Commission Warns Consumers in Hurricane Zone to be Vigilant
Homeowners should call commission or check Web site for builder/remodeler information |
(AUSTIN) — The Texas Residential Construction Commission urges homeowners to check out builders and remodelers before hiring them to repair their Hurricane Humberto-damaged homes.
The commission is concerned that there may be a rapid influx of builders and remodelers from other states that are unaware or choose to ignore the state’s registration requirements, particularly in Galveston, Jefferson and Orange counties.
All builders and remodelers in Texas are required to register with the commission if they work on new homes or a remodeling job that changes the square footage of living space or that costs $10,000 or more. Registration includes a criminal background check and requires builders and remodelers to provide a set of minimum warranties for their work.
“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 that is aware of the legal obligation to warrant its work,” said Executive Director Duane Waddill.
Waddill cautions that although roofing companies and some remodeling and repair companies may not be required to be registered; homeowners should still make sure they’re dealing with well-established and reputable companies.
“Ask for references and contact your local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau for more information about anyone you intend to hire to work on your home, even if they do not have to register with the commission,” Waddill said. “A home is the single-largest investment most people will ever make. Homeowners need to make sure the company is going to stand behind its work.”
As of September 1, 2007, cities and local building officials must verify a builder or remodeler is properly registered before issuing building permits under new provisions from House Bill 1038, authored by Nederland Rep. Allan Ritter. Registered builders and remodelers should have a commission-issued registration certificate or wallet card to verify proof of registration. Additionally, the commission has an online searchable database to verify builder/remodeler registration (https://www.trcc.state.tx.us/recordsearch.aspx). The database has all current registered builders’ and remodelers’ names, DBAs, cities and registration numbers--or to verify a builder/remodeler’s registration, call (877) 651-TRCC.
For more information about the state-mandated warranties or other information about the commission, go to http://www.texasrcc.org.
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