Building law in focus: DGfB discusses the controversial building type E law

Building law in focus: DGfB discusses the controversial building type E law

An exciting event about construction law and building claims will be held in Frankfurt on July 11, 2025. The German Society for Building Law (DGfB) invites you to the annual conference at the Hotel Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer, which this year will be moderated by lawyer Dr. Burkhard Siebert, chairman of the DGfB. Lectures are expected on controversial topics, such as the current case law of the Federal Court of Justice on construction time requirements, presented by Prof. Dr. Andreas Jurgeleit, and an engineering look at the bridges on Germany's main traffic routes by Prof. Dr. Gero Marzahn. There are also three short lectures that address the newly controversial building type E. A convivial barbecue buffet on the evening before, July 10, 2025, rounds off the event, which also invites non-members to register. Further information can be found on the DGfB website. General construction newspaper reports that the event will also address critical aspects and new challenges in construction.

But what exactly does the planned thing do? Building Type E Law so controversial? In a statement, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) denounced the fundamental weaknesses of the draft law and emphasized that it is not suitable for making construction easier and more cost-effective. Deviations from recognized rules of technology are particularly a central issue, as they are only permitted if they are not safety-relevant. This is seen as a potential risk for builders and consumers.

Criticism of the draft

Florian Becker, managing director of the Building Owners Protection Association (BSB), expresses clear concerns about the uncertainties in contract design that could arise from the new law. He warns that this could lead to expensive litigation and that consumers will only benefit to a limited extent from lower planning and production costs. Becker is convinced that innovative and cost-effective construction is already possible today – as long as clear and transparent agreements are made. The BGH also criticizes that the draft does not sufficiently take the typical service chains in the construction process into account. Becker sees the BGH statements as a wake-up call for politicians to rethink the direction of the law and promote sustainable construction quality.

The controversial topic will also be addressed at the annual conference and will give rise to discussion about future developments in the construction industry. Participation in the event not only offers insights into the current situation, but also the opportunity to network and exchange information about legal issues and requirements. Information about the legislative process can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Justice: BMJ.

A visit to the annual conference on July 11, 2025 seems not only exciting, but also essential for everyone working in the construction industry in order to be able to make informed and forward-looking decisions.