# Washington Builder Defect Warranty Rules | Who Pays the Repair?

> Washington requires 45 days' notice to the builder before a defect suit, with a 6-year statute of repose.

**Who pays:** third-party

Washington requires 45 days' notice to the builder before a construction-defect suit, and bars claims 6 years after substantial completion.

**Boundary:** 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.

## Sources
- [Rev. Code Wash. § 4.16.310](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.16.310) — "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." (accessed 2026-09-13)
- [Rev. Code Wash. § 64.50.020: Construction defect notice of claim](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=64.50.020) — "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." (accessed 2026-09-13)
- [RCW 64.50.050: Construction Professional Right to Offer to Cure Defects: Notice to Homeowner](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=64.50.050) — "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." (accessed 2026-09-27)

_Last verified 2026-09-20. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/washington-new-home-builder-defect-warranty/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._