Implied and express warranties for construction or material defects on projects have time limits but when the time limit is exceeded, that doesn’t 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, don’t 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
Resiliency | Feb 16, 2016
Obama establishes federal earthquake risk management standard
The standard requires federal agencies to use earthquake-resistant design provisions in current building codes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2016
ISO releases national assessment and state-by-state building codes evaluation
Report covers 87% of U.S. population.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2016
Huge fraud case involving alleged engineering impostors uncovered in California
Hundreds of buildings may have to be demolished.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2016
New York governor makes emergency design-build authorization
The declaration was issued in response to Winter Storm Jonas which dumped over 18 inches of snow in parts of the state.
Green | Jan 29, 2016
USGBC names top 10 states for LEED green building
Illinois leads the list for the third straight year.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2016
Dept. of Energy releases decision guides for plug and process loads
Plug and process loads consume about 30% of the primary energy in U.S. commercial buildings today.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
ConsensusDocs releases new multi-party IPD agreement and joining agreement
The documents serve as a comprehensive revision of previous IPD agreement
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
State Savings Calculator analyzes savings associated with energy codes
The calculator breaks down the cost-effectiveness of energy codes on a state-by-state basis.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
Metal Roofing Seaming Guide published by Metal Construction Association
The free document is specifically tailored for metal roof installation.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
Treasury Dept. will start crackdown on illicit money in luxury real estate
The move is expected to impact high-end condo development.
