Well, it was good while it lasted. News from Austin has deemed the Texas Residential Construction Act does not have enforceable provisions requiring State registration of contractors engaging in remodeling and new home construction. THIS GIVES ME HARTBURN!

When Texas adopted the Texas Residential Construction Act (TRCA) requiring the creation of the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) to enforce building standards across the State, this was a great move for the protection of the consumer and local contractors. The State required licensing for all contractors to perform work. Many cities across the State adapted the State license program requiring remodel contractors and new home builders to have a valid TRCC license to perform work in their city. This license was unattainable by illegal workers and put checks and balances in place to protect consumers. Storm chasers from other States also had to obtain the license in order to perform work, the application process (usually 30 days) and having to honor warranties helped denture people looking to make a quick buck off Texans.

So, this is how we loose by the commission being dissolved September 1st:

• Contractors will no longer have to give the minimum 2 year warranty covering all projects or the 10 year warranty covering structural items for projects over $10,000.
• Illegal workers will now be able to work as free as they ever did without repercussions from the TRCC including fines up to $250,000.
•  Storm chasers will now be able to blow in and out of the State like the April showers leaving a wake of crappy work in their path.
• Legitimate contractors will now have the same old problem, illegal workers and storm chasers under bidding jobs making it hard to be competitive.

Although the TRCC goes away, this is what we will continue to do:

• We will continue to honor our warranties, including a 10 year structural warranty on all projects over $10,000 that entails structural changes.
• We will continue to perform work in accordance with international, national and local building codes.
• We will continue to maintain general liability insurance and register in counties where we perform work requiring pulling a permit.
• We will continue to cooperate with city offices and pull permits when applicable.
• We will continue to advocate against shotty workmanship and undocumented workers.