CONSUMER WATCH: Prescreen home-repair contractors?
Although maybe unintentional the article directs readers to sources that endorse a program which exploits a false sense of security that can be misleading. The end result actually better serves unreliable sources that promote business rather than to serve the good of Texas consumers...Most people understand that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is in business established to promote its paying members. The Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) was established by the homebuilding industry to promote and protect its dues paying homebuilding business members. The truth is both agencies are self-promoting businesses that exploit the scheme of “consumer protect thyself,” rather than good State Public Policy. Texans have a better chance with a roll of the dice than trusting big business promoters like the BBB, TRCC and this state for advice or help. When it comes to consumer protection Texas is a very high risk state.  Read more, plus comments...

Give Texas homeowners better tools to force irresponsible builders to fix construction defects
The mounting numbers of unresolved complaints make increasingly clear that the Texas Residential Construction Commission Act, passed in the 2003 Legislature, has become for buyers of poorly constructed homes the nightmare many feared it would. Adding insult to this injurious legislation is how the law is falsely touted as an aide to homeowners stuck in shoddily built houses...families spent countless hours in futile attempts to get their builder to fix the problems and thousands of dollars out of pocket on repairs.Then the aggrieved owners were further abused by the Texas law that was supposed to help homeowners at the mercy of predatory builders.

Letters to the Editor: Reaction to 'flawed homes'
It has been nearly six long years since "Bob the Builder" Perry and his builder friends bought, built and now operate the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC). The state agency offers no help for aggrieved homebuyers; instead, its process forces homeowners into costly protracted legal disputes ending in abusive, binding mandatory arbitration that most cannot afford.  There is far too much blame to go around. It is our obligation as victims to fight for our basic rights that the building industry has systematically taken from us. No one group or group of organizations can possibly stop this madness, which will continue to devastate families unless more become actively involved. See: YouTube Video on Tremont Towers

TRCC Sunset Commission Hearing 
Watch activists will have the unique opportunity to get involved in the TRCC sunset process.The agency will be undergoing a top to bottom review by the Sunset Commission, a panel of legislators and citizens.  Activists can provide input in the process by testifying at hearings and sending letters.  Texas Watch will also have a hand in this process, ensuring that the agency is streamlined and improved for homeowners. THE REAL IMPACT OF THE TRCC

Texans Abused by Builders, Abandoned by the TRCC
With the creation of the Texas Residential Construction Commission in 2003, Texas homebuilders were shielded from liability and given a free pass to build shoddy homes.  The following stories are true accounts of homeowners who are now left with nothing and no way to hold their homebuilders accountable.

New homebuilding provisions reviewed
Changes in state law won't affect area homebuilders much, some say. "I don't see anything here that will affect our operation at all," said Don Farek, of Cameo Homes in Killeen. "One of the changes in House Bill 1038 gives you (builders) an out," Fortner said. Following a state inspection, a builder can make a written offer to the homebuyer to fix the errors. If the offer is agreed upon by both parties, the homebuyer can call the state and cancel the complaint associated with the inspection results. If an offer is made in advance of the inspector's report that is similar to the recommendations, TRCC will pay the inspection fee and not report finding a defect.