Texas Home Builders- What you need to know!
Well, we've looked and looked, and there is no place to call home. You've shown your client just about every possible home within their desirable geographical location/price range, but nothing sings, "Buy me!" Your client begins to envision a home that combines 3 or 4 of the floor plans you've shown, and that home just does not exist on the market.....
So you suggest that perhaps they should build that vision....
Who's going to build "My" Dream?
Back in 2003, the Texas Legislature established the TRCC (Texas Residential Construction Commission). The TRCC was supposed to register home builders and remodelers and their projects, as well as oversee the state's formal home inspection process. Through the TRCC, you could research a builder's credentials and have some recourse if the builder acted unscrupulously.
The Commission was comprised of nine members appointed by the Governor: four registered builders, three members of the general public, one engineer who practices in the area of residential construction and one either architect or inspector who practices in the area of residential construction. The commission members serve six-year staggered terms. The commission was committed to ensuring quality construction for all Texans. The commission could issue fines and take a number of disciplinary actions against builders or remodelers that did not do what the law requires of them.
After 6 years, the TRCC is no longer in effect, The TRCC has "sunsetted" its agency... read here. http://www.homeownersoftexas.org./TRCC-Eulogy.html or here http://trcc.state.tx.us/Publications/NewsReleases/09_20_09_Sunset_FAQs.asp
Many Texans believed the TRCC did more to protect homebuilders from lawsuits than it did to protect homeowners. The TRCC was created to help the consumer, but many felt that all it did was help the builder, and it got completely out of control. Based on TRCC's own records, reports from two state agencies, and overwhelming public testimony, Texans were worse off with the TRCC than with previous laws (RCLA & DTPA).
So, now what? How do you check out your builder's credentials? Texas is the only major homebuilding state in the nation that does not license homebuilders. Registered builders are automatically granted a license. There's nothing to get rid of bad builders or prevent unqualified persons from entering the field. Homeowners unwittingly think the State is regulating the industry and protecting them, and now the only recourse you have against a builder is filing a complaint with the BBB or the Texas Attorney General's office.
Here is what you can do to make sure your builder won't leave you hanging:
•1. Check and ask for references from the builder. Have prospective builders "bid" on your project, and make sure they provide as much detail as possible when it comes to the plans/specifications (ie. Foundation, insulation, appliances, fixtures, millwork, flooring). Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
•2. Check out the www.bbb.org website. You can get the builder's BBB rating as well as significant information on the builder, like how long they have been in business and if any complaints have been filed against them.
•3. Google them, of course! That goes without saying...
If you need help locating a lot or finding a reputable builder, please feel free to contact me at www.kathyjonesrealty.com
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