Organizing your community to bring public attention to builder’s bad deeds and seeking assistance from local, state and federal elected officials has proven to be more effective and much quicker for thousands of families. You do have choices and alternatives. Janet Ahmad
House OKs Homebuilder Restrictions It would require licensing of homebuilders, requiring regular continued education and would strengthen the inspection process..."This bill is a good patch job, but there is still a long way to go to ensure that homeowners are fully protected from shoddy homebuilders," said Alex Winslow, executive director of the watchdog group Texas Watch. Winslow praised the bill for giving homeowners a choice whether to enter the TRCC's inspection process or go to mediation; requiring new builders to face bonding and exams; and for making the dispute resolution process expedited and free for homeowners.
House OKs homebuilder restrictions
By APRIL CASTRO
Associated Press Writer
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas House adopted an overhaul of the Texas Residential Construction Commission on Thursday, but consumer advocates say the effort does not do enough for homeowners trying to get builders to address defects in their homes.
The proposal, given final approval, would introduce more regulation of homebuilders, including a provision to make it easier for homeowners to file complaints and resolve disputes.
The proposal, given final approval, would introduce more regulation of homebuilders, including a provision to make it easier for homeowners to file complaints and resolve disputes.
It would require licensing of homebuilders, requiring regular continued education and would strengthen the inspection process.
But the legislation would allow the commission to continue functioning despite repeated calls for its closure.
"This bill is a good patch job, but there is still a long way to go to ensure that homeowners are fully protected from shoddy homebuilders," said Alex Winslow, executive director of the watchdog group Texas Watch.
Winslow praised the bill for giving homeowners a choice whether to enter the TRCC's inspection process or go to mediation; requiring new builders to face bonding and exams; and for making the dispute resolution process expedited and free for homeowners.
But, he said it falls short because because new licensing requirements would apply to existing homebuilders.
Created in 2003, last year's report from the Sunset Review Commission concluded that the agency does not have the trust of the consumers to protect them from unqualified builders. The Sunset Review Commission regularly reviews state agency performance and makes recommendations to lawmakers.
The creation of the construction commission was backed by homebuilders. It was praised by the industry for establishing standards and warranties for home construction, and for creating a process to resolve disputes between builders and buyers out of court.
"This just was not enough to protect homewners from shoddy work," said Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio, who filed the bill.
Consumer groups have argued the agency did more to protect builders than consumers and limited homeowners' legal recourse in disputes.
"This is not a bill the builders love," McClendon said.