Default rule and exceptions
Washington requires 45 days' written notice to the builder ('construction professional') before a defect suit, giving it a chance to inspect and offer repair; claims are barred 6 years after substantial completion.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Builder/construction professional | Entitled to 45 days' written notice and an inspect/repair opportunity before suit. |
| Homeowner | Must serve notice and sue within 6 years of substantial completion. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 20, 2026.
All claims or causes of action as set forth in RCW 4.16.300 shall accrue, and the applicable statute of limitation shall begin to run only during the period within six years after substantial completion of construction, or during the period within six years after the termination of the services enumerated in RCW 4.16.300, whichever is later.
In every construction defect action brought against a construction professional, the claimant shall, no later than 45 days before filing an action, serve written notice of claim on the construction professional.
FORTY-FIVE DAYS BEFORE YOU FILE YOUR LAWSUIT, YOU MUST DELIVER TO THE SELLER OR BUILDER A WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANY CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS YOU ALLEGE ARE DEFECTIVE AND PROVIDE YOUR SELLER OR BUILDER THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN OFFER TO REPAIR OR PAY FOR THE DEFECTS.
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Common questions
Who pays for new construction: builder defect warranty in General, WA?
The party at fault. Entitled to 45 days' written notice and an inspect/repair opportunity before suit.
What is this based on for General, WA?
This verdict is sourced to Rev. Code Wash. § 4.16.310 and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Rev. Code Wash. § 4.16.310statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- Rev. Code Wash. § 64.50.020: Construction defect notice of claimstatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- RCW 64.50.050: Construction Professional Right to Offer to Cure Defects: Notice to Homeownerstatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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