Defects Liability Period

The period from the completion of a project in which the contractor for the works is responsible for correcting, or rectifying, any problems or defects which arise or are subsequently identified. A typical time period for a defects liability is 12-months, during which time it is essential that a client immediately and formally brings to the attention of the contractor any works that do not meet the required standard and which are therefore identified as defective. Having a formal monitoring and post-construction project assessment programme is important to ensure that project goods continue to meet the stated outcomes and if not are corrected at the contractor’s expenses. After the expiration of the defects liability period any problems or defects which arise will usually be the responsibility of the client. An example of the importance of monitoring and assessing post-construction work is that of a new artificial pitch or drainage works: Sinkage of a sub-base could occur where consolidation has not been adequately undertaken, or drainage rates may be well below the design rate due to below standard material use. It is important that problems are identified within a defects liability period otherwise the costs of correcting defects would fall on the client and these can be considerable in some cases.