Implied and express warranties for construction or material defects on projects have time limits but when the time limit is exceeded, that doesnāt mean that contractors are completely free from liability for failures.
Warranties are usually limited to one to three years, and the statute of limitations on construction defects, while it varies by jurisdiction, is usually limited to 10 years. But personal injury law provides potential grounds for litigation many years later.
For example, in New York the statute of limitation on personal injury is three years from when an injury occurs. That means a lawsuit targeting a contractor could be brought decades after a building is completed.
Contractors can protect themselves from liability by performing their work in a diligent and professional manner, according to current codes, and not cut corners, lawyers advise. For example, donāt substitute a different class of rebar from what is called for in structural drawings even if you believe that choice would be best. Instead, raise the issue with the engineer or construction manager who can best address the issue.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2019
Pittsburgh launches task force on construction industry fraud
Focus will be on wage violations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019
Program uses low-cost sensors to monitor impact of stormwater mitigation systems
University/municipal partnership in Philadelphia aims to improve green infrastructure design.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019
Washington, D.C., to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2032
Includes measures to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2019
Canadaās National Building Code will include climate change obligations
New durability requirements for new buildings in the works.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2019
LEED v4.1 beta registration begins in January
First releases are O+M, BD+C, and ID+C.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
U.S. Appeals Court says general contractors can be cited for subcontractor violations
Ruling will prompt review of OSH decision that said GCs cannot be held liable for subsā violations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
Tall mass timber code changes receive final approval
New provisions to be included in the 2021 International Building Code.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
ASHRAEās Low-Rise Residential Buildings standard update now available
Performance measures are at least 50% more efficient than 2006 IECC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
Study compares labor hours for various low-slope roofing options
Type of roof covering, project parameters, tool management, and crew efficiency all impact profitability.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2018
New Yorkās āScaffold Lawā under fire for driving up project costs
Lawmakers under pressure to reform law that makes contractors 100% liable for work-site injuries.