253. A person who expects to become a party to a dispute and has reason to apprehend that some necessary evidence might be lost or become difficult to produce may examine witnesses whom the person fears may be absent, may die or may become incapacitated, or have a thing or property whose state may affect the outcome of the dispute inspected. The person must obtain the consent of the prospective plaintiff or defendant or the authorization of the court.
A person who carries out work on an immovable that might damage a neighbouring immovable may apply for an inspection of the neighbouring immovable without being required to show that a dispute is likely.