What type of defects does Section 337.1 of the California Code of Civil Procedure apply to?

Section 337.1 of the California Code of Civil Procedure is specifically focused on the statute of limitations regarding construction-related defects. It primarily applies to latent defects, which are not immediately discoverable upon reasonable inspection of the property. These defects can remain hidden for an extended period, often only becoming apparent after significant time has passed, thus necessitating specific legal provisions for addressing them.

The law recognizes that latent defects may pose considerable challenges for property owners because they may not be aware of the problem until after the standard limitation period for filing claims has expired. Therefore, the legislation allows for a longer time frame within which a claimant may pursue remedies related to these hidden issues, reflecting the understanding that property owners should have the ability to seek redress for defects that they could not reasonably have found earlier.

This context is important for understanding why the focus is on latent defects as opposed to the other types mentioned. Unrelated defects, minor defects, and patent defects do not possess the same legal implications under Section 337.1 as latent defects do, making it clear that the statute is aimed at addressing the complexities associated with hidden construction problems.