The statute of limitations for defects starts when:

The statute of limitations for defects typically begins when the buyer discovers the defect. This principle is rooted in the idea of fairness; it allows the injured party (in this case, the buyer) to have a reasonable opportunity to notice the defect and pursue legal action if necessary.

When defects are related to construction, even if construction is completed or a sale is finalized, it may take time for issues to become apparent. For example, a buyer might not notice a structural defect until long after moving in or using the property. Therefore, tying the start of the statute of limitations to the moment of discovery acknowledges that it would be unjust to restrict potential claims from a buyer who is unaware of a defect at the time of sale.

In contrast, the completion of construction, finalization of the sale, or the act of making a purchase do not necessarily correlate with the moment a buyer becomes aware of a defect. Tying the statute to these other events could unfairly limit the buyer's rights, as defects may not be evident until after the transaction is already complete.