10.__Written notice of acceptance.__A claimant who accepts an offer of a contractor under this section to remedy a construction defect must serve the contractor with a written notice of acceptance within 30 days after receipt of the contractor's settlement offer. If a claimant initiates an action under this chapter without first accepting or rejecting the offer, the court shall dismiss the action pursuant to section 8553.

11.__Reasonable access required.__If a claimant accepts a contractor's offer to repair a construction defect described in a notice of claim under subsection 1, the claimant shall provide the contractor and a subcontractor, agent, expert or consultant of the contractor prompt and reasonable access to the residence to perform and complete the repair by the timetable stated in the settlement offer.

12.__Statute of limitations. A claimant's service of the written notice of claim under subsection 1 tolls the statute of limitations relating to any person covered by this chapter until the later of:

A.__Ninety days after the contractor's receipt of the notice of claim pursuant to subsection 1; and

B.__Thirty days after the end of the repair period or payment period stated in the offer, if the claimant has accepted the offer. By stipulation of the parties, the period may be extended and the statute of limitations is tolled during the extension.

§8555.__Additional construction defects; additional notice and

opportunity to repair not required

A construction defect that is discovered after a claimant has provided a contractor with a notice of claim under section 8554, subsection 1 and that is substantially related to the factual circumstances, acts or omissions giving rise to the construction defects alleged in the notice of claim may be alleged in an action involving the claims alleged in the notice of claim without following the notice of claim procedure required by this chapter.