Check out your builder - Web site allows users to check background of companies, remodelers
The Texas Residential Construction Commission site at www.texasrcc.com includes information on builder and remodeler registration, inspection reports, and records of any administrative action taken against the company.  Send us your comments This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Agency offers data on homebuiders 
Web site allows users to check background of companies, remodelers
Monday, December 25, 2006
PAULA LAVIGNE / The Dallas Morning News 

People looking for a new house or who want to update their kitchen can now use a revamped state Web site to check the backgrounds of Texas builders and remodelers.

The Texas Residential Construction Commission site at www.texastrcc.com includes information on builder and remodeler registration, inspection reports, and records of any administrative action taken against the company.

"We urge all consumers to thoroughly research builders and remodelers before they ever sign a contract to buy or remodel a home," said Duane Waddill, the agency's executive director.

The Austin-based state agency has been collecting data for almost three years.

Now, consumers can see if a builder or remodeler has a history of defects. And they can find out if their builder or remodeler is a Star Builder. Companies with Star Builder recognition have to meet certain standards for experience, education, training, financial stability and insurance.

The agency monitors complaints regarding home defects and tries to resolve disputes between homeowners and builders or remodelers. Homeowner consumer groups have criticized the agency for failing to compel builders to make repairs.

The agency doesn't have the enforcement power to force builders to make recommended repairs. But officials say putting the information online about defects and complaints will encourage builders to keep their records clean.

The site features a builder data search engine, a Spanish translation, and pages formatted for mobile devices such as the Palm Pilot and BlackBerry.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-homeconsumer_25cco.ART0.North.Edition1.3de7316.html