Lines are often blurred when it comes to completing a construction contract. It’s the stage where even the slickest of projects can be reduced to a slow, sticky plod. This is due to a number of factors, with the main being poor defect management and quality.
In recent years, stories of unfit structures have thankfully brought about more due diligence throughout the construction supply chain. By adopting technology to create a digital audit trail, clients can start to trust that the information they’ve been provided by the teams involved in the build is accurate. How does that relate to defects and project completion? Projects are quicker, with fewer delays, and of a high quality.
We’ll chat you through some of the key terms around defect management, completion, and practical advice for making sure your projects don’t get hit by delays at the final hurdle.
What are patent defects in construction?
Patent defects are those that become apparent during the construction process and before Practical Completion (PC). These must be put right before the PC certificate is issued. It’s normal for defects to crop up during construction, although delivering a defect-free project is always the gold standard.
A snagging inspection will be carried out to put together the list of defects. The responsibility for determining a patent defect often falls onto the contract administrator, who can determine whether it’s the contractor’s responsibility to fix it or whether this will sit with the maintenance team. A snagging list will then be issued to the appropriate teams to fix. If it is decided it's the contractor’s responsibility, the costs for repair will be deducted from their final payment.
