Commission Warns Consumers in Tornado-Ravaged Area to be Vigilant
Homeowners can contact commission for information about builders and remodelers |
(AUSTIN) — With the recent home damage caused by tornadoes in the Eagle Pass area, the Texas Residential Construction Commission is concerned that there may be a rapid influx of unregistered builders and remodelers from other states or other unscrupulous parties seeking to take advantage of affected homeowners.
Homeowners are urged to thoroughly review a builder or remodeler’s record with the commission and to also check references before they sign any work contract or agreement.
“Before homeowners hire a builder or remodeler to work on their home, we strongly encourage them to ask for proof of registration or contact the commission to make sure they’re dealing with a reputable, registered company,” said Executive Director Duane Waddill.
The Eagle Pass Planning Department requires proof of a valid commission registration from a builder or remodeler before it will issue building permits, but if building occurs outside of the city limits, building permits may not be required.
Although cities and local municipalities are not required to verify this registration, the commission encourages this practice to offer homeowners an additional layer of protection from unscrupulous builders or remodelers that have not fulfilled the state’s registration requirement.
Registered builders/remodelers should have a commission-issued registration certificate and/or wallet card to verify proof of registration.
The commission has an online searchable database available at http://www.texasrcc.org to verify builder registration. The database has all registered builders’ names, DBAs, cities, and registration numbers. We are also happy to verify builder registrations by phone at (877) 651-TRCC or via email at info@trcc.state.tx.us.
A builder/remodeler is defined as “any business entity or individual who, for a fixed price, commission, fee, wage, or other compensation, constructs or supervises or manages the construction of: a new home; a material improvement to a home, other than an improvement solely to replace or repair a roof of an existing home; or an improvement to the interior of an existing home when the cost of the work exceeds $20,000.”*
*PLEASE NOTE: This definition does limit the commission’s oversight over roofers and external repairs; however, substantial projects are required to be registered with the commission.
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