This article considers how the law of limitation of actions has developed through judicial interpretation of statutory provisions. The main perspective is that of the construction industry and, in particular, it addresses the problems created by latent defects in buildings which materialise after the completion of the construction process. The attempts by the courts to operate the 'Pirelli principle' are discussed and the potential problems created by the so-called 'doomed-from-the-start exception' are explored. The article concludes with a consideration of the legislative response to the difficulties created by hidden defects, namely the Latent Damage Act 1986, and suggests that legislation may also be necessary in jurisdictions such as that of Singapore where similar difficulties are to be anticipated.