This article shall not apply to civil causes of action in tort, contract, or otherwise, which accrued or arose prior to February 25, 1994. Where construction was completed but no civil cause of action accrued prior to February 25, 1994, this article shall apply to the construction of the improvement on or to real estate, and, for the purposes of the time limitations provided in this article, substantial completion of construction of the improvement on or to real estate shall be deemed to be February 25, 1994, but shall not revive any cause of action barred under existing law.
Ala. Code § 6-5-223 (1975)