This is a very simple question with a complicated answer. In a nutshell, a defect is any part of the construction that does not meet industry standards. The main categories are damage, poor workmanship, incomplete work and design issues. But it’s not that simple…

Defects are one of the most common causes of disputes in the construction industry. There is often disagreement when it comes to identifying what a construction defect is because of the differing viewpoints and interests of those asking the question and/or making the determination. Therefore we must follow the rules and guidelines that have been put in place by the governing authorities to determine items that do not meet industry standards. To resolve or prevent defects, it is important to engage a quality inspector who is trained in identifying issues.