As a result of inspecting hundreds of recently built houses, units, and additions (particularly since 1996), it became increasingly apparent that there has been a sharp decline in the quality of work at least in the residential housing sector. This book attempts to defi ne basic contractual terms--such as defect, specifi cation, and performance--that form the very basis for quality in housing. Once defi ned, these terms should go a long way to ending the shortcutting rife in the industry, make insurance fairer for homeowners, and greatly reduce the costs associated with building disputes. It also attempts to set up various models to make this all happen and to ensure that quality is of a high standard well into the future so as to avoid a sizeable blight resulting from the steady decline in the standard of building work being constructed today.