What is the RVOI?
The RVOI (Regeling van de Verhouding tussen Opdrachtgever en adviserend Ingenieursbureau) is a Dutch set of general terms and conditions for commissions given to engineering and consultancy firms in construction. The name translates roughly as “Rules governing the relationship between client and consulting engineering firm”. The regulation set out what the commission covers, how the fee is determined, how far the consultant’s liability extends and how disputes are settled. The RVOI was drawn up by the Dutch trade association of engineering firms (then ONRI, now NLingenieurs). The last version was the RVOI 2001.
From RVOI to DNR
For a long time, Dutch architects worked with their own regulation, the SR 1997, and engineering firms with the RVOI. To have a single regulation for all consultants, De Nieuwe Regeling (DNR 2005) was introduced in 2005, a joint initiative of, among others, the BNA (the Dutch association of architects) and the ONRI. It was revised in 2011 (DNR 2011) and supplemented later. The DNR replaces both the RVOI and the SR 1997.
Where you still come across it
You mainly still encounter the RVOI in:
- Older contracts and files: in renovations or disputes about a Dutch project from the 1990s or early 2000s, the RVOI may still apply.
- Specifications and quotations produced with old templates.
- Legal matters: the limitation of the consultant’s liability and the periods within which you must report an error differ per regulation and version. In the event of a claim, it is therefore important to know exactly which version was agreed.
Tips for clients
- Check which regulation has been declared applicable, and which version. “Under the RVOI” without a year is a source of argument.
- Pay attention to the limitation of liability. Standard regulations limit the consultant’s liability. If you want more cover, agree this in writing beforehand.
- For new commissions in the Netherlands, the DNR is the usual basis. If a consultant still proposes the RVOI, ask why.
- On a large project or in a dispute, have a construction lawyer look at it.
Related terms
- General terms and conditions in construction
- Architect
- Variations (extra work) in a building contract
- Specifications expert
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