Defects liability period and rectification of defects

Published by a ��Ƶ Construction expert

Practice notes

Defects liability period and rectification of defects

Published by a ��Ƶ Construction expert

Practice notes

It is common in construction projects for defects to manifest or appear in the works. Most construction contracts require the contractor to return to site to rectify (also known as ‘make good’) defects which arise or are discovered during a specified period after Practical Completion of the works. This is typically referred to in the construction industry as the Defects liability period (DLP), although the JCT contracts refer to it as the Rectification period, NEC uses the term defects date and FIDIC refers to it as the defects notification period.

What is a defect?

As the DLP relates to the rectification of ‘defects’, it is important to consider what this term covers. ‘Defect’ is not a term of art and there is no ‘standard’ definition of what constitutes a defect in building works. However, in broad terms, a defect is work which does not meet the standard or a specification required by the building contract. This can be due to fault(s) in the work, materials or design, or shortcomings in the quality of the work. For more detail

Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

Defects liability definition

What does Defects liability mean?

The liability of a party for defects in their workmanship.

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