Page 44 - A-client-guide-to-working-with-a-SAIA-architect

The conclusion of

an architect’s service

The architect’s service is complete upon the issue of the final certificate or its equivalent. This certificate
indicates that the project is complete and defect free at that specific point in time.
Should latent defects emerge after final completion has been certified, it is advisable to call upon the architect,
along with other members of the professional team as necessary, to investigate and request the contractor to
rectify these defects. The duration of the latent defects liability period depends on the type of building contract
(five years is provided for in the JBCC Principal Building Agreement).
In such cases, where it is determined that the latent defect is not as a result of the architect’s negligence and is
not a liability of the architect, then the architect may provide an additional service for which an additional fee
is due.
Should the latent defect be apportioned as the responsibility of the architect, then the architect is liable for the
rectification cost of the defect as long as this falls within the five-year liability period of the architect as per the
professional services agreement, otherwise the liability is prescribed.
44 A client’s guide to working with an architect | South African Institute of Architects | The conclusion of an architect’s service