What is the length of the grace period during which charges may be filed against the AOR or EOR after a building collapse?

The length of the grace period during which charges may be filed against the Architect of Record (AOR) or Engineer of Record (EOR) after a building collapse is established as 10 years. This period is in place to ensure that claims related to structural failures or significant defects can be adequately addressed within a reasonable time frame after the incident.

In the context of building laws, the 10-year grace period allows for comprehensive investigations into the causes of a collapse, gives time for potential claims to be evaluated, and helps ensure that the parties responsible are held accountable for their work. This timeframe balances the need for accountability with the practicalities of gathering evidence and allowing for the often-complex nature of construction and design litigation.

Longer or shorter periods may not be as effective in promoting responsible practices, as a 5-year period might be too short for complete assessments, while periods like 15 or 20 years could dilute accountability, making it difficult for affected parties to seek justice in a timely manner. The 10-year period has thus been seen as a standard that encourages diligence while also recognizing the realities of construction timelines and the potential for long-term project monitoring.