How to Pick the Best East Texas Builder or Remodeler

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In 2003, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Residential Construction Commission(TRCC). Its primary goal was to register builders and remodelers, establish minimum construction and warranty standards and assist consumers with dispute resolutions.

In 2009, the Texas Legislature decided to Sunset the regulatory agency because of it lacked enforcement authority. In other words it passed many well-meaning regulations that it lacked the ability to enforce. As someone who was registered with the TRCC I can acknowledge that the majority of builders ignored the agency requirements. The agency officially closed it doors on August 31, 2010.

In September 2010, Texas reverted back to the pre-TRCC law, the Residential Construction Liability Act.

Ned Muñoz, vice president of regulatory affairs and general counsel for the Texas Association of Builders, said a bill passed that will allow counties to enforce building codes and to conduct home inspections in unincorporated areas — something that will help regulation in the absence of TRCC. “I think that bill is an important thing to have passed in light of the TRCC’s demise,” he said. “It benefits homeowners. It protects home builders to make sure someone who doesn’t build to code won’t undercut the industry.”

What does this mean for consumers? It means consumers need to do their due diligence.

Here are 10 questions you should ask every builder or remodeler.

    • Were they registered with the Texas Residential Construction Commission?
    • Do they still follow the TRCC construction and warranty guidelines?
    • Does the Builder provide for independent 3 party inspections?
    • Does the Builder use Texas Association of Home Builders contracts?
    • As required by law did the builder provide you with a Disclosure Statement?
    • Does the Builder provide an engineered foundation?                                                    
    • Is the Builder a member of a local and national Builders Associations?
    • Does the Builder construct homes to generally accepted building codes?
    • Will the Builder provided you with a detailed list of materials to be used in the construction of your home?
    • Does the Builder offer fixed price and cost-plus contracts.
    • Mike Blake Custom Homes can affirm each of these questions and doesn’t stop there. Feel free to contact us to find out what we believe are additional essential practices.
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