Utah Contractor Practice Exam

For how long can a licensed contractor be held liable for latent defects?

1. 2 years

2. 4 years

3. 5 years

4. 10 years

The correct answer is: 10 years

A licensed contractor can be held liable for latent defects for a duration of 10 years. Latent defects refer to issues in construction that are not immediately apparent or visible upon inspection, and they may only become evident after some time. The rationale behind this 10-year liability period is to provide homeowners and property buyers with adequate protection against various types of construction defects that might not surface until years after the completion of a project. This time frame allows for a comprehensive assessment of a structure's integrity and ensures that any hidden problems can be addressed by the contractor. In some jurisdictions, including Utah, this period strikes a balance between protecting the rights of consumers and providing a reasonable timeframe for contractors to manage their liabilities effectively. Understanding these timeframes is crucial for contractors to maintain compliance and manage risk effectively in their projects.