Defects Discovered After Completion? A Practical Guide For Schools

Discovering defects after construction works have been completed can be alarming, particularly where the defects affect safety, compliance, or the day-to-day operation of a school. However, the worst thing an employer can do is assume that somebody else will deal with the problem or wait too long before taking advice.

In many cases, schools and academy trusts have viable routes to recover the cost of investigations and remedial works. The key is to act early, preserve evidence and understand what rights may be available.

Step 1: Check Limitation Immediately

The first question should always be whether a claim remains in time.

Construction claims are often subject to strict limitation periods. In broad terms: