When construction supervision is mandatory
For works that need a licence or prior notification at the municipality, the file includes the statement of responsibility of the construction supervision director, a technician qualified under Law no. 31/2009, hired by the client. For works exempt from prior control, supervision is the client's choice.
What the law says
- Statement of responsibility in the municipal file: the licence application or prior notification includes the construction supervision director's statement of responsibility, which may be submitted later, with the occupancy request (Law no. 31/2009, art. 22(3)).
- Duties: check that the works follow the detailed design and the licence conditions, follow the works as often as needed, and report design deficiencies and situations that put safety, quality, price or deadline at risk (art. 16(1)).
- Independence from the contractor: no one on the staff of the company carrying out the works, including its site director, may be the supervision director (art. 16(2)).
- Qualification: depends on the predominant nature and size of the works (art. 15).
- Document templates: statements of responsibility follow the templates of Ordinance no. 71-A/2024, published with the 2024 planning simplification (Decree-Law no. 10/2024).
What about public works?
The public client supervises the execution of the contract under the Public Contracts Code and appoints the construction supervision.
What changed in 2024
With the planning simplification, several works moved from licence to prior notification or became exempt from prior control. That is why we always confirm, at the start, which regime applies to your works.
Frequently asked questions
Who can be a construction supervision director?
A technician qualified for the nature and size of the works, under Law no. 31/2009 (art. 15).
Can I have supervision even when it is not mandatory?
Yes. On exempt works, supervision still helps the client follow quality, deadlines and costs.
Can the site director also be the supervisor?
No. The law does not allow anyone from the company carrying out the works, including its site director, to be the supervision director.
How do I request a proposal or contact you?
You can request a quote or an online consultation in the Client Room, write to geral@afazerescuriosos.pt, call +351 21 145 1077, message us on WhatsApp or book a preliminary call to frame your request.
Do you need MEP engineering support?
Talk to us about online consultancy, design development and review, site supervision, commissioning or audits in HVAC and DHW, electrical systems, telecommunications and fire safety.