What is a defect list?
In construction management, a defect list is a list of items that need to be fixed before a project is considered complete.
Common Uses
- Defect List items are performed at the end of the project to identify remaining issues and typically consist of minor and aesthetic issues like dings and scratches on the walls and floor.
- Sometimes the owner or designer will create defect list items after realizing they would have preferred something else after seeing the project built. This is considered added scope by the owner and work the owner needs to pay the contractor for.
Construction Process
The head contractor, owner and architect walk around the project together to create the defect list. After the list of work has been compiled, the head contractor assigns work to the responsible contractor who will complete the work.