Defects correction period for construction
NEC was first published in 1993 as the New Engineering Contract. It is a suite of construction contracts intended to promote partnering and collaboration. The third edition, NEC3 was published in 2005.
According to NEC, a defect is ‘… a part of the works which is not as stated in the Works Information or not in accordance with applicable law or the accepted design.’
Until the defects date, there is an obligation on both the supervisor and contractor to notify each other as soon as they are aware of a defect. The defects date is the date until which the contractor is liable to rectify any defects and this is typically 26 or 52 weeks from the completion of the works.
The defects correction period is set out in the contract data and defines the maximum period within which the contractor must rectify a notified defect, although the contractor is required to rectify defects, whether they are notified of it or not.
For defects notified before completion, the defects correction period begins on completion. For defects notified after completion, but before the defects date, it begins on notification. Different defects correction periods can be specified for different types of defects.
If notified defects are not rectified within the defects correction period, they may be rectified by others and the cost reimbursed by the contractor.
At, or just after the defects date the supervisor issues a defects certificate, which either certifies that there are no remaining patent defects, or lists any uncorrected defects. The only circumstances when the defects certificate might not be issued on the defects date is if a previously notified defect has a defects correction period that ends after the defects date, in which case it is issued on that later date.
The parties are permitted to agree that certain defects need not be rectified, and in this case the contractor must submit a quotation for reduced prices, an earlier completion date or both, and an adjustment is then made to the works information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.