Self-build home: Occupy the home and rectify any defects
A meeting should be held to formally handover the completed site for occupation. Keys should be handed over, along with as-built drawings, certificates, warranties and so on.
A procedure should be agreed for reporting any defects.
The defects liability period (or rectification period) is a period set out in construction contracts (often 6 months) during which contractors are still bound by the terms of the contract and can be instructed to make good any defects that become apparent in the works.
The self builder should:
- Keep detailed notes about any defects that appear.
- Decide whether defects are design deficiencies or construction defects.
- Notify the responsible party and arrange access for inspection and rectification.
- At the end of the defects liability period, prepare a schedule listing defects that have not yet been rectified and agree with the contractor the date by which they will be rectified. The contractor must in any event rectify defects within a 'reasonable' time.
- Ensure that all outstanding warranties, instructions and other paperwork has been received.
- Finalise any outstanding party wall matters.
- Arrange final inspections of the works and if satisfied issue a certificate of making good defects.
- Agree the final account.
- Issue the final certificate and make the final payment.
If you have ideas for how to improve this plan, you can make changes yourself, just by clicking 'Edit this article', you can add ideas to the discussion page, you can submit a comment to us, or you can email uk [email protected]uk.
Featured articles and news
Artificial intelligence and project management
Two new research reports published by APM.
Association for Project Management membership offer
50% off APM Associate membership for Designing Buildings users.
Building safety, a shifting landscape for professionals
A commentary from the insurance perspective.
In brief with further links.
Walter Segal: self-built architect
A definitive book on a pioneer of green architecture.
Funding for heritage on the high street
Using heritage as a catalyst for reviving historic centres.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting update.
Declaration prioritising sustainable urbanisation adopted.
A small hidden, often distant but key building component.
Some brief words about the actuator.
CIAT Chief Executive steps down.
After 34 years at the Institute.
Volunteer opportunity launched by the ICE
To support the next generation of engineers.
Provisional findings show illegal cartels in the industry.
CIAT reporting from the Competition and Markets Authority.
Making sustainable construction number one priority.
The future of construction report.
Interview with ECA CEO.
Many provisions came into force on June 28, 2022.
With room to expand.
An information packed session at the BSRIA conference.
Refurbishment, Energy Efficiency, Indoor air and process.
Considering building acoustics with the AT Journal.
Why building acoustic considerations must be non-negotiable.
Create a profile, write informed product articles and share.
Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) is one example.
Top 50 Women in engineering 2022.
Inventors and innovators at ICE.
Life, death and art at the Stuart court. Book review.
Real estate, place adaptation and innovation.
Review and comment on the revised draft before July 11.
We are indeed now 10 years old, so go on and be bold !
Write about something you know, help us build and grow !
IHBC's 25th anniversary 2022 Aberdeen School.
A blended event and triumphant return.
New Construction Leadership Council Co-Chair selected.
Mark Reynolds succeeds Andy Mitchell as Co-Chair of CLC
Comments
Thank you very much for this, much appreciated.