From The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) news release:
Inspection Requirements Toughened
(AUSTIN, TX) August 13, 2008 - The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) has announced that new legislation requires that all new residential construction and remodeling, which occurs in unincorporated areas or those not subject to municipal inspection, have a minimum of three inspection to ensure compliance with all applicable building codes. All construction or remodeling that begins on or after September 1, 2008 is subject to the inspections.
Inspections are to be performed by a third party Fee Inspector and are to occur as applicable, at the following construction stages:
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Foundation (prior to the placement of concrete);
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Framing and Mechanical Systems (prior to frame coverings); and
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Final Inspection upon completion of the project.
The builder/remodeler is responsible for contracting with the Fee Inspector who must be either: (1) a licensed engineer; (2) a registered architect; (3) a professional inspector licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission; or (4) a third-party inspector approved by the Texas Residential Construction Commission ("TRCC"). The builder/remodeler may use the same or different Fee Inspector for each of the required inspections. Additionally, the builder/remodeler has the ability to hire the Fee Inspector of their choice and is not forced to use any one Fee Inspector for all the inspections.
Inspection records and documents will not be turned over to the TRCC by the inspector or builder. However, the TRCC will conduct random audits of the inspection records, and builders must maintain those records for a minimum of five years.
To see a copy of the formal rules, please visit the TRCC's website at: http://www.trcc.state.tx.us/Inspectors/CountyInspections.asp or the TRCC at 512/463-1040.
ABOUT TAB: Founded in 1946, the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders and has 31 local home builder associations across Texas. Representing over 550,000 jobs and more than $40 billion in the Texas economy, the state and local associations play a crucial role in providing housing for Texans. TAB is the third largest state homebuilder association in the nation.
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