21-1-15. Definitions. Terms used in this section and § 21-1-16 mean:

(1) "Action," any civil lawsuit or action in contract or tort for damage or indemnity brought against a construction professional to assert a claim for damage or the loss of use of real or personal property caused by a construction defect. The term does not include a counterclaim, cross-claim, or civil action in tort alleging personal injury or wrongful death resulting from a construction defect;

(2) "Construction defect," a deficiency in or arising out of the supervision, construction, or remodeling of a residence that results from any of the following:

(a) Defective materials, products, or components used in the construction or remodeling of a residence;

(b) Violation of the applicable building, plumbing, or electrical codes in effect at the time of the construction or remodeling of a residence; or

(c) Failure to construct or remodel a residence in accordance with contract specifications or accepted trade standards;

(3) "Construction professional," a builder, contractor, or subcontractor performing or furnishing the supervision of the construction or remodeling of any residence, whether operating as a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or other business entity;

(4) "Home owner," any person, company, firm, partnership, corporation, or association who contracts with a construction professional for the remodeling, construction, or construction and sale of a residence. The term includes a subsequent purchaser of a residence from any home owner;

(5) "Residence," a single-family house or a unit in a multi-unit residential structure in which title to each individual unit is transferred to the owner under a condominium or cooperative system;

(6) "Serve" or "service," personal delivery or delivery by certified mail to the last known address of the addressee.Source: SL 2007, ch 137, § 1.