidentiary requirements.
- At what amount does a quote become mandatory?
- For repair / maintenance / service work on all equipment (plumbing, heating, electrical, locksmithing), a quote is mandatory from the first euro (order of March 2, 1990). For other work, the obligation depends on the sector — above €1,500 net, it has become industry standard.
- How to comply with the 14-day withdrawal period (Hamon Law)?
- For any quote signed at the customer's home (unsolicited sales), the Hamon Law imposes 14 days for withdrawal after signature. Certyneo precisely timestamps the signature with a qualified timestamp under eIDAS — the period runs from that moment and is impossible to contest. Work cannot begin until after expiration, unless the customer explicitly waives the right.
- What mandatory disclosures must appear on a construction quote?
- Professional identity (Siret, RCS, intra-community VAT number), decennial insurance (company + policy number + geographic area), detailed description of work, net/gross price, applicable VAT rate, execution timeline, payment conditions, quote validity period, mention of 14-day withdrawal right if unsolicited. For work >€1,500 net, handwritten "Approved as is" clause (accepted in electronic form with advanced signature).
- Must the reduced VAT rate (5.5% or 10%) appear on the quote?
- Yes, mandatory. The applicable rate must appear on the quote AND be justified by a simplified customer declaration (CERFA 1300-SD) if reduced VAT applies. See our dedicated landing page /signer-attestation-tva-reduite-btp-en-ligne to sign this declaration.
- How long must the signed quote be kept?
- Minimum 10 years, in line with the decennial warranty (art. 1792 Civil Code). The quote proves the scope of promised services in case of decennial dispute. Certyneo automatically archives the quote + audit trail for this duration.
- What if the customer refuses to sign?
- Without a signed quote, the professional has no probative value in case of dispute over the scope of work. Certyneo allows you to send multiple automatic reminders and trace the refusal if it occurs — useful to demonstrate the professional's good faith.
- Is the electronically signed quote enforceable in case of dispute?
- Yes — French case law unanimously recognizes eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures. The presumption of reliability under article 1367 Civil Code makes the advanced signature (AES) enforceable without further proof. Certyneo's audit trail (OTP identity, qualified timestamp, SHA-256 hash) is conclusive before the court.
Also read
Sign your next construction quote online
Permanent free plan (5 envelopes / month), no credit card required. Compliant with Consumer Code, Hamon Law and eIDAS. 10-year archiving included.