Source: https://realestate.findlaw.com/construction-defects/construction-defect-laws-by-state.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 22:27:51+00:00

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Embarking on a construction project is no small feat. While the end product can often be even better than what you envisioned, construction projects are notorious for their delays, unexpected obstacles, and even defects in the final product. If you’ve run into issues with your construction project, it’s important to become familiar with the construction defect laws that apply to your particular situation.
Each state has its own laws for governing the process of resolving disputes between project owners and the professionals responsible for the work, such as architects, designers, contractors, and subcontractors. Claims against these individuals can be based on many different types of theories, including contract disputes, tort claims, and breach of warranty. And the type of claim you bring will often determine the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit, a deadline known as the ‘statute of limitations.’ A typical statute of limitations will say that you have a certain number of years to file a lawsuit after you discover, or should have discovered, the defect.
To further limit the amount of time that these construction professionals can be held liable for defects, states also have outer limits that prevent you from filing a lawsuit after a certain number of years, even if you haven’t discovered the defect yet. This is called the ‘statute of repose.’ For example, the statute of limitations might give you four years to file a claim after you discover the defect. But if your state’s statute of repose is seven years from the time the construction is completed, and you don’t discover the defect until the fifth year, you only have two years to file your claim.
In addition to the often-confusing time limits that apply in construction defect law, some states also have ‘right to cure’ statutes. These laws say that before filing a lawsuit, a project owner, such as a homeowner, must first notify the construction professional of the alleged defects and allow them the opportunity to repair the defect, or pay you for the problem. This process varies from state to state, and one of the key differences is the amount of time you have to wait after notifying the professional before you can proceed with a lawsuit.
The table below lists the key statutes of limitations, statute of repose, and right to cure laws for each of the states, though it’s best to consult a construction defect law attorney since there many exceptions that could apply to your case.
Yes: Notify professional within 1 year of discovery and at least 90 days before filing lawsuit.
§09.10.053 et seq.; 09.10.055; 09.45.881 et seq.
§12-548; 12-542 et seq.; 12-552; 12-1361 et seq.
337 et seq.; 895 et seq.; 910 et seq.
§13-80-101 et seq.; 13-80-104; 13-20-801 et seq.
Yes: Notify contractor at least 90 days before filing action, and allow inspection and offer to repair or pay. If unable to agree, parties must try mediation.
§657-1; 657-7; 657-8; 672E-1 et seq.
Yes: Notify professional before filing lawsuit, and follow timeline in statute.
§5-216; 5-219; 5-218; 5-241; 6-2501 et seq.
Yes: Notify professional at least 60 days before filing action.
§34-11-2-11; 34-11-2-4; 32-30-1-6; 32-27-3-1 et seq.
Yes: Notify contractor before filing lawsuit, and follow timeline in statute. Does not apply to claims for personal injury or death, or where defect makes dwelling uninhabitable.
§60-511; 60-513; 60-4701 et seq.
§413.160; 413.140; 413.125; 413.135; 411.250 et seq.
§25-205; 25-207; 25-222 et seq.
11.190; 11.202 et seq.; 40.640 et seq.
§2305.06; 2305.10; 2305.131; 1312.01 et seq.
§12.080; 12.110; 12.135; 707.560 et seq.
§15-3-520, 530, & 640; 40-59-810 et seq.
§28-3-109; 28-3-104; 28-3-105; 28-3-201 et seq.; 66-36-101 et seq.
§16.004; 16.003; 16.008 et seq.; 27.001 et seq.
§4.16.040; 4.16.080; 4.16.300 et seq.; 64.50.005 et seq.
While the statutes above give a general sense of the construction defect laws in each state, there are many exceptions, requirements, and qualifications that may apply to your particular case. The way that state courts interpret statutes and the types of injuries or claims you’re dealing with all affect the rules for pursuing a construction defect claim. And of course, the laws are always changing to either strengthen protections for project owners, or limit the liability of construction professionals. Learn more about the requirements in your state by speaking with a local, experienced construction defect lawyer.

References: §09

§12

§13

§657

§5

§34

§60

§413

§25

§2305

§12

§15

§28

§16

§4