Defect liability periods: managing the tail of a job
The job isn't finished at handover. Understanding your obligations after practical completion.
The job after the job
Practical completion isn't the end of a builder's obligations. Contracts and legislation typically provide a defect liability period during which the builder must return to rectify defects that appear — separate from longer statutory warranty periods.
Manage it proactively
Rather than dreading callbacks, treat the defect period as part of the service. Responding promptly to genuine defects protects your reputation and reduces the risk of a small issue escalating into a formal dispute or claim.
Records are your friend
A thorough handover — documented inspections, photos, and clear records of what was agreed as complete — makes it far easier to distinguish a genuine defect from wear, misuse or a variation request dressed up as a defect.
Know the difference
Statutory warranties for structural and other work run for much longer than a contractual defect period. Understanding both protects you from open-ended exposure.
