On most domestic contracts the defect liability period runs for six or twelve months from practical completion. During that window the contractor is obliged to come back and put right defective work, at no further cost. At the end of the period a final inspection is held and any retained monies are released.

What it does not cover: damage caused after handover, normal wear and tear, or design issues outside the contractor’s scope. These distinctions get blurred in conversation and cause disputes.

We produce a written defect liability summary at handover so client and contractor have the same understanding of what is and isn’t covered.