Schedule of defects
A schedule of defects (or defects schedule) is issued by the contract administrator at the end of defects liability period. It identifies defects (aspects of the works that are not in accordance with the contract) that have become apparent during the defects liability period.
The contract administrator and the contractor then agree a reasonable period within which the contractor will rectify the defects identified on the schedule. Once the contract administrator is satisfied that the defects have been rectified, they issue a certificate of making good defects which has the effect of allowing the final certificate to be issued, releasing any remaining retention.
It is important to note that the defects liability period is not a chance to correct problems apparent at practical completion, it is a period during which the contractor may be recalled to rectify defects which appear. If there are defects apparent before practical completion, then these should be rectified before a certificate of practical completion is issued. See the article on practical completion for more information.
NB: Under NEC contracts, at, or just after the defects date the supervisor issues a defects certificate, which either certifies that there are no patent defects, or lists any uncorrected defects. This is analogous to the schedule of defects. See Defects certificate for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Certificate of making good defects.
- Contract administrator.
- De minimis.
- Defects.
- Defects certificate.
- Defects liability period.
- Handover to client.
- Latent defects.
- Liquidated damages.
- Migration strategy.
- Opening up works for inspection and testing.
- Patent defects.
- Practical completion.
- Protecting and storing rebar.
- Punch list.
- Remedial work.
- Retention.
- Schedule.
- Schedule of condition.
- Site inspection.
- Soft landings.
- Substantial completion.
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.




















