Editorial: Victims no Better Off
Since 1979; shoddy construction is epidemic, it does not discriminate it crosses all sectors of race, religion and socioeconomic status. It is absolutely amazing that we sent a man to the moon decades ago. Computers now fit  in a pocket.  We have made tremendous strides in cancer research using nanotechnology, in many instances eradicating the disease.  But today in the state of Texas, almost 30 years later, we continue to fail in the practice of building habitable and safe homes.

Editorial:
With TRCC's arduous process victims are no better off
By Marcia Kushner:

"...for too many Americans the dream home has turned into a nightmare. As families move into their own little Garden of Eden, more and more families are finding the apple full of worms. As a result some homebuyers believe they are bilked for thousands of dollars and they are expressing not only anguish but outrage.

Shoddy building practices can be concealed from many purchasers who cannot be expected to have the technical expertise to evaluate the structural soundness of a home or the quality of electrical plumbing, or the air conditioning systems.

...the patience of the American consumer is rapidly running out...consumers are demanding more protection from the government, not less.  The consumer movement is now part of our culture-it embraces every one of us.  And now it will not be denied over an issue so fundamental as decent housing…”

These words were spoken January 21,1979 by Elizabeth Dole when she was Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission addressing the National Association of Homebuilders.  Yet not much has changed since 1979; shoddy construction is epidemic, it does not discriminate it crosses all sectors of race, religion and socioeconomic status.

It is absolutely amazing that we sent a man to the moon decades ago. Computers now fit  in a pocket.  We have made tremendous strides in cancer research using nanotechnology, in many instances eradicating the disease.

But today in the state of Texas , almost 30 years later, we continue to fail in the practice of building habitable and safe homes.

The Sunset Commission recently announced its findings regarding the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC). Too many victims, after the long and arduous process are no better off then they were when they first submitted their complaints and recommended the agency be abolished.

The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) foolishly claim if TRCC is abolished people with defective homes will have no recourse. I submit that the Sunset Report found that 88% of homeowners that went through TRCC and confirmed defective homes got no relief from TRCC.  I would suggest that the building industry simply promote builders among its members and do the ethical and moral thing; fix the homes that are defective or buy them back or build them right the first time.

With the next legislative session right around the corner I urge all victims of shoddy construction to speak up and get involved.  Contact your elected officials and know how they vote to help you.  It is imperative our state abolish TRCC and pass laws that protect people when they make the largest purchase of their lives.